Drug-free ways to beat your back pain
PAINKILLERS are often the first thing we reach for when we have back pain. However, a recent study found that paracetamol works no better than a placebo. Here, Dr Christine Haseler, GP adviser to Arthritis Care UK, gives her verdict on drug-free alternati
BACK MASSAGER WITH MOISTURISER AND ROLLER BALL
£24.99, backpainhelp.com THIS applies pressure to release knots of tension in muscles — it also applies moisturiser like a roll-on deodorant. It has a long handle to reach painful areas.
EXPERT VERDICT: The brain can’t always tell where pain is coming from, so switches off nerves all over the place — but this can mean areas in the back go into spasm. This massager could help: the head is similar to the rollerballs used by physiotherapists to relax tense areas. The lotion will just feel nice. However, I couldn’t get enough pressure to really work into knots. 3/10
ACTIPATCH BACK PAIN RELIEF
£19.99, Boots THIS battery-powered device, the size of a 2p, sends a current around a loop of wire held in place by a fabric wrap around your waist.
EXPERT VERDICT: There is anecdotal evidence about the benefits of electromagnetic energy for pain, but it’s not a mainstream treatment. If it works, it may be because it does something a bit like a TENS machine, which uses pulses of energy to block pain signals. This device is unlikely to do any harm. 2/10
TIGER BALM NECK AND SHOULDER RUB
£6.99, Superdrug RUBBING on this cream, which contains camphor (an aromatic wax), menthol and chilli extract, is said to provide temporary pain relief.
EXPERT VERDICT: The act of rubbing can relax muscles. Then the menthol and the chilli extract stimulate receptors in the skin, distracting the body from pain for a few hours. It’s not going to reduce inflammation like ibuprofen gel, but is a valid way to reduce pain. 6/10
THERAPEARL COLD THERAPY SPORTS PACK
£7.99, Boots CHILL this flexible gel pouch, then hold it on the painful area.
EXPERT VERDICT: A cold pack can help reduce pain by taking the heat from the inflamed area. This is simple and affordable, and should do some good. However, it may be better for joints such as knees, which are nearer the surface, as the cold may not get deep enough to penetrate back muscles. 3/10
BAC BACK BRACE
£39.99, backpainhelp.com THIS looks like a wide fabric belt and is worn under your clothes. It’s designed to relieve lower back pain by supporting core muscles around the spine. It has detachable cool pads.
EXPERT VERDICT: Pain is a sign muscles aren’t providing enough support, so you need to improve muscle strength rather than just support them. However, the cooling pads may help. 1/10
ARTHRITIS Care UK helpline: 0808 800 4050