Suffer From Back Pain? Try Some Natural Remedies

With the current trend towards seeking natural cures for your ailments, it's good to know that there are a number of options if you're looking for such remedies to combat your back pain. In this article we look at 3 options which you may want to consider. If course, before you try any of these techniques it's sensible to ask your physician for advice in order to ensure you don't inadvertently worsen your condition.

1. Yoga

Yoga helps you to improve your balance, strength and flexibility; as well as improving your mental well-being. There are many different types of yoga, some of the more popular ones include Vinyasa, Hatha and Kundalini. Each form tends to focus on a specific aspect of yoga; with some concentrating more on breathing or mental relaxation, and others on the more physical aspects. With so many choices, it's important to choose one which is appropriate for your particular situation. For back pain sufferers, a style which includes gentle stretching, relaxation and body alignment techniques will probably be most beneficial. There are a large number of yoga practitioners who report a reduction in back pain and increase in mobility through the practice of their art.

2. The Alexander Technique

Invented by Frederick Matthias Alexander, The Alexander Technique teaches its practitioners to overcome poor postural habits, thus reducing strain on their backs and alleviating pain. It involves changing the way you perform your daily activities and becoming aware of the alignment and balance of your body. Learning how to control their posture in a natural way has proved beneficial for many sufferers of back pain. Medical trials have proven the method to be effective.

3. Willow Bark - The Natural Medicine

Willow bark has been used for hundreds of years as a means of relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Amongst other things, it contains salicin, a compound similar to Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It's thought that there may be other compounds in the bark which act together with the salicin to provide its pain-relieving properties, since its effects appear to last longer, and it is less prone to irritating the stomach. Research has shown that willow bark results in a significant reduction in pain amongst those with chronic back problems. It has also become a popular treatment option for osteoarthritis.

If you suffer from back pain, there are many natural treatments available which you may wish to consider instead of, or in addition to, more conventional therapies.