Numerous home remedies can be used to alleviate back pain, such as stretching and exercises, applying heat and cold packs, switching footwear or massage, or applying arnica.
This article will cover 12 home remedies that work quickly to relieve back pain and the best time to consult a physician for back pain.
Overview
Research suggests the fact that backache is one of the leading causes of disability throughout the world. The possible reasons for lower back pain are:
- degenerative disc disease
- fractures that result from osteoporosis
- Strains and sprains
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- endometriosis
- pregnancy
- herniated discs
- spinal Stenosis
- kidney stones
- fibromyalgia
- Tumors
The spine and back muscles provide the majority of our body's load. People use these muscles for daily activities like standing, sitting, and walking. Some people also suffer from pain in different areas, such as the neck and upper and middle back.
The use of over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can assist in relieving discomfort. When a medical professional has eliminated serious ailments, a patient is able to find ways to manage the symptoms.
Home treatments can consist of the following.
1. Exercise to keep muscles moving
A quick walk or yoga class, aerobics, swimming, water aerobics, or any other low-impact exercise can help relieve back discomfort.
One could consider implementing an exercise routine that includes strength training and stretching to keep muscles strong and flexible.
Regular exercise can prevent the occurrence of future back pain that is caused by tight muscles.
2. Improve your posture
Poor posture can cause low back pain that is not specific.
A study in 2019 found that the following kinds of exercises could improve posture and lower back pain.
- Yoga can improve flexibility, ease pain, and improve physical and mental performance.
- Pilates: The exercise follows six fundamental tenets, which include focusing or strengthening the torso muscles and concentration, regulating posture and flow, precision, and breathing.
- Tai Chi: This traditional Chinese exercise can help ease the pain and improve functionality.
- Stability exercises for the core: These exercises improve the coordination and activation of the torso muscles. They can help ease discomfort, reduce muscle spasms and tension, and help improve the stiffness of the torso.
- Aerobic exercise, especially regular aerobic exercise, can enhance physical performance, muscle endurance, physical pain, and mental well-being. The workout could be intense or moderate in intensity.
- Walking/running are economical methods for improving your fitness and strengthening muscles.
- Swimming: Many people recommend swimming to strengthen back muscles since water helps muscles. However, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of swimming in reducing lower backaches.
Many people benefit from cycling to help with lower back discomfort.
Some additional tips to improve posture include:
- When examining posture while standing, sitting, and walking, one should be able to lift one's head and pull shoulders back instead of slouching forward and tightening abdominal muscles.
- Avoiding repeated poses: Lifting heavy items or sitting for extended periods can cause back pain.
- Standing properly involves distributing weight on both sides of your body rather than leaning onto one leg or the other.
Being aware of your posture and attempting to correct it might be difficult initially. However, it can reduce the risk of injuries in the future.
3. Make use of cold and heat
The patient can apply cold and hot packs to lessen swelling and ease the pain.
Ice packs are often applied immediately following an injury, such as a strain. Wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it directly to the back area can help reduce inflammation.
Cold may give a numbing sensation for intense, sudden back pain. Patients can apply special cold packs to ease pain or an ice bag or frozen vegetables wrapped in an apron to protect their skin from freezing. According to the Arthritis Foundation, only applying the ice packs for 20 minutes at a maximum.
A heating pad can ease the backache and increase blood flow, which aids in healing. One should follow the directions carefully to avoid burning scorched skin from the heating pad. The pads provide instant relief.
If a heating pad is not available, the person could use an empty hot water bottle or warm a bag of uncooked rice in a microwave.
4. Stretch
The following exercises can help ease back discomfort. The person should do the stretch each time for thirty minutes or until they feel as comfortable.
- The toes should be touched: In addition to stretching the hamstrings and tendons, bending forward to touch the toes can help loosen the lower back muscles.
- The Cobra Pose: Lying on their stomachs, hands facing downwards and placed on the shoulders, one must gently raise their chest to ensure they can see their heads pointing towards the ceiling.
- Cat-Cow Pose: Beginning on knees and hands, one should gradually shift between bending one's back towards the ceiling and then dipping it towards the floor.
- Child's Pose: Sit on your heels with knees at hip width. Individuals should lean back to put their heads on the floor and stretch their arms to the side of their heads.
5. Apply a cream for pain relief
A wide range of pain-relief creams that offer comfort from lower back discomfort are available in pharmacies and online.
Creams for pain relief containing menthol's ingredient provide cooling effects that temporarily ease back pain.
A study from 2018 shows that applying menthol to the skin may help reduce the body's pain receptors. However, excessive amounts of menthol may cause greater sensitivity to pain.
