Drug-free relief for back pain
THE back and spine are designed to be strong to protect the highly sensitive spinal cord and nerve roots — yet also flexible, allowing for movement in all directions.
However, irritation to the sciatic nerve, strains to the large back muscles and injury to the discs, bones, joints or ligaments can all produce pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Chronic back pain typically lasts for more than three months.
If the pain lasts for more than a few days, then it is usually advisable to see your GP. If it is combined with unexplained weight loss or chest pain, then emergency medical care could be needed, so call NHS 111.
However, by far the most common cause of lower back pain is a muscle strain or other soft tissue damage. While this condition is not serious, it can cause severe pain.
If you prefer to avoid treating your ailments with pills and tablets there are several things you can try. Application of a cold pack or heating pad can help to relieve low back pain. Alternating between the two can work best.
You could consider manual manipula- tion by a chiropractor, osteopathic doctor, or other qualified health professional to increase flexibility, improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension. And a combination of strengthening, stretching, and low-impact aerobic exercise, might also help.
As well as these, TENS and acupressure can be potent drug-free solutions.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current that eases pain by stimulating the production of endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers.
A TENS machine for back pain is a neat, cost-effective way of trying this treatment.
The lightweight pads adhere to the point of pain, and the touch-control buttons manage the signal. Use the TENS machine for 20 minutes a day over seven days.
There is also an acupressure machine for sciatic nerve pain. This instantly helps remove discomfort in the lower back, all the way down the nerve to the lower leg.
A pad on the leg band gently compresses the acupressure point on the calf and intercepts pain before it can radiate up and down the body, giving a natural way to deal with pain.