A widespread problem among the masses, backache can be caused due many reasons. A person with back ache is greatly handicapped as it interrupts his general activities and ability to move.
Back ache mars one’s confidence as it can cause difficulties in executing day to day tasks effectively. Though mild to moderate backache can be tolerated, severe backache is debilitating and can be a serious cause for worry.
A simple thing as a faulty position while sitting, sleeping or standing can cause back ache. Lifting heavy weight can sometimes lead to a slip disc which again can cause severe back pain. Among women, pregnancy and osteoarthritis are great causative factors that lead to chronic back ache. Sometimes backache can even be the warning signal of bone cancer.
While mild backache may not be serious, backache that goes on for several months and is severe require medical attention in order to prevent chronic conditions and rule out serious problems. For all who suffer from back ache, there is good news. This condition can be treated at home with natural remedies. Natural remedies are good in that they do not have any side effects and can be safely consumed without any worry.
Home Remedies for Back Ache
Massage for Back Ache
Massaging your back is the best way to relieve any type of back problem. A back massage helps in relieving strained muscles, stiffness, cramps in the muscles and helps in relaxing the muscles. Once the muscles are relaxed, pain alleviates and movement and flexibility is brought back in track. For a back massage, you can use a good oil like castor, eucalyptus, emu or clove.
There are many ayurvedic oils too which you can take a look at while administering a back massage. In the absence of these oils, you can also use coconut oil as a substitute.
While doing a back massage it is a good idea to heat the oil which will help in easier absorption. Individuals who are prone to back ache must make it a point to massage their back once every week.
Ginger for Strained Muscles
The anti inflammatory properties of ginger are not new to us. Ginger can be used for relieving all kinds of pain and strain in the muscles. Ginger oil can be massaged into the affected area for immediate relief. For preparing ginger oil, you can use olive or coconut oil. Warm the oil slightly and add ginger pieces into it. Store in a corked bottle and leave it for a few weeks for the ginger extracts to get absorbed in the oil. Use this for massaging the back.
The goodness of ginger can also be enjoyed by chewing a root of ginger or making ginger tea for alleviation of pain.
Potatoe Wrap for Reducing Pain
A folk remedy for reducing aches and pains, potatoes have a substance named atropine which has anti spasmodic effects that can relieve pain. They are good in reducing arthritic and joint pains and also in relieving stomach pains and cramps. Potatoes can hold heat for a long time and hence great for removing pain in the joints and muscles.
For making a potato wrap, boil potatoes along with the skin until it becomes soft. Put them in a cloth bag and mash them properly. Now, tie them in the area of pain and leave it on until the heat wears off. The warmth exerted by the potatoes penetrates the skin and relieves the pain in the muscles. This is like a wet compressor which offers the ease of not having to apply the hot towel manually.
Cabbage for Reducing Swelling
Did you know that raw cabbage and cabbage juice can be used as a pain relieving technique for joint and arthritic related pain? Yes, millions of people who suffer from back ache have benefited greatly from this simple treatment method. You can consume cabbage juice regularly during this time. For topical application, you can use raw cabbage leaves directly on the area and tie it with a gauze to keep it in place. Alternately, boil cabbage leaves in milk until it forms a sticky gel. Apply this gel hot and leave it overnight for instant relief.
Cabbage juice can relieve breast engorgement in lactating women too. Application of cabbage increases the supply of oxygen in the affected area and helps in alkalinizing the area along with detoxification and remineralisation.
Chamomile for Pulled Muscles
Chamomile is known for its soothing and healing properties. Drinking chamomile tea 2 to 3 times a day will give great relief form pain and swelling. The anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic properties of chamomile comes into action as soon as you consume chamomile tea and can stay on for a few hours, helping you relax your muscles and reduce strain and stress.
For making chamomile tea, take one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers and boil with a cup of water. Steep for 10 minutes and drink when warm. Chamomile oil can be used for massaging the back for great relief.
Hot and Cold Therapy for Inflammation and Pain
Hot compressors have been used since ages for relieving all kinds of pain and swelling. This is the simplest home remedy for back pain. Place a hot towel wringed dry on the affected area and press gently so that the heat penetrates the skin and relieves the sprain, thereby strengthening the muscles. Hot compressors also increase blood flow thereby helping to accelerate the healing process.
Cold therapy too is a common method adopted for relieving pain and preventing inflammation. For cold therapy, apply an ice pack wrapped in a piece of cloth on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. This will control inflammation. Make sure that you do not apply cold packs for longer time as it can prevent blood flow and make matters worse.
Along with these home remedies, stretching exercises and light exercises like walking and swimming will help the muscles from preventing stiffness that will again cause problems in the long run. Exercising is the best way to keep your muscles away from ageing and preventing back pain related to arthritis and osteoporosis.
No comments:
Post a Comment