5 Alternative Treatments for Back Pain

Many people are investigating the benefits of alternative medicine. With back pain being one of the most common complaints adults have, it isn't surprising that web searches on the topic continue to rise. There are a number of alternative practices that may help treat back pain, but this is an area where the patient should do thorough research and be cautious.

Acupuncture

The Chinese study of acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years. Based upon a belief that the body's energy runs along specific lines called meridians, practitioners insert fine needles into specific locations to relieve pain and affect the flow of chi, or life force.

Although studies done on acupuncture have been mixed, many attribute the effects of the practice to a "placebo effect." The fact remains that significant numbers of people do get relief from back pain with acupuncture.

Capsaicin

Research has indicated that using capsaicin creams can help reduce the intensity of low back pain. Capsaicin is the compound found in peppers that gives them their spice. It is common to feel some burning during the first few days of application. Patients need to apply the cream several times a day for full effect, and it is normal for the product to take several weeks to achieve maximum efficacy.

Chiropractics

Chiropractors perform manual manipulation of the spine and other bones around the body to encourage joints to return to their optimal placement. Generally regarded as safe, chiropractics may provide relief from back pain for those who have disk and skeletal issues. X-rays should be part of any initial assessment of the problem area and low velocity adjustments are considered better than high velocity movements.

Massage

Massage is a very old practice that has gained in popularity of late. For those who suffer from back pain, it can be very helpful to find a therapist that practices medical massage. For muscular problems in the low back, massage has been found to be very effective concerning pain management.

In studies that compared the effect of massage versus acupuncture, massage produced better results that lasted longer. As massage carries no side effects, it is certainly worthwhile trying.

Other options

There are a number of vitamin and mineral supplements that are said to help back pain; vitamin B12, D and glucosamine chondroitin may provide some relief if the pain has a specific chemical root.

For an acute, or sudden onset or problem, the best thing you can do for yourself is to remember RICE; rest, ice, compression and elevation. Granted it is difficult to provide compression and elevation of the lower back, but rest and ice are very helpful during the first couple of days.

For long-term relief from back pain, you should consult your doctor and get on a stretching and core-strengthening regime that will protect your back. Injections are a possibility for those with significant inflammation in and around the spine, usually caused by disk injuries. In cases where a disk injury is causing nerve problems, surgery may become an option.