Many individuals these days are suffering from back pain, sometimes on an ongoing basis.

If your back only hurts from time to time, over the counter painkillers are OK to take. However if you have a persistent back problem, medication isn’t a long term solution. For these folks, there are quite a few natural approaches to treating the problem that can bring them relief without drugs.

> See Natural Remedies For The Treatment of Sciatica and Back Problems

Some of these approaches to natural relief are rooted in alternative medicine. Oftentimes those who suffer will get satisfactory results from these natural treatments.

Two of these methods of alternative medicine, acupressure and acupuncture, are applied to particular body parts in order to lessen muscle aches in the back. Both of these therapies have been shown to have a substantial effect on chronic conditions. Acupressure comprises applying pressure to specific regions of the body that are believed to affect the back, and thereby lessen the pain. The practice of acupuncture requires sticking very thin needles into the body; these needles are specifically created for this process. Based on traditional Chinese medicine, the placement of the needles is designed to alleviate discomfort in certain parts of the body.

Eft is one of the latest developments in energy therapy that uses acupressure in an easy to learn user friendly technique and has had consistently good results in bringing relief. Access the demonstration video here: Pain Relief with EFT

With these treatments, you will likely have to undergo several sessions in order to get it under control. Even just one session of acupressure can go a long way towards minimizing painful episodes and you may notice the results right away. For more permanent results, though, you must go for treatment about once every week.

There are other choices in natural back pain relief too. Many herbs and botanical products have considerable healing power. A few of these remedies also lessen painful inflammation and diminish symptoms of discomfort. If the cause of your condition is swelling and inflammation in your back, a good number of these natural preparations can ease this problem. These properties are not only useful foryour  back, but can also alleviate various other aches throughout the body.

Capsicum patches are another natural relieving remedy. You affix this patch to the painful region where it releases its analgesic properties. These patches can be worn for several days and remain effective even when they get wet.

There are a number of other options when it comes to natural treatments for back problems, including yoga exercises and other exercises for back pain relief. If you’d like to avoid taking pharmaceutical products to manage your condition, there are many choices that you can feel safe and comfortable using instead. Just don’t forget to check with your doctor before using any of these alternative treatments.

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What exactly is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc results from the degeneration of the spinal disc due to aging or an injury to the spine. When a disc herniation takes place, the cushion that lies between the spinal vertebra is pushed outside of its usual position. It can cause pain, weakness and numbness in the lower back and leg. Read on to know more about the symptoms and treatment of herniated disc.

The human spine or backbone is made from 33 bones, known as vertebrae. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumber vertebrae. There is the sacrum (5 vertebrae fused together) beneath the fifth lumber vertebra, followed by the coccyx or tail bone (3 vertebrae fused together).

These vertebrae are cushioned by small, soft pads of cartilage. Spinal discs comprise a jelly-like inner layer, called nucleus and a tough outer layer, called annulus fibrosus. These discs act as a shock-absorber and protect the spine from any kind of injury or stress. Spinal discs also allow bending movements of the spine.

If the spinal disc degenerates due to aging or any injury, the soft inner layer may rupture and get herniated through the annulus fibrosus. This can cause irritation of the spinal nerve, leading to pain, weakness and numbness in the lower back, arm and leg.

This condition is known as a herniated disc. It is also referred to as compressed disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc or herniated intervertebral disc. Herniated disc most commonly occurs in between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back (lumbar spine); however, it can also occur in the cervical spine.

Causes

When this disc problem is associated with wear and tear due to aging is known as degenerative disc disease. As the water content and elasticity of the nucleus of the disc are reduced with aging, people between the age of 30 and 50 are at higher risk of herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects can also lead to spinal disc herniation.

