Back To Basics: Alternative Back Pain Relief

Does the phrase "Not tonight, Dear, I have a backache" sound familiar? In the United States, back pain is second only to headaches as the most common painful condition suffered by men and women.

Back pain can range from mild, to moderate, to so severe that the most basic activities such as walking, standing or even lying down can be downright excruciating. Fortunately there are ways to ease back pain quickly and effectively. In fact, there are several natural remedies and treatment options available to help cope with pain management issues, without the use of potentially harmful painkillers.

Whatever the degree of your back pain, consider the following self-care treatments. They have been specially designed to help speed your recovery, and reduce any future recurrences:

Soothing Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can ease back pain with manual stimulation of the muscles. When a massage therapist applies the proper techniques, the movements can break down scar tissue and release your muscles from the painful spasms that often characterize back pain.

The methods of massage have become increasingly popular for back pain remedy, and have achieved such respect that they are now recognized as forms of medical treatment. The American Massage Therapy Association released a study showing that 54 percent of healthcare providers encourage massage therapy as a viable means to ease back pain. Massage therapy not only alleviates muscle soreness, but it also helps to improve circulation, assists the muscles in moving without pain and increases the release of the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins.

Water Therapy

Soaking in a nice, warm tub is a traditional source of back pain relief. So, it only makes sense that doctors and therapists would take this type of therapy one step further. There are several forms of water therapy that are commonly used to provide relief from back pain. Hydrotherapy and water exercise are the two most common categories of this valuable method of pain relief.

Water exercise is a suggested form of activity for those who cannot or should not participate in regular physical exercise. As a general rule, active and well-conditioned persons are less likely to suffer injuries or stress-related pain. That's why regular physical exercise is recommended for most individuals. For those with back pain, however, physical movements can be just too painful. These people still require exercise to keep their muscles strong and to avoid the development of atrophy as a result of muscular disuse.

For those inactive individuals, water exercise therapy is especially helpful. Water's natural buoyancy is a huge benefit to anyone suffering from back pain, as there is far less pain and pressure with physical movements in the water. Do you see yourself as a candidate for water therapy? Speak with a licensed physical therapist for professional assistance before attempting to perform any of the complicated exercise maneuvers.

Hydrotherapy is the other popular form of water-based pain relief. This therapy helps to ease back pain by loosening the muscles and ridding the body of toxins that cause pain and inflammation. Several studies have indicated that soaking in a hot tub or warm bath can help to reduce stiffness, increase flexibility and result is a reduced need for pain medication. Saunas, steam baths, douches and herbal wraps are other popular forms of hydrotherapy treatment.

The world of medicine is expanding and progressing, and many people are turning back to age-old remedies with the hope of finding ways to ease back pain. Water and physical contact are two methods that have stood the test of time, often bringing relief that modern medicine simply can't. Ask your doctor for more information on water and massage therapy, and other forms of alternative back pain relief.