When it comes to alternative therapies that are used to treat back pain, herbs and supplements are frequently used with great success to reduce and sometimes even eliminate stubborn back issues. While most herbs and supplements can be easily purchased at your local drug or health foods store, it's always best to contact your physician, naturopath, or homeopath before introducing any new substances to your diet.

Supplements

Muscle pain can result from a lack of vitamin D, as evidenced by a recent study done by the University of Minnesota. This particular study looked at 150 people with musculoskeletal pain, and determined that 93 percent of them had a vitamin D deficiency. Your best sources of vitamin D are natural sunlight, fortified milk and cereal, and fish with small bones, but you can also buy vitamin D in capsule form. Vitamin B12 and magnesium have also been shown to help relieve back pain.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also be effective in relieving back pain, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. As a matter of fact, one study done by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center showed that ibuprofen and omega-3 fatty acids had a comparable effect on reducing inflammation and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold-water fish, or they can be taken in capsule form.

Glucosamine and chondroitin help build cartilage and also act as a powerful anti-inflammatory, making them a good choice for back pain sufferers with disc-related issues. Glucosamine and chondroitin are taken in capsule form.

Herbs

Herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties include saw palmetto, rosemary, angelica, bromelain, valeria, cat's claw, licorice, and grape seed extract.

Herbs that help with pain relief include feverfew, burdock, stinging nettle, willow bark, devil's claw, angelica, horsetail, ginger, and kava root.

Some herbs work best as a topical pain reliever. Herbs that are frequently incorporated into creams, gels, and liniments to treat back pain include cayenne pepper (also called capsaicin), mustard seed extract, peppermint, spearmint, and coriander.