Back to Health!

Natural Lifestyle © Natural Lifestyle August 2005 in connection with Natural Health Week

Back pain affects millions of people in the UK every year - especially women in the 45-64 age group. That's not to say that we don't all get it from time to time. In fact, research from the British Medical Journal shows that nearly half (49%) of British adults questioned that year experienced back pain lasting for more than 24 hours. It's hardly surprising that many people want to know what options are available in the shops...

Do you…

Slump in soft chairs?

Stand with your weight on one leg?

Tend to lean forwards with your head tilted down?
...then see below

These all lead to poor posture – a big problem when it comes to daily back pain.

You must be aware of your posture on a daily basis. Bending forwards more than doubles the pressure on the disks of the spine compared to when you're standing straight.

To check a good sitting posture, sit in a chair and place the forearm in the curve of your lower back and sit back in your seat. For good standing posture, stand with your back against a wall and let your head and bottom touch the wall.

People tend to get bad posture when they are tense and het-up. Use products for this, such as the homeopathic remedies Avena sativa, Nat Mur, valerian, Cuprum met and Arnica.

Look out for specially-made remedies. Flower remedies are good too (some even say that they can 'rescue' you!).

Keep your back and other joints strong by including plenty of calcium in your diet, from milk and dairy, nuts and seeds, or if your intake of these is low, by taking a calcium supplement at around 1000mg daily (1500mg during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in older age).

Do you…

Get dull, nagging aches in specific joints?

Get nerve pain, or grinding noises in specific joints?

Feel the need to 'stretch' or pull certain joints?
...then see below

Other items of interest

You might have overuse syndrome, which is common in people with very physical jobs, or any situation where the same actions are being made (such as picking up and putting down children, reaching over desks and computers, gardening, and so on).

Glucosamine sulphate is excellent for wear and tear to joints and muscles. A typical regime is to take 1500mg daily for 12 weeks, then drop to 1000mg daily. Some formulations also include chondroitin sulphate, which is also important for joint repair.

Consider essential oils which are muscle relaxing, such as ginger, black pepper or, for nerve pain, sandalwood.

Change positions! This is obvious, but it's amazing how many people ignore it. Change your computer round to the other side (if you can), or at least to a more comfortable position. Try and vary the movements that you make.

Use rubs, oils or ointments, such as Tiger Balm or Emu Oil.

Do you…

Have stiff joints?

Have bruising?

Have severe pain or intense ache?
...then see below

Muscle sprains occur when you pull on the soft muscle fibres causing bruising within the muscle. Commonly called a 'pulled muscle', they can be very painful and result in stiffness, bruising and bleeding.

Vitamin E and zinc work together to help heal bruised areas. Increase intakes in your diet by including wheatgerm on cereals and in soups, or up your intake of fatty fish (which also helps to keep joints supple). Zinc is found in pumpkin seeds, wholegrain cereals, whether in breads, as breakfast cereals or just as a snack. Oats are a good staple, and you can add in barley products too. If you don't like these types of food, why not try oat cakes?

Consider taking a supplement of vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids. Vitamin C is involved in healthy structure of connective tissue, which supports the muscles, and bioflavonoids can help maintain healthy capillaries (which may be damaged with bruising).

NOTE: Please be diligent and check with your GP to discuss a treatment plan before taking any supplements or remedies.