Back Pain

CONDITION: Back Pain

 

OVERVIEW: Over 80% of adults in America will experience back pain at some point within their lifetime. Back pain encompasses many conditions and can be a chronic or acute. In either case, the pain can be dull and irritating or debilitating and severe.

 

SYMPTOMS:

• Pain when bending, lifting, standing, or walking
• Pain that radiates down a leg
• Pain when sitting or lying down
• Severe discomfort
• Back stiffness
• Back spasms or tenderness

 

CAUSES: There are many causes of back pain, including herniated discs, sciatica, muscle or tendon sprains or strains, spinal stenosis, injury, spondylolisthesis, radiculopathy, and disc degeneration.

 

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE:

• Poor posture
• Uncomfortable shoes
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Lifting heavy objects

 

COMMON THERAPIES: Common pain relief medications include oral medications like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, and many can cause serious side effects, such as addiction, drug tolerance, depression, and impaired judgment. Other medications include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

 

NATURAL INGREDIENTS WE USE:

Chamomile Flower Extract: Calms and reduces inflammation

Lavender Essential Oil: Reduces pain sensitivity

Lemongrass Essential Oil: Reduces inflammation & eases anxiety

Menthol: Reduces pain sensation & counters irritation

Plant-based MSM: Deeply penetrates to reduce inflammation

Vitamin A: Has restorative properties

Vitamin C: Supports cartilage production

Vitamin E: Works as a potent antioxidant

 

 

LIFESTYLE GUIDE:

• Use stress reduction techniques as a mind-body approach to reduce anxiety.
• Do qigong exercises to promote wellness and improve joint range of motion.
• Stretch before engaging in physical activity.
• Avoid wearing high heels. Only wear shoes that are comfortable and flat.
• Receive acupuncture to release energetic (qi) blockages and reduce pain.
• Apply our Ultra Relief Cream at the first sign of discomfort to ease symptoms.

 

Resources 

“Back Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906.

“Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet.

Harvard Health Publishing. “What Triggers Back Pain?” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard Health Publishing, www.health.harvard.edu/pain/what-triggers-back-pain.