When you take into account how intricate the neural, skeletal, and muscular structure of the human back is, it’s fairly surprising that there aren’t more people that suffer from back aches than there currently is. The bones of the spine and muscles that comprise the back are used to maintain an upright posture no matter what the weight-bearing demand or activity. Common injuries of the back are pinched nerves or a slipped disk in the vertebrae, causing significant discomfort for the individual. Luckily, there are many home remedies, including: analgesics, heat therapy, and bed rest.
Rest
A very simple and effective (but often overlooked) remedy for back pain is complete bed rest. A back muscle strain due to overuse or injury may become spasmodic, therefore it will require time to recover. The suffering individual would be prudent to lay down comfortably on a firm mattress for a few hours before performing any light activity. Massaging the tight muscles of the affected areas may also be beneficial in providing relief and promoting healing, but only if it does not cause additional pain. In certain cases, the muscles will need to realign themselves before the pain will begin to dissipate.
Heat Therapy
Another home treatment method for a back ache is done through heat therapy. Affected individuals should spend time in a hot bathtub or jacuzzi to promote loosening and relaxation of the muscles. By applying heat to the affected areas, one can also treat pain caused by weight training and other strenuous physical activities. An alternative method to water therapy is through the use of an electric heating pad placed on the injured area of the back. In fact, even applying heat-generating analgesic or sports cream can be helpful in treating minor to moderate pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
The pain that is experienced when suffering from a back ache is typically due to inflammation of the affected muscle tissue. This is the reason why many people fail to find relief from standard over-the-counter pain relievers, since they do not always treat inflammation. Look out for pain-relief medication that is specifically labeled as “anti-inflammatory” for the best results. Some drug corporations provide products that are designed to treat back pain, so sufferers should ask the pharmacist for a list of their analgesics that specifically treat this condition.
Heat Patches
Lately, a new product for back pain relief has become popular. For individuals suffering from various joint and muscular pains, you can apply a self-heating patch on the affected area to treat it. Heat is generated by the patch through controlled oxidation of a metallic pad wrapped up with an adhesive bandage. Once the outside air comes into contact with the patch, the metallic pad generates a steady source of heat to the injured area. For treatment of minute pain, this over-the-counter heating patch can be as effective as sports cream or an electric heating pad.
Photo Credit: Masajes y terapias alternativas Jose Pérez