Backache, Lower

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backache, lower

Az Wellness Information, the power of Alternative, Complementary and Holistic Medicine. Alternative therapies for everyday symptoms.

BACKACHE (LOWER BACK PAIN) or LUMBOSACRAL STRAIN: nearly 80% of the population will experience this at some time in their lives. Its causes are many, ranging from overuse, muscle strain or injury, arthritis, attempting to lift or move heavy objects, bulging or narrowing of a disk space, deep emotional stress, poor posture, improper footwear or walking habits, slouching, sleeping on a soft mattress, long periods of sitting or standing, female pelvic disorders, rheumatism, bone disease, sciatica and abnormal curvature of the spine to only name a few. The condition may be acute (starts suddenly) or chronic (lasting and recurring over an extended period of time). Symptoms are pain, stiffness, muscle cramps and spasms, tingling, numbness and weakness in one or both legs. These symptoms can come on slowly or suddenly due to an injury. If due to a sudden injury apply ice first, then heat. If pain last longer than 2-4 days, consult your healthcare practitioner

Self Help: For chronic backache usually hot baths - submerging the area under water for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per day can help OR applying a moist hot wet towel. Do this for 2-4 days until symptoms subside. Acupuncture works very well. Practice relaxation methods (guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, massage, etc.). For chronic conditions, moist heat seems to work better for some than dry heat.

Hydrotherapy

Ice

Massage Therapy

Acupuncture

Alternative Therapy	Suggestions
Acupuncture	Open the channel on the local Ashi point of the related meridian. Cupping regulates flow of energy and blood.
Ayurveda (India)	Stay calm, bed rest for 24-48 hours. Apply or Massage: mahanaryana, garlic oil, eucalyptus oil, mustard or ksheerabala on the area. Kaphas need a deeper massage, vata and pitta should have a surface massage. Implement Naadi sweda (mild stem bath to the area, hot fomentation, alternate sponging or application of heat will also give immediate relief. Supplements: Agnitundi Bati, (Rumartho) Yograj or kaishore guggul, Erand Pak, Maharassandi Kadha, Mahavishgarbha Taila. Treatments: Katibasti. Poultice: Raw potato. Diet: fresh raw garlic internally (2 cloves in the AM), raw tomatoes, cabbage, cucumber, radish, carrots, lemons, lettuce, or steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, spinach and fruits, except bananas. Avoid: Fatty, spicy, fried foods, curd, sweetmeats, sugar, condiments, tea, coffee and all processed foods. Muscle Relaxants: valerian, tagara. After pain has subsided institute walking, Qigong or Yoga w/breathe work: Bhujangasa, Shalabhasana, Halasana, Savasanaa. Stretching: Several poses are camel, lotus, cow, forward bend, spinak twist palm tree, locust or modified Fdish. Only do poses with supervision
Food Therapy/ Nutrition	Topically: Cayenne pepper. Avoid: meats, they contain uric acid, caffeine, sugars, fats, or processed foods during healing. Diet should include vegetable proteins and potassium broths. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to keep acidic wastes from building up in the muscles and tissues.
Herbology, Western	Herbs: Conchicine or willow bark for pain due to herniated disc. Valerian root, hydranagea (hydrangea arborescens). Hops/Lobelia, Comfrey/Lobenia, Horsetail(silica) are all good for connective tissues. Teas (capsules or extracts): Alfalfa, burdock, oat straw, slippery elm, white willow bark.
Holistic	Avoid: smoking. Apply wet heat packs to area. Get plenty of bed rest with head and legs propped up. Massage area w/white flower oil, cajeput/wintergreen. Fasting: 1-2 days. Learn to reduce stress, and do relaxation techniques. Prevention: wear low heeled shoes, use chairs with a good back support. Once pain subsides, a regular exercise regime to strengthen the abdominal muscles should be implemented which support the back. Yoga postures. Lift with your legs. Avoid: overexertion, change your position frequently. Other treatments: pilates for prevention, Feldenkrais for pain, cranial sacral therapy, aromatherapy, massage, magnet therapy, hydrotherapy, bodywork, neural therapy, detoxification therapy, kinesiology, ultrasound, chiropractic manipulation, etc.
Homeopathy	Aesculus, Arnica, Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Cimicifuga (actaea racemosa), Dulcamara, Ignatia, Kali carbonicum Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Rhus toxicodendron is good for stiffness. Ruta graveolens, Sulfur, and more depending upon associated specific symptoms.
Naturopathic	Apply DMSO, arnica montana or mineral ice topically. Spirulina. Vitamin B1, B6, B12 complex, manganese, Vitamin C, Emulsified A & D, Bromelain w/cal/mag formula. DLPA for pain. Silica, boron, chondroitin sulfate and bovine cartilage, shark cartilage, glucosamine sulfat. L-Proline. Essential fatty acids (flax seeds). Glucosamine & Chondroitin. Free forming amino acid complex.
Traditional Chinese Medicine	Herbs: Formulas: Depend upon body type.. Duo Huo Ji Wan, Te Xiao Yao Tong Lin and many more.

* Disclaimer: The information found in this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The suggestions on this site are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Before implementing any of these suggestions, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare practitioner for an evaluation and treatment plan. Every person’s chemistry is different (i.e. DNA, blood type, and chemistry) and the way someone reacts to a suggestion may be different from another.