A few people might also consider applying creams containing cannabidiol (CBD). A 2020 literature review found that CBD creams eased back pain in patients who had recently undergone spine surgery.
6. Try a massage
Massage could provide benefits in the short term for lower back discomfort. But, there isn't solid scientific evidence to prove this, and doctors are not recommending massage to treat chronic lower back pain.
Massage for soft tissue can include friction, kneading, or vibrating techniques. It can also be combined with other treatments.
There are no dangers or negative effects of applying massage. However, one should not undergo massage if they:
- A skin infection or an extreme inflammation
- A burn
- any fractures that are not healed
- An active tumorous cancer site
- deep vein thrombosis
7. Try Arnica
Arnica is a homeopathic treatment that can be applied directly to the skin to treat muscle pain, swelling, and minor injuries.
While there isn't enough scientific evidence to show that Arnica is beneficial, it is safe and has a shallow risk of adverse side effects. In addition, some individuals may find it helpful.
A 2018 case study found that Arnica when used with massage and acupuncture, aids in relieving arthritis pain in chronic forms.
8. Switch shoes
Moving to comfortable shoes can reduce lower back discomfort. Some individuals may require orthotics to help their feet.
The National Institute for Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases suggests wearing comfortable shoes with an ankle-high heel.
9. Make changes to workstations
According to the OSHA in the United States, a proper workplace can reduce back pain and injuries.
It is essential to ensure the computer's screen is at eye level and your chair is set at the proper level.
If an employee is lifting as part of their job, they must squat and use their legs, not their backs, for support. It is recommended that they ask for assistance or utilize trolleys for moving massive objects.
10. Sleep enough
Research suggests that poor quality sleep over long periods can increase the chance of developing chronic back pain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults require seven or more hours of sleep per night.
It can benefit from placing an under-knee pillow on their backs while sleeping. Avoid sleeping on their stomachs. If they sleep on their sides, a pillow between the knees will help keep the spine in alignment.
One should consult an expert in healthcare if sleeping problems continue to cause problems.
11. Make diet changes
A 2020 study revealed that those suffering from chronic back pain were more likely to eat a diet deficient in whole grains, dairy, and fruits.
Sugars added can make people more likely to experience spinal pain. The calories consumed were similar to those of those who followed an omnivorous diet that included recommended amounts of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fruits.
Anti-inflammatory foods can help ease discomfort. These comprise:
- Wholegrain foods
- fruit and vegetables, including leafy green vegetables
- Fiber
- yogurt
- certain spices, such as ginger and turmeric
- green tea
- black pepper
The foods that can increase inflammation are:
- Gluten is a highly refined flour, also known as gluten.
- refined sugars
- Trans fats and saturated fats
- Red meat
- dairy products
- Some vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes.
12. Manage stress or lessen it
Moderate to high levels of stress could cause lower back discomfort. To ease tension, one can attempt:
- The practice of mindfulness meditation. A 2018 study found that mindfulness could help an older population manage discomfort. Mindfulness is a therapy for the mind and body that focuses on awareness of what your physical body does.
- Deep Breathing: A 2023 review of research has revealed that breathing exercises could help ease lower back discomfort. However, further research is required to confirm these results.
- Progressive muscle relaxation—the act of tensing and relaxing muscles throughout the body by focusing on a specific muscle at a time — could help relieve lower back discomfort.
- Guided imagery involves focusing on images that create a sense of relaxation and alleviate stress. A small study in 2023 showed that this type of therapy could help relieve lower back discomfort.
Numerous smartphone apps can help aid a person in relaxation methods and meditation.
When should you see a doctor?
Most people can manage back pain using home remedies and a little patience. However, it is important to consult a medical professional if the pain is severe or chronic.
A doctor may suggest medications, physical therapy, or any other treatment. Individuals with medical conditions or those who are taking regular medication should consult with a doctor before trying supplements or herbal medicines.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements for the purity or quality of their products, so it is vital to investigate reliable companies before you purchase.
Summary
Lower back pain is a frequent health problem that can cause a lack of movement and difficulties with everyday tasks. Anyone experiencing extreme acute or unexpected back discomfort must seek medical attention.
Home remedies can ease low back discomfort. For instance, one may also apply heating packs and ice packs to alleviate pain.
Exercise is beneficial for lower back discomfort. One can include regular exercises into their routine to strengthen their muscles. Specific exercises can reduce the chance of back pain by strengthening the torso muscles.
An individual can make a few lifestyle adjustments to help reduce back pain. This includes switching their shoes or changing the workstation they use. A healthy diet and enough sleep can also reduce back pain in the lower part of the body.