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Three Alternate Ways to Relieve Back Pain

Although pain is unpleasant, it does have a purpose. Pain lets us know when we’ve sustained an injury such as a sprain or fracture and tells us that we need rest and possibly medical attention. However, for people with chronic pain that lingers for weeks, months, or even longer, pain causes unnecessary suffering and negatively impacts their quality of life. Many people turn to pain medications to reduce their discomfort, but over-the-counter painkillers can cause unwanted side effects when used long-term, and prescription drugs may be addictive in addition to some of their unfavorable results.

The good news is that people suffering from chronic pain today have more treatment options than ever before. Here are three non-drug (and non-invasive) methods that you can try.

Essential oils

Several essential oils have some pain-relieving properties. For example, the lavender essential oil may have anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce the pain associated with migraine headaches. Lavender is also widely used to improve sleep and lower anxiety, two things that might further strengthen its pain-reducing effects.

Some other essential oils thoughts to have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory effects are rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Patients may diffuse essential oils into the air in their homes or offices, or they may choose to add a few drops of their preferred essential oil to their bathwater. You can even rub the essential oil directly onto a painful area (not onto injured or broken skin, however) if you dilute it in a carrier oil first.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, or the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, is a well-known alternative therapy that patients have turned to for thousands of years to help reduce pain. Modern research supports the belief that acupuncture can reduce or relieve certain types of pain, particularly neck pain, lower back pain, knee pain, and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture may also help to reduce the frequency of tension headaches and assist in preventing migraines.

Research is ongoing, but for now, there is growing evidence that acupuncture is a useful treatment facet for a variety of pain conditions.

Yoga

Yoga can help relieve pain in several ways. This mind-body exercise practice combines movement, meditation, and breath control in a workout that increases flexibility and strength. People with a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, low back pain, and migraines have reported significant pain relief with regular participation in yoga.

What sets yoga apart from other types of exercise is its emphasis on mental fitness along with physical stimulation. Because it incorporates self-care, breathing exercises, and relaxation, yoga can also help reduce pain. Many people who can’t engage in more strenuous exercise can still do yoga; look for a class near you to get started.

If natural pain relief methods are useful for a patient, they are preferable over drugs, surgeries, and other invasive treatment options. However, always see your doctor if your pain is severe or does not respond to alternative treatments. If you experience new pain and don’t know the cause, schedule an appointment with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis before self-treating.