SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Relieve My Back Pain NOW!
( 23 pages )

Back Pain Treatments:
Homeopathy & Chiropractic

Herbs

Herbal supplements can be found in capsule or powder form, or as teas. If you are making your own herbal tea, use 1 tsp. of herb per cup of hot water. Cover mixture and steep for 5-10 minutes, or 10-20 if you are using roots. You can safely drink 3-6 cups of tea daily.

Muscle Relaxants

• KAVA KAVA: Recognized by some doctors as a safe alternative to Xanax and Valium.
• BLACK HAW: relieves muscle spasms and is similar to aspirin
• VALERIAN ROOT: Widely researched and documented as a sleep aid, valerian has been given a number 1 rating for safety by The American Herbal Products Association.
• WILD YAM: Long used to treat menstrual cramps; generally taken as a tea.
• JAMAICA DOGWOOD: Used to treat muscle inflammation and spasms; little research has been done on it and excessive amounts can be toxic. Do not use with sedatives.
  Anti-inflammatories
• BROMELAIN: 500 mg three times daily
• BOSWELLIN: 150 mg three times daily. Has been proven in clinical trials to help alleviate low back pain
• CURCUMIN: 400-600 mg three times daily; sometimes mixed with ginger, curcumin has not been studied in clinical trials, but herbalists use it as an anti-inflammatory.
• MSM: Has not been researched, but herbalists use it as an anti-inflammatory.
• ST. JOHN’S WORT: 300-500 mg capsule three times daily; interacts with a wide variety of medications and should only be taken under the advisement of an herbal specialist.
  Pain Relief
• WHITE WILLOW BARK: effects are similar to taking aspirin
• DEVIL’S CLAW: 400 mg three times daily. Used to treat arthritis, research shows devil’s claw may boost the effectiveness of conventional drugs.
  

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a practice of medicine that has been around for about 200 years. It is based upon what is called the Law of Similars and works on the same principle as do immunizations: give someone a small dose of what would make them sick to cure their sickness. Treatments have been proven in clinical trials, and are prepared by a homeopathic pharmacy under FDA guidelines. Researchers don’t completely understand how homeopathic medicines work, but the evidence is clear that they do. Homeopathy has been popular in Europe and India for a long time, and is gaining popularity in the United States. Many practitioners are doctors or have some other kind of medical degree, perhaps in nursing or psychology. The legal issues surrounding homeopathic practitioners that do not have medical degrees is unclear, but most homeopathic remedies are sold over the counter and do not need a prescription. Here are some natural homeopathic remedies that are helpful in alleviating back pain:

• AESCULUS: used for dull, nagging pain
• ARNICA MONTANA: used in cases of trauma to the back
• COLOCYNTHIS: used for weakness and muscle cramps in the lower back
• GNAPHALIUM: used to treat sciatica, which is often associated with back pain
• LYCOPODIUM: used to treat burning pain
• RHUS TOXICODENDRON: used for lower back stiffness and pain
• PHYSICAL TREATMENTS

Unless back pain is due to an infection, malformation of the back, or tumor, your pain can probably be alleviated by some type of physical treatment. All physical treatments are more effective when done in combination with other treatments. It is best if you can get a referral from your doctor for physical treatment, and many insurance companies require you to do so before they will pay for treatment. The effectiveness of the various physical treatments varies, and it’s really up to you as to which you are most comfortable with. The effectiveness of physical treatments is increased when they are combined with exercise.

Chiropractic Therapy

One of the most common physical treatments for back pain is chiropractic therapy, which is the manipulation of the spine. The purpose is to realign the spine, increase the range of motion in the muscles of the back, increase the flexibility of spinal soft tissue, break down scar tissue, and reduce pressure that occurs from restricted and misaligned spinal joints - all of which help to relieve pain. Chiropractic therapists, which include not only chiropractors, but also osteopaths and some physical therapists, diagnose and treat only problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system and do not use drugs or surgery. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to a regular doctor: you will be asked for a case history involving your symptoms, undergo a physical exam, and possibly have x-rays taken.

Chiropractors undergo intense medical training. They must have two years of undergraduate work, and when they enter chiropractic college, they study the same topics doctors do, including anatomy, physiology, x-ray, psychology, and orthopedics. After getting the basics down, chiropractors then study diagnosis and adjustment techniques that most other doctors do not. Besides their coursework, chiropractors also have intern and externships, where they observe and assist licensed chiropractors. All in all, chiropractors spend about 900 hours studying and working in their field. After graduation, chiropractors must either take a test to be licensed in the state in which they want to practice or the National Board of Chiropractic Examination.

Osteopaths are medical doctors and can prescribe medications. They must have an undergraduate degree and take the Medical College Admissions Test before being admitted to osteopathic medical school. Like other doctors, osteopaths take four years of coursework and spend time observing in medical settings. They do internships and sometimes residencies, and must take exams in order to be licensed.

Studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation is effective in treating lower back pain. However, it has not been shown to be any more effective than any other method of treatment, but has been shown to be better than no treatment at all. Chiropractic treatment is most effective when applied within two months of the onset of lower back pain, but probably will not help people who have disc prolapsed, previous back surgery, or back pain due to disease. If you decide to consult a chiropractor, make sure you tell him about any serious back injuries you have had, and any sharp pain or lower back pain with leg pain or numbness. These could be the signs of serious conditions that could be worsened by spinal manipulations.

If you are interested in chiropractic treatment, meet with the chiropractor in person to get a feel for the kind of treatment he offers, and look for someone who diagnoses with a physical exam. While x-rays are occasionally taken, they should not be the only diagnostic tool used. Ask about what kind of manipulations the doctor or therapist generally does and look for someone who uses primarily slow, gentle motions rather than sharp and sudden jolts. Avoid anyone who wants to crack your neck, as this can be very dangerous.

When you go for treatment, you will lie on your side or stomach while the therapist does various manipulations. He may put one hand on your shoulder and one on your hip and gently twist your body, or he may put pressure on the spinal joints. When this is done, you may or may not hear a crack. Chiropractors may also use ultrasound, therapeutic massage, stretching, and muscle stimulation to help relieve back pain. You may have some soreness for a day or two after treatment.

Studies have shown that you should feel relief from pain in four to eight sessions. While some chiropractors may suggest a longer course of treatment, there is no evidence that it will be more effective. If you don’t feel better in four to eight sessions, chiropractic treatment probably won’t help you.

There are few risks involved with gentle manipulations, but there are some serious ones that can occur in certain situations. People with osteoarthritis should avoid twisting manipulations as this can cause bone spurs to damage the spinal cord and nerves. Although it is rare, there have been cases where forceful neck manipulations have resulted in neurological damage and death. It’s best to avoid spinal manipulations if you have osteoporosis or nerve damage. Check with your doctor if you’ve had spinal surgery, or back pain along with fever, chills, sweats, or unintentional weight loss. Chiropractic therapy won’t help you if you have back pain due to infection or tumor. And finally, rapid neck manipulations can lead to strokes. You can avoid risks by giving your therapist a thorough account of all injuries and illness you’ve had.

A good chiropractor is one who is willing to work with your other medial professionals. She should also give you self-care information and exercises to do at home. Avoid anyone who wants you to continue sessions to prevent future back pain; studies do not show this to be effective.

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