Complementary and Alternative Therapies For Back Pain
Back pain affects nearly everyone at some point and, depending on its source, can be debilitating. Anti-inflammatory medication and surgery are two options available to treat the issue.
But Stephanie Van, a spine rehabilitation specialist, emphasizes the importance of trying out less invasive therapies before turning to more invasive ones. These complementary and alternative therapies have proven themselves successful at alleviating back pain.
Acupuncture
An acupuncture session begins when a trained practitioner inserts thin needles into the body, stimulating its central nervous system and inducing pain-relieving chemicals (including natural opioids ). Acupuncture also rewires brain neurotransmitters that regulate nerve cell activation/deactivation mechanisms; some neurotransmitters block pain signals while others can reduce inflammation, promote sleep or relaxation.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of acupuncture for treating back pain. Studies even demonstrate its superiority over certain medications. But to get maximum benefits from acupuncture treatments it’s essential to find an experienced, licensed practitioner; Acupuncturists go through extensive training before being granted their licenses.
Recent data analysis included analysis from the largest number of high-quality clinical trials on acupuncture treatments for musculoskeletal conditions such as back and neck pain. Acupuncture proved more effective than no acupuncture or fake treatments with needles stuck into skin at non-target points.
Many patients report that acupuncture has helped them avoid surgery and reduce the need for prescription that often have adverse side effects. Furthermore, it makes an ideal complement to other forms of treatment like physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Acupuncture can help manage pain while also relieving emotional stress that could contribute to chronic backache. Acupuncture may help regain control of your life and manage chronic discomfort more effectively. If considering acupuncture for yourself, speak to your physician first before seeking referrals from trusted individuals who can refer a qualified, licensed professional.
Yoga
Yoga has gained increasing acceptance as an alternative form of medicine. Yoga incorporates stretching, breathing exercises, meditation and other practices with the goal of strengthening core muscles, increasing balance and flexibility as well as relieving back pain. There are various styles of yoga available – each providing its own focus or intensity level.
Ashtanga yoga is more intense than bikram yoga or hot yoga, making it the preferred practice of those experiencing back pain. Individuals should look for a yoga instructor that can tailor exercises specifically to their needs; such as lengthening and stretching of spine rather than twisting and compressing. The exercises should be completed slowly so as not to cause more back strain.
Yoga can help alleviate back pain for three primary causes, including weak core muscles, poor posture and tight muscles. Yoga practice has proven itself effective at combatting each of these factors by strengthening muscle tone, relieving pain and increasing balance and bone density while relieving stress – which all factors that contribute to back problems.
Recent research indicates that regular yoga can significantly ease chronic low back problems in those experiencing it. The research involved 568 patients who underwent either yoga or control therapies like massage or spinal manipulation and then assessed using numeric rating scales such as Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire or Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaire.
The results of the study were highly promising: after six months, yoga participants reported significantly reduced back pain levels than those on wait lists and used significantly less medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen and opioids than those who weren’t participating.
Massage
No matter whether it’s backache or ulcer pain, massage therapy can bring many health benefits. We instinctively reach for something when experiencing discomfort, so research suggests massage may have similar results if done regularly and targeted at specific parts of the body.
One study demonstrated that patients suffering from chronic neck pain experienced relief following weekly massage sessions; although relief wasn’t immediate, it lasted up to six weeks and even longer-lasting for those experiencing lower back pain than it did for neck discomfort sufferers.
Studies have also shown that spinal manipulation, acupuncture and massage help people experiencing acute or subacute lower back or neck pain to experience reduced symptoms. These forms of treatment are considered complementary and alternative therapies which complement conventional medicines or therapy treatments.
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body known as acupoints with needles. While its exact mechanism remains unknown, it is believed that needles stimulate nerve fibers to release chemicals which relieve pain. Massage also relies on pressure applied directly onto muscle tissue in order to relieve tension and pain relief, with additional treatments including stretching exercises.
Prior to initiating complementary and alternative therapies, it is vital that you speak with your health care team and inform them about any medications you are currently taking as some may interfere with others. Consult your physician about what types of therapies might help with back pain relief and when and how often they should be received; surgery should only be considered if more natural approaches don’t produce results.
Devil’s claw
Harpagophytum procumbens, commonly referred to as Devil’s Claw plant in southern Africa, derives its name from its hook-covered fruit which allows animals to attach themselves and spread seeds more effectively. The herb has long been used in traditional medicine for treating various health issues; back pain, degenerative rheumatic conditions, loss of appetite and stomach ulcers among them are said to benefit. Furthermore, Devil’s claw’s roots and tubers may help relieve headaches, allergies and fever symptoms as well. Herbal preparations containing Devil’s Claw plant roots or tubers may even help manage symptoms; herbal preparations made from roots or tubers of Devil’s claw plants may even be taken orally for best results.
Roots of this plant have long been used in teas, powders, infusions and tinctures made with its roots. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated how Devil’s claw extract can relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis of either knee or hip joint osteoarthritis. One four-month study compared an aqueous Devil’s claw extract against an anti-inflammatory medication available only in Europe called diacerein and found it was just as effective at relieving hip and knee discomfort as the medication diacerein in reducing hip and knee discomfort.
Devil’s claw may provide some benefits in treating fibromyalgia and other inflammatory diseases, although further research needs to be completed in this area before concluding whether it can effectively address such ailments.
While devil’s claw may be safe for most adults, those suffering from gallstones or heart-related conditions should avoid taking devil’s claw. As it can increase levels of bile in the body and thus raise risk for gallstones formation; additionally it could lower sodium levels significantly which could be dangerous in those with low blood pressure or heart rates.
Biofeedback
Many body functions, like heart rate and skin temperature, are usually managed involuntarily by your nervous system. When under stress, however, this control becomes impaired; your heart beat can accelerate rapidly, muscles tighten up more tightly, and breathing speeds up faster than usual. Some individuals can use biofeedback to gain better control over these involuntary functions.
Biofeedback sessions use sensors placed on the skin to detect different bodily reactions and display them on a computer screen. A biofeedback therapist helps clients learn relaxation techniques that enable them to fine-tune their ability to control these functions; for example, if they suffer from frequent migraine headaches, their therapist might teach them how to turn down brainwaves that trigger pain sensation.
Studies suggest that biofeedback offers not only physical advantages, but can also alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance sleep quality. It can provide an ideal treatment option for people who prefer noninvasive medical procedures over more invasive medical interventions like surgery.
Biofeedback therapy typically utilizes specific techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and deep breathing. These may be combined with painkillers for added benefit or used on their own as treatments for high blood pressure, urinary incontinence or migraine headaches; they may even help treat high blood pressure itself! But biofeedback takes time and dedication before becoming truly effective; because immediate results don’t always appear immediately this can be frustrating for some patients; also these costs might not be covered by insurance so prior consultation with your physician should always take place before trying them out!