Almost all adults can relate that back pain is their most persistent problem. It’s as if we’re aging too fast that standing up or crouching low already creates tension on our spines. Whether we sit all day or engage in rigorous activities, we always end the day with stiff backs.
For those reasons, our bathrooms are most likely filled with different types of hot compresses, ice packs, and painkillers. But why does it seem like nothing truly helps? Working out may relieve the pain for a few days, but what we seek is a long-term solution that can finally make us feel our age again.
If your conventional back pain remedies aren’t cutting it out for you, maybe these extraordinary treatments will do:
- Acupuncture
You need to get over your fear of needles to be able to enjoy acupuncture therapy. A traditional form of Chinese medicine, acupuncture supports the theory that our overall health is the result of a harmonious balance between our “yin” and “yang”. This balance is known as “qi” (pronounced as “chi”).
Acupuncture believes that our qi is our life force. As such, every time we get ill, it must be a result of an imbalance in our qi. By placing needles on certain points of our bodies, our qi is believed to renew its balance, and therefore heal our ailments.
Some studies point out that acupuncture’s effects are placebo, while others claim that it uses neuroscience. Nonetheless, acupuncture has been proven to treat low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, knee pain, headache, and migraine. If you want to explore holistic treatments, acupuncture might be for you.
- Botox
Surprisingly, Botox doesn’t just reduce wrinkles and fine lines. A 2007 study has shown that aesthetic treatment also works in significantly reducing back pain. What’s even more interesting is that Botox for the back is the same as Botox for the face.
It works on back pain because Botox’s primary function is to relax the muscles. It blocks neurotransmitters to command the muscles to contract. Hence, it’ll loosen up the tension in your back muscles, too. However, the effects of Botox aren’t long-lasting, so skip this one if you have recurring aches.
- Reiki
Reiki is similar to acupuncture, only instead of using needles, a Reiki practitioner uses touch. They apply pressure on the key energy points of your body, which is like the counterpart of acupuncture points. The treatment is grounded in the belief that you can redirect your energy to decrease pain in your back.
The known benefits of Reiki are making your body feel calmer and relaxing tense muscles. Try this one out if acupuncture needles intimidate you.
- Chiropractics
If you want something more intense and satisfying, chiropractic adjustment therapy might be worth trying. This treatment will “crack” your bones but in a safe and carefully controlled way.
Chiropractors, the practitioners of chiropractics, tend to attract controversy due to the unconventional nature of their treatment. Some people believe that they aren’t legitimate health professionals, but in truth, chiropractors have completed an 8-year degree, the first 4 years being a pre-medicine major. Not all of them may hold the title “Dr.”, but they are all adequately trained and qualified to perform treatments.
In fact, chiropractic therapy is quite fascinating. It has been proven to effectively treat at least 8 conditions, namely low back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, migraines, whiplash, sacroiliac pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain.
In social media, especially Youtube, you’d find videos of chiropractors successfully treating severe spine conditions. If they can straighten a spine that’s been curved for years, your persistent back pain will be a piece of cake for them.
- Anti-inflammatory Diet
Most chronic pains are caused by inflammations. If your diet is rich in sugar and processed foods, those may be contributing factors that cause your back pain. Hence, pack up with more vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and whole grains. These anti-inflammatory foods can reduce your aches, and even make you fitter.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS places stick-on electrode patches on your back. When those patches are activated, it will send electrical impulses to the electrodes, disrupting your pain signals in turn.
A study has found that a 15-minute TENS session effectively relieves low back pain. A meta-analysis, meanwhile, claimed that TENS proved helpful for people with chronic low back pain. So if you can stand the thought of being electrocuted, TENS may be the back pain solution you’ve been looking for.
If your back pain still persists after undergoing any of these treatments, a doctor might discuss the possibility of surgery. Conditions such as a bulging or ruptured disc, spinal issue, bone spur, or nerve problems will most likely require it. So keep track of your pains, and avoid straining yourself.
Meta title: Extraordinary Treatment Options for Persistent Back Pain
meta desc: Sitting all-day, playing sports, or doing anything repetitive causes persistent back pain. You may have tried different types of hot compresses, ice packs, and ointments already, but if none of those truly worked, maybe these unusual treatments would.
