Many people have found relief from back pain without taking pills or having surgery. There are many available, affordable and worthwhile options. Many of these options bring relief, but they are no substitute for medical advice. Please seek medical attention prior to trying any of the suggestions listed below.
There are several creams and gels on the market, called analgesics that can provide effective pain relief. The most highly advertised brands contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers. Though it produces a burning sensation, it blocks the pain receptors in the brain. The burning sensation has been known to continue for the first two to four weeks of treatment. Handle it with care as it is also an eye irritant. Do not use on broken or irritated skin, if you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Also do not use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. It is available over the counter (OTC), but the directions must be adhered to. Relief improves with usage and over time and is not usually immediate.
Another analgesic gaining popularity is tea tree oil. It's available in gel or liquid form and smells quite strong. There is no burning sensation associated with tea tree oils. As it has been associated with altered hormone levels, do not use if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have had hormone related cancers. Tea tree oil often provides instant relief.
Do not use both capsaicin and tea tree oil at the same time and on the same area. Do tell your medical professionals if you are using an OTC product.
Other than topical drugs, there are products that may provide relief from back pain. A back brace may be OTC or custom made via a physician's prescription. A brace may stabilize the back and spine, assist with maintaining proper posture and act as a lift aid. Braces may be worn at home or at work, and for much of the day. If you do wear an OTC back brace daily, make sure to have two so that you may alternate using each brace. That will give them time to dry and air out from perspiration.
There is a belief that magnets provide muscular relief. As such, they have been incorporated into many braces. See if they are right for you.
Cushions providing lumbar support can be found at most drug and home stores. Different styles are available for sitting and lying positions. They work the same as the lumbar support in your car, moving and bracing the lower portion of your back to keep you in a comfortable position. They also may assist in maintaining proper posture.
Neck massagers can help with keeping the spine straight and in alignment. Be certain to follow the instructions and only use for the recommended time. The same goes for the electronic back massagers, which are available in a variety shapes and sizes.
There are also massage stones and rollers intended for manual operation, which are great for bonding with your friends and family. I've heard of groups of people, such as a gathering of family or friends, forming a line. Each person massages the person in front of them for five minutes. The front person then moves to the back of the line for another five minute massage session. This works best in lines of not more than six people. If there are young children in the line, put them in descending order of age and strength. What a fantastic half an hour your family will spend!
Then there is the inverted table. I've tried it, once, at a friend's house and it was fantastic. After just three minutes the difference was obvious.
Sometimes heat, ice or alternating the two helps to alleviate pain. The heat promotes blood flow and relaxes the muscles. Cold is used to decrease inflammation. Alternating between the two, for no more than twenty minutes each, is often the best practice. Again, consult with your physician prior to doing so.
Many pieces of exercise equipment are designed to help with strengthening and stretching the muscles in your back. Please exercise caution and follow the directions as you begin slowly. Do not use a lot of weight and do not be in a big hurry to increase the weight. Pulling the back out of alignment with exercise equipment may cause serious injury. Seek the assistance of a professional prior to beginning an exercise regimen.
There is no one size fits all solution for back pain. However, by consulting with your physician you may determine which combination of these suggestions is practical for you and will bring you relief.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")