Treating Back Pain Without Medication
Posted on: 9 December 2016
Back pain is an extremely common problem that most will face during their lifetimes. Severity of backache can range from a slight discomfort to a debilitating, crippling pain that impacts heavily on the activities of daily living. Those who suffer from back pain may experience not only the physical effects of the condition but the emotional aspects also: isolation, anxiety and distress. Back pain can be costly too. Not only can it force some into unemployment and financial hardship, but industry and the economy experience heavy losses in the form of staff absence, compensation and sick pay.
The obvious solution to back pain is its prevention. Improving diet, posture, working and leisure practices will all aid in the avoidance of the condition. But for those already experiencing the crippling effects of backache, improving lifestyle will not alone suffice. Many sufferers are ill informed and resort to harsh medication regimes that simply mask the symptoms temporarily and can result in undesirable side effects. However, there are many alternative forms of treatment that can be used to reduce (and in some cases eliminate) backache and the associated symptoms, without the need for conventional medications that can have negative effects in the body.
Alternative Therapies Commonly Used To Treat Backache
Although not an exhaustive list, the below therapies have been known to drastically reduce back pain and improve overall health and well being. Finding a treatment suitable to your individual needs and medical history is advised.
•Chiropratic Therapy
Chiropractic is a health profession speciality centred around the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, conditions and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, in particular the spine. A chiropractor will use manual manipulation of the skeletal structure to promote proper alignment of the spine, the repair of damaged tissue and a greater range of movement. Following a course of chiropractic treatment, pain levels associated with back ache are often greatly reduced, and significant improvement in neck pain and headaches have also been reported. It is important to ensure that a full medical history is taken before undergoing any chiropractic procedure as some medical conditions may render chiropractic an unsuitable course of treatment.
•Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy derived from traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting small, thin needles into specific points on the body. The belief behind this treatment is that the flow of energy (qi), around specific paths on the body (meridians), can be manipulated and thus alter the way in which the brain interprets pain signals. Individual therapies will be specific to the condition being treated and the desired outcome. Many back pain sufferers have reported a significant reduction in pain levels following a course of treatment. Other benefits include an improvement in sleeping pattern and an increase in energy levels.
•Yoga
Yoga is commonly used in the treatment and prevention of back pain, the most common form being Hatha yoga. It is believed that by using a combination of specific poses (Asanas) and breathing techniques (Pranayama), the practice of yoga can be used to improve the body's strength and alignment whilst improving posture and balance, thus reducing pain and preventing further injury. Others benefits reported are a reduction in stress levels and an improvement in general well being and mental state.
•Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is lesser known among alternative treatments. However, the low impact nature of the treatment makes it an ideal option for those suffering from back pain. A qualified aquatic therapist will guide the patient through a series of gentle and methodical movements or exercises, usually in a heated therapy pool. Reported benefits of aquatic therapy include reduction in pain levels (particularly in the lower back), improvement in sleep pattern and increased relaxation.
The benefits of treating back pain without the use of conventional medication are indisputable. The body is encouraged to heal naturally without the aid of synthetic chemicals that cause unpleasant side effects. However, it is important to understand that this will not be a possibility in one hundred percent of cases and that some serious conditions may require medical intervention.
*Always consult a medical doctor regarding your suitability for alternative therapies.
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