Many of us suffer from back pain, but you can do something about it! There are myriad treatment options available without having to deal with surgery. Traditional approaches usually address the anatomical problems, but for some of us, a multifaceted approach might be more helpful. If you’re looking for effective back pain treatment in Jacksonville, here are some of the ways you can relieve the pain naturally.
• Release Your Endorphins
Endorphins are naturally occurring hormones in the body. Many people don’t know that they can be just as effective as pain medication. These hormones inhibit the signals in your brain that register pain, and can also help with depression and anxiety, which both contribute to back pain. Some of the ways you can release endorphins include meditation, massage therapy, and aerobic exercise.
• Exercise
Being active reduces pressure on your disks. If you work at a desk, take breaks to get up and walk around regularly. Start a walking program or try a workout routine that strengthens your muscles.
• Massage
Massage therapy is a good way to reduce tightness in the back muscles. Research shows that people who had one hour of massage therapy once a week for 10 weeks were more active, showed fewer symptoms and stayed in bed for less time than those who didn’t. You can also try self-massage, which a massage therapist can teach you.
• Cold/Heat Therapy
Simply applying cold or heat packs can help ease back pain. Cold therapy eases pain by reducing inflammation and acting as a local anesthetic. Heat therapy, on the other hand, stimulates blood flow and prevents pain messages from being sent properly to the brain. Heat therapy comes in many forms, such as a heat pack or a hot shower or bath.
• Herbal Remedies
Although the evidence to support it is scarce, herbal remedies can possibly help reduce back pain. One such remedy is capsaicin cream, a form of cayenne that inhibits pain signals sent to your brain. Another remedy is the extract of the white willow herb, which has similar painkilling properties to aspirin.
These overlooked methods are all effective for helping back pain. However, the best way to diagnose and find a cure for back pain is to ask your doctor. Traditional treatments are not for everyone, and that’s where holistic therapy comes into play.
