Back pain to some degree affects approximately 80% of Americans at one point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, if left untreated it can grow into chronic back pain. Chronic back pain after pregnancy can affect both your professional life (days lost at work) and personal life (not being able to live the lifestyle you want). Many women start getting back pain during pregnancy. It normally stems from the extra weight they are carrying. As a result, more women are looking for alternatives to deal with their chronic back pain after pregnancy. Homeopathy and other natural methods are among the most popular. Many pregnant women prefer not to put any unnecessary medication in their bodies. Therefore, natural remedies become a part of their lifestyle.
Seeking Alternatives
Homeopathic treatments are becoming popular as people look at alternatives for traditional drugs and procedures. However, not all are equal when it comes to scientific backing. As a result, be sure to utilize available industry resources like http://chiropractoratlanta.com/. Furthermore, meet with your personal medical doctor. They will know enough about your pain and body to help you pick the best option. Doing research will help you better understand their suggestions as well. To start, some herbs are more popular than others. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to your back pain after pregnancy, here are a few suggestions:
1. Capsaicin – Derived from chili peppers. Capsaicin serves as an anti-inflammatory, which reduces inflammation, pain and pressure in the lower back.
2. Ginger – Similar to Capsaicin, ginger’s phytochemicals also have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Feverfew – Feverfew has been used for pain relief for headaches, stomachaches, and toothaches. Its lack of major side effects mean it may be worth using for back pain as well. However, pregnant women should not take Feverfew.
4. Devil’s Claw – Some scientific evidence shows potential for this herb in managing arthritis and lower back pain. More evidence is needed. Pregnant women or those with gallstones or stomach/intestinal ulcers should not use this herb.
5. Turmeric – A staple of the Ayurvedic Diet, Turmeric’s active ingredient, Curcumin, is used to relieve heartburn and arthritis pain. Furthermore, it reduces inflammation. It is one of the most popular natural pain relief options you will find. Additionally, there is scientific evidence supporting its use.
More classical homeopathy uses herbs on the exact location of the pain in your back. There is no scientific evidence on this technique, and not much research backing it. But, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it may help.
6. Rhus Toxicodendron – This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back. Aching and stiffness gets aggravated by cold, damp weather. However, relief is found with warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.
7. Aesculus – This remedy is suited for pain in the very low back (the sacral or sacroiliac areas). It feels worse when standing up from a sitting position or from stooping. Aesculus is good for people with low back pain who also have a history with venous congestion and hemorrhoids.
8. Nux Vomica – This remedy is good for muscle cramps or constricting pains in the back. Pain is usually worse at night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Nux vomica may also be good for backaches that get worse when constipated.
9. Cimicifuga Racemose – Use this remedy for severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back, with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness.
10. Calcarea Carbonica – This is another go-to remedy for muscle weakness and low back pain. The ideal candidate will have a tendency toward chilliness, or may easily feel tired from exertion. The person’s symptoms will tend to worsen from damp and cold weather.
11. Natrum Muriaticum – This is good for back pain that improves from lying on something hard. Also, pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area is a good for this remedy.
In conjunction with these, many doctors will recommend a set of lifestyle changes to properly complement your efforts.
12. Exercise – The days of trying to rest off back pain are over, as more and more people are realizing that you need to exercise to strengthen the muscles that support your back. The key is to do exercises that target these areas, but aren’t overly intensive. Yoga and pilates are great programs that fit the bill, and many back pain exercises you find borrow from them.
13. Physical therapy – If you are struggling to put together a proper routine, a physical therapist may do the trick, combine stretches with other treatments like heat and ice therapy.
14. Improve your sleep – Pain is actually a leading cause of insomnia, but what you may not realize is that there is a vicious cycle at work here. Inadequate sleep can actually make your pain worse. See a doctor to find ways to help improve your sleep, and try to keep to a regular schedule to make it easier for your body to adjust.
15. Diet for a healthy back – You won’t be able to necessarily eat your pain away, but many times, nutritional deficiencies can lead to back issues. Back issues lead to pain. Some of the nutrients you may want to look to are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Foods like leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli) and cold-water fish (salmon, herring) are some of your best options.
Note: Again, please consult your medical doctor before utilizing any of the natural herbs/remedies mentioned in this post. We hope that you will find relief for your chronic back pain after pregnancy.
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