Back Pain is considered as an irritant illness which often disturbs the routine activities of the individuals.
This pain can be dull constant pain or a sudden sharp pain that comes and goes or a lasting chronic pain. It is usually a common complaint among older people especially people over 40 years of age but now -a- days it is affecting younger generations as well.
It can occur due to injuries caused by accidents, fractures, sedentary lifestyle, osteoporosis, different forms of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, emotional stress, prolonged anxiety as when an individual is under stress, back muscles contract and tighten up. Prolonged tightening of the muscles can cause pain.
Fortunately, there are certain treatments are available to relieve most back pain episodes. There are simple home remedies and proper body mechanics that will heal the back within a few weeks and keep it healthy.
What are the causes of Back Pain?
- The most common cause of back pain is poor posture. Correct body posture keeps the muscles, bones and other supporting parts in their natural position and also decreases stress.
- Sprain or stress of muscles or ligaments in the area can also manifest in back pain.
- Over-weight is also a cause of back pain.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Back Pain
According to Ayurveda, back pain is the result of vitiation of Vata dosha and bone and muscle weakness. Ayurvedic treatment focusses on bringing the vitiated dosha back to the state of equilibrium and thereby to the state of health.
7 Natural Treatments to tackle Back Pain are
Good dietary supplements to fulfil the need of nutrients will help better to get good results in this condition. These remedies will save you from the harmful side effects of various over the counter drugs, injections etc.
1. Ointment
Apply any ointment over the area and after that, apply mild heat or a hot water bottle. This process helps in relaxing the tensed muscles. The warmth also increases the blood flow and oxygen to the injured area which greatly helps in healing.
2. Luke warm water bath
Luke warm water bath is also very helpful in relaxing the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Avoid cold water bath as cold -water bath increases muscle stiffness.
3. Massage and Steam Therapy
Massage with sesame oil helps in relieving tension in the muscles. It is generally followed by steam therapy either localised or of the entire body to soften and relaxing the muscles. Massage with lukewarm sesame oil regularly once a day or at bed time.
Take 1 teaspoonful of warm mustard oil or sesame oil. Add 3-4 cloves of crushed garlic as well as 1 teaspoonful of ajwain and roast this mixture until it becomes red without burning them. Massage with this oil on the affected joints. After massaging, fomentation can be done with hot salt bag.
4. Psyllium husk (Isabgol)
Take 2-3 teaspoons of Isabgol with a glassful of warm milk. This remedy will help in evacuating the rectum and treats constipation which is the main cause of Vata aggravation.
5. Cumin Seeds
Boil ½ teaspoonful of cumin seeds and ½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in a cup for 15 minutes on a low flame. Add a pinch of black pepper and salt and take this mixture lukewarm. Take this mixture twice a day.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is considered as a natural analgesic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory herb. Add a pinch of turmeric in a warm glass of milk. Take this milk regularly to get rid of back pain.
7. Ginger
Ginger can also be used in the treatment of back pain it contains anti-inflammatory agents. Apply some ginger paste on the affected area followed by eucalyptus oil and ginger drink can also be taken 2 times a day.
Diet and Lifestyle:
- Include garlic, ginger, drum sticks, ghee, sour substances and sweet food in the diet.
- Bitter, astringent, cold and dry foods should be avoided.
- Driving, standing for long hours must be avoided.
- The work which gives exertion to the back such as riding two wheelers, horse riding will worsen the condition. So, avoid these worsening these factors after becoming the victim of backache.
- Ensure that your body gets an adequate amount of calcium. Include dairy products in the diet.
- Regular exercise that don’t put much pressure on the back can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to function better. Walking is a good exercise.
- Maintain healthy weight as being over-weight strains the back muscles.