About 80 percent of all people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. For most of these people, the pain will resolve itself within two weeks or so with simple treatments such as rest, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications.
But for those people who have recurring or unresolved symptoms, alternative treatments for back pain may provide the relief from pain they are looking for. What exactly is an alternative treatment? In a nutshell, an alternative treatment is any kind of medical treatment that is not considered conventional. Natural cures that cover a very broad scope of therapies, methods, and philosophies, it’s important to note that alternative therapies have proven to be an effective means of reducing—and sometimes completely eradicating—stubborn back pain. As a matter of fact, alternative therapies continue to gain credence with people exploring new ways of taking care of their health. According to the Archives of Family Medicine, about 50 percent of all patients use some form of alternative medicine.
Some of the more common alternative treatments used for back pain include Natural & Homeopathic, complimentary medicine, and holistic medicine.
Natural Treatments both rely on substances found in nature for healing. Naturopathy uses herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and diet to treat back pain, while homeopathy operates on the principle that natural toxins comprising mineral, animal, and plant material—used in small, diluted doses—can actually be beneficial to your health. Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are very safe, and are also non-addictive. Many people who have tried both naturopathy and homeopathy for the treatment of back pain have found them effective.
Complementary medicine is any kind of alternative medicine that can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Types of alternative treatment for back pain that fall under this category include chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture. Many times, traditional physicians who treat back pain may also prescribe alternative treatments as part of the overall treatment plan. In some cases, traditional doctors work with alternative therapy specialists to develop a program specially designed to reduce or eliminate a patient’s back pain. Exercises programs designed to strengthen and stretch the back, pelvis, and hips, including yoga, tai chi, and Pilates, can also be integrated into an overall back pain relief program.
Many people with back pain have found significant back pain relief through the use of specially designed products. Braces that provide conformational support as well as hot and/or cold therapy, foot orthotics that encourage correct body alignment, ergonomically designed office furniture, pillows and mattresses that promote correct sleeping posture, and herb-enhanced topical creams and gels that penetrate the skin have also been used by patients for both short- and long-term relief. Another product group that has become increasingly popular among those who suffer from back pain is magnetized items such as braces and mattress pads.
Finally, holistic treatments are another kind of alternative medicine used to treat back pain. Holistic medicine is a category of alternative medicine that focuses on the spiritual and emotional well being of the patient. Holistic medicine prioritizes the mind-body connection, and the body’s ability to heal itself. Holistic therapies used to treat back pain include meditation, visualization, and hypnosis.
