There are many natural ways to treat back pain, including vitamins, minerals and herbs, nutrition, homeopathy medicine, and homeopathy medicine.
Some may help with back pain, while others can be dangerous. It is best to consult a doctor or nurse practitioner before you take any medication. Never exceed the recommended dosage.
Natural supplements are not under FDA control, and the FDA does not recommend them.
Supplements are not FDA approved and must be accompanied with a disclaimer on the product label. It states that the statement was not evaluated by FDA and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all supplements are harmful. Many medications are unsafe despite being subject to rigorous testing and trials. It is important to do thorough research on any product you are considering and ensure that you only purchase supplements from reputable sources, such as a health food shop.
Everyone’s chemistry reacts differently so you might experience side effects if you take a supplement that is similar to a drug.
Many natural supplements can be purchased in drug stores and supermarkets. For more obscure supplements, you may need to look at health food stores. You can choose between name and store brands, just like any other medication you purchase over-the-counter.
Because you don’t need to pay advertising, store brands are completely safe and less expensive. Although you can buy supplements online, you need to make sure that you only purchase from a trusted source.
Ask around and do your research to discover which online suppliers you can trust.
Below are natural supplements that can help with back pain. If you have any questions about the dosages, please consult your doctor before you take the supplement.
Remember that natural supplements won’t immediately relieve your pain, and you will need to take them for weeks, sometimes even months, before you start seeing results.
Vitamins and Minerals
VITAMIN E-400 IU daily; anti-inflammatory
VITAMIN C-250-500mg twice daily
ZINC-30mg twice daily; anti-inflammatory
Calcium-600mg daily; strengthens the bones
BORON: Take 1-3mg daily with food. Helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium and other nutrients
Magnesium- 250 mg daily; strengthens bones, relaxes muscles
COPPER: 2 mg daily
GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE: 500mg. Three times daily. It can rebuild cartilage in the joints. This treatment has been approved by the American College of Rheumatology for rheumatoid-associated arthritis.
500mg three times daily of NIACINAMIDE; anti-inflammatory, heals damaged cartilage. This supplement can cause liver damage, aggravate diabetes, low bloodpressure, ulcers, and even glaucoma. Make sure you have your doctor check you before you start taking it.
Herbs
You can find herbal supplements in powder or capsule form as well as teas. Make your own herbal tea by adding 1 teaspoon. 1 teaspoon of herb for every cup of boiling water. If you’re using roots, let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink 3-6 cups of loose leaf tea per day.
Muscle Relaxants
KAVA KAVA is recognized by some doctors as a safe and effective alternative to Valium and Xanax.
BLACK HAW: Black Haw is similar to aspirin and relieves muscle spasms
VALERIAN ROOT – Widely researched and documented as an aid to sleep, valerian was awarded the American Herbal Products Association’s safety rating of 1.
WILD YAM is a long-standing remedy for menstrual cramps. It is usually taken as a tea.
JAMAICA DOGWOOD – Used to treat muscle spasms and inflammation. However, very little research has been done and it can be toxic. Avoid using sedatives.
Anti-inflammatories
BROMELAIN: 500mg three times per day
BOSWELLIN 150 mg three times daily Clinical trials have shown that it can help with low back pain.
CURCUMIN: 400 to 600 mg three times per day; curcumin can also be mixed with ginger. Although it has not been tested in clinical trials, herbalists have used curcumin as an anti-inflammatory.
MSM: Not researched but herbalists use MSM as an anti-inflammatory.
ST. JOHN’S WORT: Take a 300-500mg capsule three times per day. It interacts with many medications and should be used only under the supervision of an herbal specialist.
Pain Relief
WHITE WILLOW BERK: The effects of taking aspirin are very similar to those experienced with WHITE WILLOW BERK
DEVIL’S CLAW: 400mg three times daily. Research shows that devil’s claw can be used to treat arthritis.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy, a form of medicine, has been around for approximately 200 years. It works on the Law of Similars, and is based on the same principle that immunizations. Give someone a small amount of what would make them sick in order to cure their illness.
Clinical trials have shown that homeopathic medicines work and they are prepared under FDA guidelines by a homeopathic pharmacist. Although researchers aren’t able to fully understand the mechanism of homeopathic medicines, there is ample evidence. Homeopathy is becoming more popular in the United States. It has been in use for many years in Europe and India.
Many homeopathic practitioners are either doctors or have a related medical degree such as a nursing or psychology. It is not clear what the legal implications are for homeopathic practitioners who do not hold a medical degree. However, most homeopathic remedies can be purchased over-the-counter and don’t require a prescription.
These natural homeopathic remedies can be helpful in relieving back pain.
AESCULUS: Used for dull, nagging pain
ARNICA MONTANA is used for trauma to the back
COLOCYNTHIS is used to treat weakness and cramps in the lower back.
GNAPHALIUM is used to treat sciatica. This condition is often associated with back problems.
LYCOPODIUM is used to treat burning pain
RHUS TOXICODENDRON is used to treat lower back stiffness and pain
