Help for back pain

Back pain can be acute and last for a few days or weeks at a time. In these cases, it’s normally the result of harmless tension in the muscles of the back. A hot bath, massage, medicinal plants and exercise can help.

However, chronic back pain can last for months or years. If the pain persists, it’s worthwhile visiting the doctor.

Excessive lying down can exacerbate the pain and delay recovery, which is why you need to make sure that you do enough exercise, even if you have back pain. This will help relieve the pain, as well as prevent problems in the future. Go for a walk, try some yoga and Pilates, or do some specific exercises for back pain.

Chilli

Capsaicin is what makes this plant spicy. It promotes circulation in the body and the release of endorphins, and this relieves pain.

Application: special creams and back plasters with chilli extract are available, or you can rub in some chilli oil. But don’t burn yourself! It’s best to use disposable gloves when rubbing in the oil.

Arnica

The substances of this ancient miracle cure are effective against tense back muscles and at reducing inflammation.

Application: for medical use, the fresh or dried flowers can be used. Arnica can be used in the form of ointments, creams, gels, oils and tinctures. They can be applied directly to the skin. Arnica globules provide quick relief from acute pain, such as strains.

Nettle

The common nettle helps with osteoarthritis and rheumatic complaints, among other things. Its contents promote circulation and reduce inflammation in the musculoskeletal system.

Application: the leaves are mostly used to treat osteoarthritis. Nettle supplements are available as medicinal plant syrup, tea, lozenges or capsules.

Hay flowers

Hay flowers are a mixture of dried flowers, seeds, leaves and grass stems, which help with sciatica pain.

Application: you can buy dried hay flowers in loose form for the bath or for a compress – or in little bags. Let them steep in steam and place them on the area that hurts.

St John’s wort

This botanical antidepressant can also combat back pain that has a psychological cause. Stress causes to the body to break down so-called “happy hormones”. St John’s wort counteracts this process.

Application: this medicinal plant comes in the form of a red massage oil. It warms the muscles, relaxes them and calms the nerves. Sunlight should be avoided after the massage (risk of skin reactions).

Willow bark

Willow bark has been used for centuries to relieve chronic pain. The substances that it contains reduce inflammation and fevers.

Application: willow bark can be applied as a tincture; in its dried form, it can be added to a warm bath. You can also drink willow bark tea several times day. You can find the extract to make the tea in the pharmacy.

Stroking (effleurage)

Warm up your hands and spread some massage oil on the back. The stroking massage is the softest technique and is a great way to start, or can be used throughout the day to help the muscles recover.

Kneading (petrissage)

Massage and knead the skin and muscles with your fingers or entire hand. Start out more gently on tense areas. This relaxes the tissues and promotes better circulation.

Friction

Carefully rub the skin and muscles underneath it in small, circular movements. Use your fingertips or the balls of your hand.

Tapping (tapotement)

Release tight back muscles with tapping movements, using the edge of the hand, cupped hands or your fingers.

Vibration

Make the muscles vibrate through quick movements back and forth using the finger tips or palm of your hand. It’s best to use this method at the end of the massage.

Massage ball

Use in circular motions for a pressure massage while lying down, or against the wall while standing up.

Fascia roller

Lie with the affected muscle on the hard foam roller, and roll the over the muscle.

Acupressure mat

Place the mat on a soft surface (mattress) and lie on it while dressed (gentle option for beginners).

Even if your back pain restricts your freedom of movement, you should still continue to do enough exercise. Make sure that the exercises are not too monotonous. Massage or using medical plants can also help you to become pain-free.

You shouldn’t just try to relieve the symptoms, but also find out what is causing the pain. Reasons for the pain can be stress, too little exercise or bad posture. If you find out the cause, you can prevent problems in the future.