What are the Best Natural Remedies for Back Pain?

Back pain is a common complaint and can have many causes, ranging from overuse of the back muscles to inflammation or disease of the joints. Many patients prefer to use natural remedies instead of relying on medications, which may have uncomfortable side effects. Natural remedies for back pain are preferred by many and may include such things as lifestyle modification, gentle exercise, and the use of herbal medications or rubs.

Minor lifestyle changes are among the most successful natural remedies for back pain. Practicing proper posture and lifting techniques may help to prevent or relieve back pain in many people. Keeping the spine as straight as possible during sleep is also important. Many patients find back pain relief by switching to a firmer mattress. If a person sits for long periods of time, a quality seat cushion may prove to be helpful as well.

Gentle stretching exercises and massage therapy are among the most successful natural remedies for back pain. Yoga or water aerobics are often suggested for those who suffer from back problems, as they work to strengthen the muscles of the back without adding a lot of stress to the spine. Massage helps to loosen tight muscles, often leading to pain relief.

Garlic is among the most popular herbal choice when considering natural remedies for back pain. Garlic cloves can be swallowed like pills or made into an oil. When taking the garlic cloves orally, many patients prefer to freeze the cloves in pill-sized pieces and take two or three daily. Freezing the cloves before swallowing removes some of the strong flavor, making it easier to ingest for some patients. Garlic oil can be rubbed directly on the back to provide quicker relief from back pain.

Almond and mint are a couple of other choices when looking for natural remedies for back pain. Almond oil or mint oil massaged directly into the back often provides pain relief. Many patients also choose to incorporate these items into a dietary plan, consuming one or both in the diet each day. Eating a small handful of any type of nuts each day is thought to bring relief from back pain.

Before attempting any natural remedies for back pain, the sufferer should consult with a physician. It is important to make sure there are no serious health concerns that need to be addressed by conventional medicine. Once any serious medical conditions have been ruled out, the patient should discuss the issue of using natural remedies for back pain with the doctor.