Back pain can range from a constant, but dull ache to a sharp and sudden pain that makes it very difficult to even move. If you fall or lift something that is too heavy, it can start suddenly- or it can get worse over time.
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems. You can be assured that most back pain episodes will resolve on their own, typically within a few weeks.
However, back pain can be one of the most frustrating and difficult problems for individuals to have to deal with. Understanding what is causing your back pain is the key to treating it properly.
Who Gets Back Pain?
It is possible for anyone to have back pain, however there are a few things that actually increase your risk. Some of these things are as follows:
– The older you get, the more common back pain is. You may not experience back pain until you’re 30 or 40 years old.
-The less physically fit you are, the more likely you are to have back pain. Those who are not physically fit have much more experiences with back pain.
-If you are overweight, you are more likely to have back pain. A diet that is high in calories can cause weight gain. Too much weight stresses your back and causes pain.
– Back pain is sometimes caused due to inherited health problems. Ankylosing spondylosis, which is a form of arthritis affecting the spine is one of those disorders that can have a genetic component.
-In some cases, your back pain could be caused by cancer or a form of arthritis.
-If you work in a job where you are required to push, pull, or lift while twisting your spine, you could experience back pain. Additionally, if you sit at a desk all day and do not sit up straight or stretch your back from time to time, you could experience back pain.
-Smokers are likely to experience back pain because your body could be unable to get enough nutrients to the discs in your back. Additionally, smokers cough could be the cause of your back pain. People who smoke heal at a much slower rate than those who don’t smoke, so your back pain could end up lasting longer.
When To Visit Your Doctor
Typically, most back pain episodes will only last a few days- and within a few weeks have completely resolved themselves. However, if you have a new episode of back pain, you should contact your physician to see if further evaluation is necessary.
Additionally, there are some warning signs that indicate that the problem is more serious and you need some immediate evaluation:
- The pain lasts beyond a few days
- The pain awakens you in the night
- Problems controlling bladder or bowels
- Fever, sweats, chills, or other signs of possible infection
- Other unusual symptoms
Treatments For Back Pain
One of the most frustrating parts of treating back pain is that it takes time for the symptoms to resolve. Most of the time, individuals can expect a full recovery simply by avoiding stress to the back.
Individuals can often get help with heat, ice, and anti-inflammatory/analgesic medications. You can also consider using essential oils for back pain.
If the basic treatments don’t relieve your back pain, you will need to seek medical help. Depending on your symptoms and the length of the issue, your physician will be able to properly construct a treatment schedule.
Depending on what is causing the symptoms of your back pain, there could be a number of treatments recommended. Some options your physician may suggest to treat your back pain could include:
Nonsurgical treatments: typically, the first suggestion in treating back pain is nonsurgical options. These include: ice/heat, rest/exercises, medications, and other treatments could be useful in helping relieve your back pain symptoms.
Alternative treatments: alternative treatments are becoming more popular and are often used just as successfully as traditional medical treatments for the symptoms of back pain. Additionally, keep in mind that these are often just as effective and safe as medications that are used for treating back pain.
Spine Surgery: this is left as the last course of treatment for the symptoms of back pain. It is only used for treating back pain that doesn’t resolve with nonsurgical or alternative treatments. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Talk it over with your physician to determine when surgery is appropriate for treatment of your back pain.
Best Essential Oils for Back Pain Treatment
If you’d prefer to treat your back pain naturally, with essential oils, you should use the following:
Chamomile oil: this oil helps to control muscle spasms and also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.
Lavender oil: this oil helps to prevent inflammation and muscle spasms. Additionally, it helps to relieve tension, which could be a contributing factor of back pain.
Clary Sage oil: this oil is very soothing and has a calming effect if you’re very anxious and your muscles are tensed up due to pain. Also, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. If you’re pregnant, you should avoid using clary sage oil.
Yarrow oil: this oil has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary oil: this oil has anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties- it is wonderful for improving circulation and relieving back pain.
Ginger oil: this oil is excellent for easing back pain and offering more mobility. Blend together 4 drops of ginger oil with 1 tablespoon of sweet oil, 4 drops cardamom oil, and 4 drops wintergreen oil to create a wonderful, soothing massage oil.
Peppermint oil: this oil is great for relieving muscle soreness.
Frankincense oil: this oil acts as a mild sedative and has some anti-inflammatory properties.
You can use any of these oils independently. However, it is great to blend two or more of them together.
You should never apply them directly to your skin- blend them together with a carrier oil first. You can also take an aromatherapy bath to soothe your aching, tired muscles and increase your circulation.
Add eight to ten drops of one- or a combination- of the above essential oils directly to your bath water and then soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
