Persistent backaches can delay your routines and stop you from doing what you love. Chronic back pain has causes and symptoms that may surprise you. This article introduces you to them and shows you a few natural ways to relieve them.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Back Pain?
Back pain is not a triviality to ignore, and it has various triggers. We list a few of them here.
1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
First of all, is PID, a pain in the abdomen that usually occurs during sex or urination. Bacteria can cause it, including those that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Unhealthy sexual practices, such as having sex without a condom or having multiple sexual partners can lead to PID.
This condition is hereditary, so a person may develop it if one of their parents has it. You may have PID if you are sexually active and experience pain during urination. Should fatigue accompany your back pain, consult your physician. He or she may put you through a test for PID.
2. Herniated Slipped Disc
Cartilage pieces separate the bones in your spine. These have material that ensures flexibility. Herniated discs occur when the cartilage slips. They can compress the nerves and cause back pain.
3. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows and starts putting pressure on the spinal cord. It can happen on any part of the spine. The three types of Spinal Stenosis are pseudo-claudication, central spinal stenosis, and foraminal spinal stenosis.
If limb weakness or balance problems accompany your back pain, you may have spinal stenosis. Do consult your doctor.
4. Prostatitis
As its name suggests, Prostatitis is the inflammation of the Prostate gland. A bacterial infection triggers this condition. Bladder infections may spread to the prostate and cause Prostatitis. Patients who use urinary catheters are also prone to this condition. You may have Prostatitis if fever and foul-smelling urine accompany your back pain.
5. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS affects the emotional and physical well-being during certain days of their menstrual cycles. Experts believe that it relates to changes in serotonin and sex hormone levels. Women with a history of depression or mood disorders are prone to PMS.
6. Endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the Uterine cavity. The hormonal changes that take place during menstruation may exacerbate the symptoms. You may have this condition if fertility issues, scarring, and adhesions come with your back pain.
7. Sciatica
Sciatica can cause back pain. It happens when spinal discs become herniated or if the patient experiences the narrowing of the spinal canal (lumbar spinal stenosis). Spondylolisthesis, which occurs when the one spinal bone extends over the other, may also trigger chronic back pain.
What Are the Symptoms?
How do you know if you’re suffering from chronic or one-off back pain? You may experience one or more of these symptoms.
1. Localized Pain
First of all, you may feel sharp stings in your neck, lower back, or upper back, particularly after lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activity.
2. Pain when standing
You may also feel persistent aches in the middle or lower back after standing or sitting straight for long periods.
3. Radiating Lower Back Pain
Furthermore, you may have a pain in your back that extends from the low end of your spine to your buttock, behind the thigh, and into your calf.
Natural Ways to Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Medication may not be a long-term solution; your back aches once it loses its effect. Natural remedies may ease the pain in your spinal cord.
1. Heating Pads
First of all, use heating pads. Put these under the painful part of your back. They provide your muscles with warmth and ease the stiffness in them. Furthermore, they prevent muscle spasms.
2. Massages
Massage therapy may relieve chronic symptoms of back pain, according to this study. These alleviate stress and release endorphins. Use a massage chair if lying on a table is too painful.
3. Laughter Yoga
Why not combine yoga with a belly laugh? While laughter produces endorphins that reduce pain, yoga exercises improve breathing. This option is viable if you find other workouts too painful.
4. Alter your sleep position
How you sleep affects your back. Reclining will lessen the stress on the lower area of your spine. Wedge-shaped cushions will help you relax this way. You may also use an adjustable bed.
5. Take a hot bath
Never underestimate the soothing effect of soaking in a hot tub. If you find it challenging to sleep right after, take one two or three hours before going to bed.
6. Hydrotherapy
Water is buoyant and lets you exercise with less pain. Swim in warm hydrotherapy pools. Water between 83 to 88 degrees works best.
Natural Remedies for Chronic Back Pain
In addition to making the lifestyle changes suggested above, you can relieve your chronic back pain with a few natural remedies.
1. Aloe Vera
First of all is aloe vera, which eases arthritis-related back pain. You may massage it into the affected area. Never drink aloe vera juice directly from the plant as this can cause gastritis or high blood sugar.
2. Boswellia
Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory herb that blocks a substance name leukotriene. This substance attacks the joints and results in a limited range of motion. Boswellic acid works with curcumin to ease back pain.
3. Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw is another herb that reduces back pain owing to its anti-inflammatory effects. You can also use it to make tea.
4. Eucalyptus
You probably associate this minty, soothing herb with the flu, and it does relieve it. It eases back pain as well. Eucalyptus leaves have a compound called tannin. It eases inflammation and swelling.
5. Turmeric
This herb not only promotes your appetite if you have digestive problems but is also anti-inflammatory. It helps to relieve arthritic back pain. Patients get the most out of it when they consume it orally.
6. Valerian Root
The final item on this list is Valerian Root. It is a relaxing herb, which explains why many people choose to consume it. These relaxing properties extend to the back. It helps to reduce muscle spasms and muscle pain.
In all, chronic back pain is a nuisance but doesn’t have to hinder your life. Lifestyle changes and natural remedies will ease it.
