Whether you regard it as a mild inconvenience or a throbbing pain that requires immediate attention, nobody should have to deal with back pain. Unfortunately, most people opt for pain-relieving medications, which can be addictive.
While medicine can occasionally be helpful, it is a bad habit to always grab something to numb your pain rather than cure it completely. One way of completely healing your back pain is taking back supplements for long-term back therapy.
Vitamin D
Having vitamin D deficiency makes your back pain much worse. According to a study, patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis are on a higher risk of sustaining fractures, a problem that vitamin D can quickly solve. The same research shows that most people suffering from LSS have vitamin D deficiency. This is associated with the pain caused by the diseases, which limits activity, thus making it impossible for a patient to move around and obtain vitamin D from sun exposure. Taking vitamin D supplements helps in curbing the deficiency, thus relieving pain and promoting movement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While you are supposed to be staying away from fats, not all fats are harmful to your body. Omega-3 is among the healthiest fats available, and it helps in fighting inflammation, which is a significant contributor to back pain. You can boost your omega-3 intake by increasing the consumption of fish such as sardines, tuna, and salmon. Additionally, you can take capsules in supplement form to boost your omega-3 intake.
Turmeric
This is yet another supplement that has high anti-inflammatory qualities. While it is normally used in food as a spice, turmeric goes a long way in reviving and preventing back pain. Turmeric has an active ingredient known as curcumin, which fights weakness and promotes back health. Additionally, this ingredient protects your brain from degenerative disorders. It can be consumed either as a liquid extract or as a capsule. Turmeric supplements for back pain should be taken with a doctor’s prescription as too much of it can upset your stomach.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a shrub whose leaves and roots are widely known for relieving body pain. Certain properties in the comfrey plant help prevent and alleviate back pain. The roots and leaves specifically contain allantoin and rosmarinic acid. These acids promote the generation of new skin cells and combat inflammation. Besides back pain, comfrey can also be used to relieve burns, bruises, swelling in joints, and muscle sprains. Comfrey can be consumed in the form of capsules or as a liquid extract.
Devil’s Claw
This plant is found in South Africa. It is highly effective at fighting inflammation, even in patients who have acute back pain. For the plant to be consumed dry, the roots are used to make capsules. According to a study, patients who took devil’s claw supplements for eight straight weeks experienced better mobility and significant relief of their chronic back pain. Moreover, these supplements are suitable for people who have arthritis.
When consuming supplements, note that while they are a better option to over the counter medication, they are not regulated and they can still have side effects. However, not all supplements require approval by the FDA. As such, before embarking on the consumption of any supplements consult your doctor.
