Back pain is one of the most common complaints among those suffering with persistent physical discomfort. There are many different causes for back pain. Even simple weather changes can cause your back to flare up and send you reaching for some pain medication.
Did you know that there that there are alternatives to over the counter pain medications that are not only safer, but possibly more effective? Research done in 2008 showed that acupuncture can significantly relieve lower back pain. When you receive acupuncture, it allows pain-relieving opioids to release into your body, which send signals to your sympathetic nervous system and release neurochemicals. The release of these chemicals during the process can help relieve pain in the lower back when treatment is received three times per-week for several weeks.
Chiropractic care is an effective alternative treatment for back pain. The most common reason people go to a chiropractor is for pain in their back and necks. If your back pain is due to a misalignment in your skeletal system, a chiropractor can not only help your back pain but eliminate it all together.
Capsaicin cream was found to reduce back pain without causing any reverse side-effects, during a study conducted in 2011. Capsaicin cream is made from capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in chili peppers. When applied to the skin, capsaicin can cause an analgesic effect by depleting something called substance P. Substance P is a neurochemical that transmits pain, and depleting the transmitter will eliminate back pain. You can make your own capsaicin cream or buy it over the counter at most drugs stores.
Constant back pain has also been linked to a deficiency in vitamin D. According to a study published in 2005, taking a vitamin D supplement can lead to significant pain improvement in those who have low levels of vitamin D in their system. A simple blood check can test your vitamin D levels and see if that may be the cause of your back pain.
Although alternative treatments can be remarkably effective for back pain, it is important to find the reason for your pain with your doctor prior to choosing the right treatment for your needs. Once you determine the cause, you may be surprised how easy it can be to eliminate of the pain that has you tossing and turning at night.
Do you have back pain? What methods have you found relief from?
– The Alternative Daily
