Lower back pain is a common health issue that can range from a muscle ache to a shooting or stabbing sensation. The pain can also radiate down into the legs and can be worsened by certain movements such as bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking.
Let’s get the serious definitions as spelled out by NIH out of the way first;
“Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major contributor to societal disease burden and years lived with disability. Nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is attributed to physical and psychosocial factors, including lifestyle factors, obesity, and depression. Mechanical low back pain occurs related to repeated trauma to or overuse of the spine, intervertebral disks, and surrounding tissues. This causes disc herniation, vertebral compression fractures, lumbar spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and lumbosacral muscle strain.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation practitioner Kavita Trivedi, D.O. explains: “When we get stressed out, the body naturally releases certain hormones. Adrenaline is associated with the ancient “fight or flight” phenomenon that heightens our blood pressure, increases our blood supply, and causes the muscles around our spine to tense and spasm in case we need to flee the source of the stress.”
For the above issues, professional treatment is your first order of business. But there may be more subtle causes that you can address without a medical intervention. Let’s take a brief, but enlightening look at that.
Psychosomatic Causes
Thanks to articles like ‘The Body Doesn’t Lie’, we can learn from London Osteopath, Vicky Vlachonis and understand the mind-body connection on a holistic level that ‘inextricably links our emotional state to our physical health.’ Here are Vicky’s observations on lower back pain:
Physical Symptoms: Sciatica, prostate or kidney stones, colon.
Emotional Source: Anger issues, stress of unsatisfying job/home life.
- Low Back Pain in Women
Physical Symptoms: Ovaries, pelvic disorder. (Remember: scan, smear, or swab regularly.)
Emotional Source: Loss of power, buried emotions.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation practitioner Kavita Trivedi, D.O. explains: “When we get stressed out, the body naturally releases certain hormones. Adrenaline is associated with the ancient “fight or flight” phenomenon that heightens our blood pressure, increases our blood supply, and causes the muscles around our spine to tense and spasm in case we need to flee the source of the stress.”
Common Sense
In addition to topical relief preparations, there are other home remedies and self-care strategies that can help alleviate lower back pain. These include gentle stretching and exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, using proper lifting techniques, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and quitting smoking if applicable!
Learn to reduce your anxiety and how to release tensions occurring in the course of your life.
Do Topical Formulations Work?
Research suggests that topical medications can be just as effective as oral medications for pain relief. They come in the form of gels, creams, patches, and more, and can provide localized relief. Some studies have even shown a decrease in pain when people apply lavender essential oil or cayenne pepper ointments with acupressure.
Supersalve’s organic preparations for topical use include Sports Rub, which is packed with the full force of nature’s curative extracts all in one.
In addition to topical relief preparations, there are other home remedies and self-care strategies that can help alleviate lower back pain. These include gentle stretching and exercises that focus on strengthening the core muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, using proper lifting techniques, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and quitting smoking if applicable
Remember, these suggestions are general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options based on your specific situation.
NB: All SUPERSALVE products are completely free from petrochemicals, parabens and phthalates, and are safe for the whole family, from babies to the elderly and everything in between!