From overlooked remedies to uncommon therapeutic activities, there are many types of treatment for back injuries and back pain that most people have yet to try. If you have gone down your list of treatment options and thus far nothing has worked for you, it may be time to try something a little less conventional in order to experience lasting results. In this post, you will discover ten unique treatments for back injuries and back pain.
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- Acupuncture: So long as you don’t have a fear of needles, acupuncture could very well be the answer to your back pain problems. For lower back pain, in particular, consider using acupuncture as a supplement to other kinds of conventional treatment that have not been effective in treating your pain. This ancient Chinese medicinal practice is built on the belief that pain is caused by a blockage in the body’s energy pathways and that acupuncture is the answer to correcting that blockage. The needles used during an acupuncture treatment session are used to release hormones, neurochemicals, and natural pain-relieving opioids. Should you use choose acupuncture as back pain therapy, the acupuncturist will most likely recommend you commit to one to three sessions per week until the problem is corrected or at least in the beginning stages of the therapy.
- Chiropractic Therapy: Chiropractic therapy is particularly beneficial for anyone who has experienced a back injury. There is a reason why the most common reason people visit the chiropractor is due to back pain or injury. When the joints in the body become restricted due to muscle inflammation, pain, strain, or injury, a chiropractic professional will manipulate those joints in order to restore mobility and relieve pain. Many people who suffer from both chronic and acute lower back pain find that spinal manipulation greatly reduces their symptoms of pain, tightness, and lack of functionality. Like acupuncture, you may be required to visit a chiropractic therapist anywhere from one to three times per week for a set period of time.
- Vitamin D Supplements: Are you experiencing chronic muscle pain in your back? The culprit behind your pain may be an extremely common Vitamin D deficiency. If you think a vitamin D deficiency is
the reason for your back muscle pain, visit your general physician to have your Vitamin D levels tested. Vitamin D is naturally produced by the body when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and is found in various foods such as fish and egg yolks. However, getting the proper amount of Vitamin D is an issue for many people who do not have a nutrient-rich diet and the proper amount of exposure to the sun. This is why Vitamin D supplements have been created. If you are also experiencing muscle cramps, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, and general muscle weakness and pain, this could be caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Equip yourself with a daily supplement and you could very well find your back muscle pain disappearing.
- Yoga: Yoga is a phenomenal pain relief alternative for a variety of different muscle and joint pains. In addition to the benefit of pain relief, yoga also strengthens bones, muscles, and joints, improves flexibility, and protects from future injuries. Through a series of different gentle stretches and poses, yoga not only improves the strength of your back, it could relieve it from acute or chronic back pain. Rather than taking up yoga on your own, consider consulting with your primary physician about finding a yoga instructor that specializes in back pain relief.
- Massage Therapy: A massage appointment might seem like an indulgent luxury at first glance, but for anyone suffering from a back injury or back pain, it is an important form of therapy. Particularly in combination with light exercise and education, regular massage therapy can relieve chronic, acute, and sub-acute back pain (especially lower back pain). Massage therapy will also play a role in alleviating some of the stress and anxiety associated with chronic back pain. Before scheduling an appointment, ask your primary care physician or a back pain specialist for recommendations on a licensed massage therapist who specializes in back pain therapies.
- Hypnotherapy: Preliminary research conducted on the link between pain reduction and hypnotherapy suggests that just one session alone can significantly reduce pain levels in a patient. The research also suggests that patients who suffered from chronic lower back pain also experienced greatly improved moods. Because hypnotherapy relaxes the mind and body through a series of different techniques conducted by the hypnotist, people who experience this form of therapy are substantially more open to suggestion. Therefore, certain behaviors that are correlated with different health problems are thought to be able to be changed or manipulated for improvement and pain reduction.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a form of pain management in which scents are used to relieve pain. Whether inhaled or applied topically, studies have shown that these essential plant oils can greatly reduce pain symptoms including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and even painful symptoms in cancer patients. The use of certain essential oils, such as lavender and peppermint, is especially effective in combating chronic and acute back pain.
- Meditation (or Relaxation Therapy): A well-documented fact is that pain is intensified with added stress, worry, and anxiety. In order to reduce the symptoms of pain more effectively, it is necessary to be in a relaxed state. Certain forms of a relaxation therapy such as meditation are extremely beneficial in reducing anxiety and in turn, reducing the amount of pain experienced in back muscles, bones, and joints. Coupled with regular yoga practice, meditation can offer tremendous relief from chronic back pain and the anxiety and stress that the pain causes. Consult with your primary care physician or a back pain specialist about other forms of relaxation therapy including muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques.
- Tai Chi: People with physical, emotional, and mental ailments can greatly benefit from this ancient Chinese tradition that can be defined as a “graceful form of exercise”. Tai Chi is a series of gentle movements coupled with deep breathing techniques. This martial art should not be a substitute for other forms of back pain management and therapy, rather a complementary treatment. Depending on the severity of your back pain or back injury, Tai Chi could produce effective results in combating chronic back pain. Before enrolling in a class, consult with your primary care physician about whether or not this will be beneficial for your unique case of back pain.
- Magnesium: This mineral is one of the fourth most abundant in the human body and when there is a deficiency of it (or an overabundance of calcium being produced), the muscles cannot relax, thus creating more pain. A magnesium supplementation has proved to be extremely beneficial for many people who experience chronic back pain. If you would prefer a more natural approach to treating your back pain rather than relying on prescription medication such as Oxycontin, magnesium could be the solution for you. If your magnesium levels are low, consult your doctor about a magnesium supplement to reduce your chronic back pain.