Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain or lumbar ache is the most common problem which, generally, arises due to spasm or sprain in the ligament or muscle in the lumbar region, osteoarthritis, and pressure on nerve roots due to spinal stenosis or herniated disc. Stones, tumors, kidney infections, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and hematoma may, at times, lead to this ailment. Factors such as obesity, poor body posture, stress, pregnancy, wearing high heels, lifting heavy weight, and smoking maximize the risk of lower back pain. It is of 2 types: short term or acute back ache lasts for a few days or week while chronic ache lasts for over 3 weeks. People aged between 30 and 50 are more susceptible to develop this problem. Lumbar ache is accompanied by lost bowel or bladder control, sweating, weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and numbness in the rectal area, groin, foot and leg. Mostly, back pain gets resolved within a few days on its own. In some cases, you can treat your back ache at home.

Home Remedies for Lower Back Pain

Oil Therapy

Take 4 tablespoons of mustard oil, sesame oil or coconut oil. Put it on low flames and fry 7-10 garlic cloves till they turn light brown. Then, strain the oil. Allow it to cool. Massage this oil on your lower back. Use this therapy regularly for 15 days or so, to get effective results.

Massage with warm castor oil also heals lower back pain.

Mix oil and warm mint oil. Rub it gently on the affected area for quick relief.

Heat Therapy

Put heating pads or hot packs on your back for 18-20 minutes. You can also soak in a hot tub or take a hot shower. For the best results, add Epsom salt to the hot water tub. It will stimulate the flow of blood towards the affected area and slow down nerve impulses, thus reducing the pain.

Note: If you are pregnant, avoid hot bath for long. If the temperature of your body remains more than 100° Fahrenheit for a longer duration, it may lead to miscarriage or birth defects.

Cold Therapy

Application of cold pack speeds up the healing process. Take some ice cubes. Wrap them in a plastic bag. Put it on your lower back. It acts as an anesthetic and gives you quick relief.

Potato

Grate a few raw potatoes and wrap them in a thin cloth. Use it as a poultice on your lower back. Keep it for at least one hour.

Cabbage Leaves

Put cabbage leaves in boiling milk. Boil until jelly-like paste is formed. Drape in a clean cloth and apply on the affected part. This is one of the best natural remedies for lower back pain.

Extract juice of a lemon and add some salt to it. Stir well. Drink it on a regular basis, in order to get relief in lower back pain.

Milk

Milk is a good source of calcium. It strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of osteoporosis and lower back pain. Add a tablespoon of honey in warm nut milk or water. Drink it to cure the pain.

Oats

Cook some whole oats. Mash them with vinegar. Apply it hot on your lower back to alleviate the ache.

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin is a compound that is found in chili peppers and has an analgesic effect. When applied topically, it helps reduce several types of chronic pain, including lower back pain. Apply capsaicin cream, four times a day. Initially, it will cause burning sensation or sting, but later, you will be relieved of pain.

Stretching Exercises

Lie down on your back with hands somewhat away from your body. Keep your feet together. Concentrating on your lumber region, take a deep breath. Turn your feet on the right side. At the same time, turn your head to the left. Take deep breaths and hold the posture for some time.

Resume the initial position. Now, do it on the other side of the body.

Begin each section with a word of prayer.

Compiled by Mrs. Christiana Moore