Back Pain Relief

NATURAL SUPPLEMENT TREATMENTS

Everybody’s chemistry is different and reacts differently, so if you are considering taking a supplement equivalent to a pharmaceutical, you may still have some side effects.

            There are many natural supplements that can be found in supermarkets and drug stores. You may have to check health food stores for more obscure supplements. Like any kind of medication that you buy over the counter, you’ll have a choice between the store brand and name brands. Store brands are perfectly safe to use and are less expensive because you don’t have to pay for advertising. You can also buy supplements over the internet, but you should be sure you buy from a reputable source so you know exactly what you are getting. Do some research and ask around to find out which online suppliers are the best and most reputable.

            Listed below are some natural supplement treatments that have been publicized to help alleviate back pain. When dosages are listed, you should know that if you are particularly thin or heavy, you should consult an expert before taking the supplement. And remember, natural supplements will not relieve pain immediately, but have to be taken for weeks or sometimes even months before you see results.

Vitamins and Minerals

VITAMIN E-400 IU daily; anti-inflammatory

VITAMIN C-250-500mg twice daily

ZINC-30 mg twice daily; anti-inflammatory

CALCIUM-600mg daily; strengthens bones

BORON: 1-3 mg daily with food; helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium

MAGNESIUM- 250 mg daily; strengthens bones and relaxes muscles

COPPER: 2 mg daily

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE: 500 mg. three times daily. Can rebuild cartilage in joints and has been studied by the American College of Rheumatology as an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

NIACINAMIDE: 500 mg three times daily; anti-inflammatory and heals damaged cartilage. Can cause liver damage and aggravate diabetes, low blood pressure, ulcers, and glaucoma, so have a doctor monitor you if you take this supplement.

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.

Health and Personal Care