About eight out of every ten people suffer from some form of back pain at some point. It is the second most common reason for missed work, and the second most common reason for seeing a doctor; left unchecked, it can flare out of control, interfering with the day to day activities of the sufferer.
Because of the debilitating nature of back pain, many have searched for alternative methods of treatment. Some are effective, some, not so much, and some have received mixed results. Outlined here are five of the more common alternative treatments sought out by back pain sufferers.
Acupuncture
A UK study conducted over a period of two years reported that acupuncture performed once a week had the effect of reducing not only their pain, but the psychological stress brought on by their worrying about their pain. Acupuncture patients reaped significantly more progress than a parallel group who received painkillers and other more conventional methods of treatment.
Chili Peppers
The active ingredient in chili peppers, Capsaicin, acts as a painkiller when applied to the skin. Research has shown the application of capsaicin in cream form over a period of three weeks resulted in 42% decrease in pain. Eating chili peppers may not have the same potency of effect if consumed orally, but if you love eating spicy food, it can't hurt to try!
Listen to Music
Many studies have shown that listening to music had a positive effect in reducing pain in many sufferers of chronic and acute pain. Back pain is no different. Music reduces stress and anxiety, and creates a positive atmosphere that was less prone to pain. If you listen to music, try listening to soothing, calming music that helps you relax.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a treatment method that involves taking off the pressure on the discs between the spinal bones, with the aim of reducing pressure on the surrounding tissues and nerves. Thousands of back pain sufferers have found that spinal decompression had a reductive effect on their back pain. Spinal decompression can be performed by a chiropractor trained in spinal manipulation.
Exercise
Back pain sufferers have a tendency to avoid physical activity (and who can blame them). But research has shown that moderate levels of physical activity are essential to decrease back pain. Strengthening the muscles and supporting tissue around the spine contributes to spinal stability and improves posture, which can help prevent pain.
IMPORTANT: Too much exercise or physical activity that is too strenuous can be very damaging for your back if you suffer from a spine-related condition. If a physical activity causes sharp pain in your back, stop performing the activity immediately.
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