I work in a sports medicine clinic doing acupuncture a couple days a week. I treat A LOT of back pain. As a modern day medicine woman, I always take a multi-pronged approach with my patients.
Here are some ideas that may help you.
Physical Remedies
Acupuncture
Massage by a therapist trained in orthopedic massage
Gentle moving and stretching – studies show slower recovery in those on bed rest. Take it easy and stop if you worsen.
Posture adjustment – are you hunching over your computer all day? Or lying in awkward positions to watch TV? Check out www.gokhalemethod.com – a great resource for virtual and in-person learning about how your poor posture may be contributing to your pain. By the way, I am totally against lumber pillows – they put a curve in the spine where there shouldn’t be one, and can worsen your condition over time.
Homeopathy – Arnica 6c, available at any natural pharmacy is a well-known remedy for pain and inflammation, which is taken as little pills under the tongue. You can also find arnica creams to apply topically. Some people find this works for them, and some don’t. There are no side effects though, so it won’t hurt to try.
Anti-inflammatory herbal medicine – some western herbs I like are turmeric, willow bark, and boswellia. Visit your local natural pharmacy for single or blended options. Your acupuncturist can also prescribe a custom Chinese herbal formula based on your specific symptoms and diagnosis.
Essential oils – some recommended oils to be diluted in a lotion (6 drops total in a tablespoon of lotion or other carrier oil) and applied topically are: marjoram, birch, peppermint, lavender, and white fir. Apply a few times a day.
Emotional / Body-mind approach
From Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life:
Upper back pain: lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding back love.
Affirmation: I love and approve of myself. Life supports and loves me.
Middle back pain: Guilt. Stuck in all that “stuff” back there. Get off my back. Affirmation: I release the past. I am free to move forward with love in my heart.
Low back pain: Lack of financial support. Fear of money or money worries. Affirmation: I trust the process of life. All I need is always taken care of. I am safe.
And lastly, Healing Back Pain by John Sarno, MD is another great resource for digging up emotional causes of your back pain, when other therapies are not working for you.
Hope you find these suggestions helpful. Hit reply and let me know how it goes. If you need more help, let’s schedule a “Getting to the root of what ails you” strategy session.
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