Back pain affects the lives of millions of people. Mild cases decrease patients' quality of life, while severe cases prevent sufferers from being able to work or do much of anything without extreme pain. Many people seek relief from doctors, only to be told that prescription medication is their only option. Those who keep looking, however, will find that there are several alternative treatments recommended by holistic practitioners. Here is a review of some of the most effective of these treatments.
Nutrients to Fuel Repair
To properly repair back injuries, the body must have plenty of a number of key nutrients. Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for back pain sufferers to get enough of. Getting plenty of this vitamin is essential for the body to produce collagen, which holds the vertebrae together. Long-term wear and tear on the back breaks this collagen down, particularly if vitamin C levels are insufficient for the body to make routine repairs.
The mineral manganese is also essential to the body's repair of collagen, and must be present for the body to activate the natural anti-inflammatory, superoxide dismutase. This powerful anti-inflammatory reduces pain immediately and begins the healing process.
Calcium is another important nutrient that back injury sufferers should get plenty of. Dairy products are the most well-known source of calcium, but many leafy green vegetables also provide plenty of calcium and other minerals important for bone formation.
Alternative Anti-Inflammatory Choices
Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are known to contribute to stomach and liver problems, especially when they are used for extended periods. In contrast, natural anti-inflammatory substances cause none of these problems and even actively promote healing.
Natural enzymes are one of the best natural sources of back pain relief. Although enzymes are found in all fresh fruits, they can also be taken in supplement form to make treatment easier. Bromelain and papain, the two most common enzymes sold in supplement form, are derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively.
Another excellent supplement for relief of soreness is fish oil, which directly blocks inflammation. Taking fish oil consistently over time yields the greatest benefits in terms of back pain relief.
Patients may find that a long course of these supplements relieves their back pain for good. Once the spine has begun healing, many people benefit from milder exercises to strengthen it and prevent re-injury. Since all of the above treatments are also beneficial to the body as a whole, they are safe and are even recommended by some naturopaths to take on a continual basis to help maintain a healthy spine.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).
Nutrients to Fuel Repair
To properly repair back injuries, the body must have plenty of a number of key nutrients. Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for back pain sufferers to get enough of. Getting plenty of this vitamin is essential for the body to produce collagen, which holds the vertebrae together. Long-term wear and tear on the back breaks this collagen down, particularly if vitamin C levels are insufficient for the body to make routine repairs.
The mineral manganese is also essential to the body's repair of collagen, and must be present for the body to activate the natural anti-inflammatory, superoxide dismutase. This powerful anti-inflammatory reduces pain immediately and begins the healing process.
Calcium is another important nutrient that back injury sufferers should get plenty of. Dairy products are the most well-known source of calcium, but many leafy green vegetables also provide plenty of calcium and other minerals important for bone formation.
Alternative Anti-Inflammatory Choices
Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are known to contribute to stomach and liver problems, especially when they are used for extended periods. In contrast, natural anti-inflammatory substances cause none of these problems and even actively promote healing.
Natural enzymes are one of the best natural sources of back pain relief. Although enzymes are found in all fresh fruits, they can also be taken in supplement form to make treatment easier. Bromelain and papain, the two most common enzymes sold in supplement form, are derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively.
Another excellent supplement for relief of soreness is fish oil, which directly blocks inflammation. Taking fish oil consistently over time yields the greatest benefits in terms of back pain relief.
Patients may find that a long course of these supplements relieves their back pain for good. Once the spine has begun healing, many people benefit from milder exercises to strengthen it and prevent re-injury. Since all of the above treatments are also beneficial to the body as a whole, they are safe and are even recommended by some naturopaths to take on a continual basis to help maintain a healthy spine.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).
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