Natural Remedies For Back Pain

Back pain is described as severe pain or discomfort that occurs in the lumbar area or lower back. More stress is placed on the bottom of the lower back because it bears the weight of the body besides its own weight. The pain may be caused by an accident, injury, swelling, degenerative changes, congenital or metabolic disease or tumor development. Often the pain and discomfort become worse when a person bends forward.

An older person may also have trouble finding their legs due to undue pressure on the spinal nerves. Most cases of back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute back pain begins suddenly and severely, and lasts for a short period of time. There are often repeats that can lead to chronic back pain. Chronic pain can be triggered by minor movements and it is obstinate, often persisting for three months or more.

Symptoms and signs

* Pain through the middle and lower back that sometimes spreads to the hips, buttocks, back of thigh and groin

* Spasm of the muscle surrounding the spine

* Limited movement of the spine to lean back and bend forward

* The back can be tilted to one side and cause a change in posture

* The pain occurs sometimes with a feeling or numbness in the back, buttocks or leg

Diagnosis of back pain

The diagnosis of back pain is determined by a thorough physical examination and medical history will be taken. Your doctor will most likely investigate the duration, frequency and nature of pain - when did your pain start, what triggered the pain, the pain is throbbing, and what makes the pain worse? Tell your doctor if you have experienced back injuries or back pain before.

Some tests will be ordered if the pain is very severe, treatment is not working and to exclude any other underlying condition. These tests include:

* X-rays

* MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

* CT scan (computerized tomography)

* Bone biopsy

* Discography

* Myelography

* Electrodiagnostic Studies

What causes back pain?

Back pain may be a result of an accident, injury or an underlying condition (degenerative, metabolic or congenital).

Conditions that can cause back pain

Conditions that can cause back pain include:

* Degenerative diseases such as spinal stenosis, spondolitica disease, discogenic disease, common hypertrophy

* Injuries or traumatic accidents such as vertebral fractures, lumbar strains and sprains, ligament injuries, musculoskeletal injuries

Swelling as arachnoiditis, arthritis (eg Ankolysing Spondylitis)

* Viral and bacterial infections such as meningitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, urinary tract infection, intervertebral discitis, radiculopathy

* Congenital disorders such as spondylosis

* Metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, diabetic radiculopathy

* A tumor can be benign or malignant tumor. A malignant tumor may be primary or metastatic.

Factors contributing to back pain

Several factors may contribute to increased risk of back pain:

* Sedentary Lifestyle

* Poor posture

* Aging

* Obesity

* Hereditary

* Pregnancy

* Smoking

* Psychological Factors

* Work-related Factors

Help for back pain

Mild symptoms of back pain can be relieved with natural oil massage, using a heating pad or hot water bottle to the affected area. Counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce swelling and pain. More severe symptoms of back pain can be treated with analgesics, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and injections into the ligament.

Physical therapy that involves stimulation of the nerve-electric transportation, behavioral therapy, exercise, spinal manipulation and feedback therapy is also beneficial. Your doctor can also refer you to a chiropractor for spinal manipulation. Other treatment options that are effective when used along with medication include acupuncture, massage with natural oils, hydrotherapy, biofeedback, meditation and yoga.

Natural and holistic medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and discomfort of back pain. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and gentle to use without the unwanted side effects of prescription medication. These herbs not only provide symptomatic relief, but are also effective for your health and wellbeing.

Herbal ingredients such as Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) are powerful features that help maintain health while glucosamine sulfate is excellent for the joints and cartilage. In addition, Boswellia serata promotes joint comfort and mobility of the muscle.