Back pain is an issue that most people will have to deal with at some point in their lives. Although is many cases the pain is not a symptom of a serious or ongoing illness, it can still cause severe discomfort until it is resolved.
Back pain is most commonly experienced in the lower back, although it can affect anywhere along your spine from your neck down to your hips. In most cases, back pain isn’t the result of serious damage or disease, but more likely to be the result of minor sprains, strains, or injuries or an irritated nerve. However, as the back is made up of an incredibly complex system of muscles, bones, joints, and nerves it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your back pain, although there are a number of factors that can trigger pain.
There are a plethora of different treatment methods that can be suggested (whether by a GP or pharmacist or not!) whenever someone mentions that they have back pain, but often it is difficult to know where to start and whose advice to follow. Should you immediately reach for the painkillers, or could something else, such as treatment with essential oils, help?
There are many things that can cause back pain, such as bad posture, bending awkwardly or lifting incorrectly, in these cases the pain is not usually serious and will recover within about six weeks and can be treated effectively without seeing your GP. Or back pain can be caused by more serious medical conditions such as a slipped disc, sciatica, whiplash, frozen shoulder or ankylosing spondylitis, which can result in long term back pain which requires medical intervention to treat.
So, How Can Lavender Help?
The lavender essential oil can make excellent massage oil for relieving muscular pain and for aches in joints. Simply add 5 drops to 10ml of carrier oil such as coconut, almond or olive and massage into the affected area up to 3 times a day. You can also add a couple of drops to a hot bath and may simply be able to soak away aches and pains.
The lavender essential oil also has an action upon the central nervous system, working to slow it and thus resulting in feelings of calm and relaxation. It has been suggested that this may help to dull the pain signals, but it can also promote a calm and restful state of mind, in which it is much easier to keep a positive outlook. Although it can be difficult to keep cheerful when you are in pain, studies have shown that those who remain positive tend to recover quicker than those who become depressed.
However, if you are only suffering from short-term back pain, what are some at-home treatment options that you can consider, and how can essential oils help?
Painkillers
Some people may choose to treat their back pain with over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; however, you may also find that a simple application of natural lavender essential oil will do the trick. The lavender essential oil has analgesic properties that can help to relieve pain, whilst also being anti-inflammatory, so can have the same effect as both of the above painkillers whilst being completely natural. Simply mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area twice a day.
Hot and cold treatments
Many people find that either heat or cold, or a combination of the two, can be very soothing to their back pain. A simple ice pack or hot water can be used, but why not try a lovely lavender filled what bag that can be popped into the microwave to warm. This will retain its heat for longer and will also soothe and relax you with its wonderful scent.
Relax and stay positive
Studies have shown that having an optimistic attitude has a positive effect on pain. Trying to stay calm and stress-free can really help to aid your recovery and lavender essential oil can be of great assistance here. Pop a drop of lavender oil onto your pillow to soothe you into a great night’s sleep, indulge in a relaxing lavender-scented bath or add a drop of lavender oil to your massage oil and the pain and tension will just drift away.
Have a look at some of our great Jersey Lavender Farm products in our online shop to choose how you will let lavender soothe away your back pain.
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