The following is a guest blog post from our friends at North American Spine.
If you’re experiencing mild or chronic back pain, there are a variety of traditional and alternative treatments that can both ease the pain and help address the root cause. When most patients complain of back pain, their doctor’s first reaction may be to refer them to an orthopedic or osteopathic surgeon. However, there are other options that have been effective in treating patients for centuries. These include:
- Acupuncture
- A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
- Myofascial release
- Physical manipulation
- Back-strengthening exercises
- Yoga and meditation
Help a Bad Back by Sticking Needles in It
That’s right. Acupuncture, which is the art of inserting thin needles into certain parts of your body to help reduce or relive discomfort, is an effective drug-free method for relieving back pain. Although the results are not long-lived, treatments help when pain medicine and other therapies have failed.
Scientists are still working to understand how acupuncture relieves pain and stimulates endorphins. Acupuncture is endorsed by the American Pain Society, the American College of Physicians and the National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In fact, one of the main reasons people choose acupuncture is because it’s been so successful at treating back pain. If you’re worried about being stuck with needles, don’t be. Patients rarely feel pain. If anything, it’s more of a slight tingling sensation.
Rest, Relaxation and Less Pain
Myofascial release is another type of therapy that uses pressure to effectively loosen the tension and tightness that contributes to upper and lower back pain. Myofascial techniques are often included in massage therapy and chiropractic care. When done correctly, these techniques can both decrease pain and increase your range of motion.
Down Dog Your Way to Less Back Pain
Yoga is a unique method for treating back pain because it stimulates the mind AND the body. Breathing and meditation coupled with low-impact exercises calms the mind and relieves the stress that is caused by chronic pain. With help from cushions, certain yoga poses are great for stretching and strengthening the back.
A 2011 study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 12 weekly yoga classes improved function and mobility for patients with recurring or chronic back pain better than traditional therapies.
Eat Better, Feel Better
Just as certain medicines relieve inflammation, a healthy diet can reduce the swelling that may cause back pain in the first place. A good anti-inflammatory diet includes vegetables, fruits, fish, high-fiber foods and certain spices. North American Spine recently talked about the correlation between your diet and your back in a back pain eBook.
If possible, try to shy away from eating too many carbohydrates, as they affect insulin levels and promote inflammation. The same holds true for dairy, eggs and wheat—especially if you’re sensitive to these foods. The key to a healthy back is a healthy diet, so be sure to eat foods rich in zinc, iron and fiber and less rich in hydrogenated oils and fats.
The goal of alternative treatments is to increase mobility, reduce pain and lessen your dependence on medications. Above all, these simple methods should encourage you to take an active role in your care.