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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffA number of alternative treatments are available that may help ease symptoms of back pain. Always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting any new alternative therapy.
Herbal treatments
Some herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory properties may ease back pain. Although more research is needed to reliably determine their safety and efficacy, some studies suggest that the following herbs may be helpful:
- Willow bark (Salix alba), taken orally
- Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), taken orally
- Capsicum (Capsicum frutescens), applied as a topical plaster
Hands-on therapies
- Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor. If you're considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation.
- Acupuncture. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
- Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help loosen knotted muscles and promote relaxation.
Mind-body techniques
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. Chronic back pain is commonly associated with emotional stress and mental health conditions, such as depression. In cognitive behavioral therapy, you learn to identify and change negative thought patterns that have a damaging impact on your mental and physical health. Research has found that this type of therapy may significantly relieve chronic low back pain.
- Progressive relaxation. This relaxation technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Progressive muscle relaxation boosts your ability to recognize and counteract muscle tension as soon as it starts. Evidence suggests this technique helps ease back pain.
In addition, a type of yoga called Viniyoga — which emphasizes both postures and breathing exercises — may help ease back pain and reduce the need for pain medications.
- Devereaux M. Low back pain. Medical Clinics of North America. 2009;93:477.
- Wheeler SG, et al. Approach to the diagnosis and evaluation of low back pain in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Kohatsu W. Low back pain. In: Rakel RE. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/175588812-4/930351402/1494/110.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50067-3_3269. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Last A, et al. Chronic low back pain: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician. 2009;79:1067.
- Chou R. Subacute and chronic low back pain: Pharmacologic and noninterventional treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Yoga for health: An introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Low back pain fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htm#119483102. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 26, 2009.