Sometimes, traumatic events such as a fall or any injury to the spine can cause it. Smoking reduces the oxygen levels in the body, causing deficiency of vital nutrients in the body tissues, thus increases the risk of a disc herniating. Some other risk factors include excess body weight, being tall (men taller than 5 feet 11 inches and women taller than 5 feet 7 inches) and occupations that cause excess stress to the spine.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms may vary depending upon the position and the size of the herniation. If it is pressing on the nerve roots, then it can cause pain and numbness in the back and legs. If the hernia is in the lower back, then it causes back pain known as sciatica that spreads to the buttocks and legs. Lower back pain and leg pain may worsen after sitting, sneezing or coughing. If it occurs in the upper back, then it can lead to neck pain that may spread to the shoulders and upper arms.

Some other symptoms are numbness, tingling, weakness and muscle spasms. In some rare cases, this condition can lead to cauda equina syndrome, which is caused due to compression of the spinal nerve roots. Emergency surgery is required to relieve the pressure and cure cauda equina syndrome; otherwise it can cause permanent weakness or paralysis. If left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to some complications such as increasing pain and numbness in one or both legs, bowel or bladder dysfunction and progressive loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

If you experience back pain or leg pain that interferes with normal activities for more than a week, then you should consult an orthopedist. Certain tests are suggested by the doctor for diagnosis such as straight-leg-raising test, cross straight-leg-raising test and screening neurological examination. Certain imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan and myelogram are performed to confirm the location of the herniated disc and to detect which nerve is affected.

Treatment

Treatment is decided depending upon the severity of the symptoms. There are surgical as well as nonsurgical options. Nonsurgical methods include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, cold therapy, heat therapy, bracing, traction and stretching. You can also benefit from certain exercises like dynamic lumbar stabilizing exercises and aerobic exercises with pain-free activities.

There are also many natural alternative methods and treatments available to relieve or cure this condition. See some suggestions here, natural cures

In some severe cases, surgical options such as minimally invasive and decompression procedures are recommended.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Many a time,  improvement can occur with nonsurgical treatment options which aims at reducing irritation of the nerve, relieving pain and improving physical activities. Primary treatment is administered for  back pain relief . You need to limit or modify the activities like prolonged sitting, lifting heavy objects or bending, which can aggravate the symptoms. Physical therapy and exercises can help increase the strength and flexibility. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help to reduce pain and relieve inflammation of the nerve roots.

Neuropathic pain medications like pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine can be effective for painful nerve conditions. Lower doses of tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline can also help to relieve pain.

A natural pain reliever might be the preference, such as using Eazol

If you have persistent back spasms, then your doctor prescribes muscle relaxants like methocarbamol, cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol. If pain is not improved with these medications, then corticosteroids are administered orally or through epidural injection. Some other treatment options including cold or heat therapy, bracing, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hydrotherapy and traction are also helpful in relieving pain.

Deep relaxation can be achieved through learning to  meditate , or by regularly listening to relaxing music and a method gaining in popularity nowadays is the use of laughter as a pain reliever

Once pain is relieved, the treatment is given to strengthen and stabilize the spine and restore spinal function. Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy and various exercises such as stretching, aerobics, and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercise. These back strengthening exercises help control pain, correct the posture, strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

Surgical Treatment Options: If you don’t experience any improvement with nonsurgical treatment options after a period of time, then surgical options are recommended. Surgical treatment is aimed at relieving pain and preventing irritation of the spinal nerve due to herniated disc. Minimally invasive procedures include chemonucleolysis and endoscopic discectomy. Open decompression involves discectomy, microdiscectomy and spinal fusion.

Some alternative treatment options are also found to be effective such as acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation and yoga. You can prevent potential problems by doing regular exercise, maintaining good posture and healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

By Reshma Jirage

Herniated disc success story!

New York Chirpractor specializes in Spinal Decompre fef ssion. Non Surgical spinal decompression for treatment of herniated discs. Whole Body vibration using the PowerPlate and Cold Laser therapy.

Back Pain Treatment

Probably the worst back issue that can happen to someone is a herniated disc. There may be other worse conditions, but a herniated disc is all too common today. The mainstream method of treatment is surgery. This is rarely sucessful.

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