Surely, there were moments when we wished we could be unshackled from back pains even for a while. Whether it’s for sleeping soundly or for simply delighting activities, all of us wants to be free from this.
In formal medicine, muscle relaxers are those that depress and sedate the central nervous system through its musculoskeletal relaxant properties. Such provide instant relief from discomfort, and are used hand-in-hand with physical therapy and resting to alleviate acute back pain.
The Hazard Of Artificial Muscle Relaxers
They say that too much of a good thing can be harmful. That holds true for muscle relaxers that are manufactured with synthetic elements.
How?
It has an addictive nature that can be hard to shrug off. Yes, it shuts down the pain on your back or other affected areas like the leg, neck, or hips, but it doesn’t solve the root problem.
And rather than penetrating the muscles and related tendons, ‘muscle relaxers’ actually tweak the nervous system to feel as if the tightness and spasms in the muscle are genuinely resolved.
OTC (over-the-counter) prescriptions of muscle relaxers offer short-term relief for acute muscle pains including the back area. But with addictive consequences and some unwanted effects on the side, why go this way?
Still, nothing tops natural remedies. It doesn’t just encompass leaf compressions or other herbal elixirs, but also to the body’s natural healing prowess.
Natural muscle relaxers to relieve back pain comes with the least amount of side effect, if there is even any. Such natural medicines and methodologies are as follows:
#1: Availing A Chiropractic Session
In a plethora of statistics amassed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), 95% of past patients attest to its effectiveness, while 97% claimed that they would see a chiropractor again if neck or back pains occur.
Such patronage prompted the chiropractic profession to be predicted as having a 17% industry growth from 2014 to 2024.
Why go for chiropractic adjustments?
First, it’s a non-surgical procedure. You’ll enter and leave the premises without stitches, and without having to purchase OTC drugs. Chiropractors focus on correcting any misalignment in your spine which, more often than not, cause the back pain. Once corrected in a pain-free manner, relief is to be expected.
And who will not be rejuvenated every once in a while after hearing that cracking sound in one’s back?
#2: Nature Tea’s Organic Chamomile
In terms of anti-inflammatory properties, only a few other herbs can top chamomile. You have the option to either brew it as a tea, or mix with natural oils to create a chamomile essential oil. The latter is often applied on the back area to relieve muscle spasms or tightness.
Chamomile tea, meanwhile, is a natural muscle relaxer that is extremely easy to prepare. Just soak a tablespoon of Nature Tea’s organic Roman chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water, then let it simmer for a bit.
This product is 100% natural, as certified by the USDA. Besides soothing the muscles in your back or neck area, it’s also abundant in minerals and antioxidants. It promotes overall health too by strengthening your immune system and fortifying skin health.
With the weight reduction property that’s present in chamomile, hefty folks may also enjoy less back pain occurrences as a benefit of shedding some extra pounds.
Slight precaution: If you’re allergic to ragweed pollen (i.e., often found in chamomile preparations), it’s advisable to look for other herbal options.
#3: Herbal Choice Mari Organic Arnica Oil – Nature’s Brands (Amazon’s Choice)
Arnica oil is your go-to natural treatment if back pain is caused by strenuous activities like sports or heavy lifting.
The thymol present in arnica soothes inflammation in the affected area by allowing blood and other fluids to be transported. Remember that capillaries are often blocked and congested during inflammation.
Meanwhile, the normal healing process of the body is boosted also with arnica oil.
Nature’s Brands Arnica Oil is all-organic, as certified by the USDA. Bruises will wonderfully heal as it is free from any petroleum-based ingredients. Rest assured that it’s also spared from artificial preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMO), synthetic fragrances, gluten, corn, dairy, and soy.
With oils that are non-deodorized nor refined, arnica greatly retains its anti-inflammatory properties and effectiveness.
At just $16.99 for a 3.4 oz. glass, the price is very generous as compared to other brands.
#4: Flourish With Magnesium
Bananas are all-time favorite snacks of athletes, and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s rich in magnesium, a muscle-relaxing mineral that stabilizes functions of the muscle and nerve. With shortage of magnesium, muscle cramps and pains are more likely to occur.
Tightness in the muscles can be caused by inflexibility. Magnesium solves that problem by preventing lactic acid, which causes muscle tightening, from building up.
Other abundant sources of magnesium include brown rice, legumes, cashews, almonds, spinach, quinoa, and whole wheat flour.
Now, if your busy schedule won’t permit you from procuring such food in the market, you can choose to try OmniBiotics’ Magnesium Glycinate 200 mg. A pure, non-buffered magnesium supplement, Magnesium Glycinate is FDA-inspected so as to conform to utmost potency and effectiveness.
With a 365 day money-back guarantee, you can get the best out of your money and enjoy the 300+ biochemical reaction benefits of magnesium, which includes muscle synthesis of course.
#5: Taking The Time To Do Warm-Up Exercises
Before engaging in highly physical activities like sports and lifting, it’s imperative to stretch. If you force your muscles, particularly in the back area, to jump right into action, it’s more likely to suffer tears and soreness.
By stretching and performing warm-up exercises, you allow your important muscles to get loose. Lactic acid build-up becomes less and pains will be significantly diminished.
Strive to get at least 15 minutes worth of stretching before engaging into sports or lifting. Your warm-up routines should be cycled twice or thrice for best results.
The best thing about warming up? It’s free. All you need is to arrive early in the gym to give some leeway to perform it.
#6: Shy Away From Too Much Couch Time
This is another muscle relaxer that banks on your commitment to get – and feel – better.
Rest completely ONLY WHEN the muscle pain is so crippling. Majority of the time, the pain intensity is bearable that you can still afford to stroll around. However, it’s essential to perform light tasks a step slower so as not to aggravate your back pain.
Light activities such as brisk walks, basic household chores, or walking your dogs (no to big, forceful canines) will keep your blood flowing, allowing faster recovery time.
#7: Cold Packs
With all the banging that an active lifestyle entails, the first line of defense against back pain sustained from physical contact should be a good old ice pack.
Swelling and increased blood flow is imminent. Cold compress combats those so as to support the body’s healing mechanism. With it, inflammation is alleviated and tissue repair becomes accelerated.
How soon should you use ice pack as a precaution?
Immediately. The moment you feel that sting in your back, you should prepare it right away. Pressure it towards the affected area in a still or massaging motion. Apply for a duration not exceeding 20 minutes.
The Reusable Ice Pack for Hip & Lower Back by The Pain Soother has a 4.5/5 rating. It boasts a lasting cool that extends up to 2 hours after it becomes away from the fridge. Simply store it for 1.5 hours, and you and your company can enjoy alternating ice pack sessions.
It also comes with a compression pump that helps you to better target the spots in your back that need relief and recovery.
Besides ice, frozen loads of peas or rice can also work. Just make sure those are properly cleansed before freezing.
Wrap-Up: Natural Muscle Relaxers Are Excellent Preliminary Options
Other natural remedies include chili peppers, rosemary tub, magnesium sulfate, and ginger tea.
Also, when experiencing back pain, it’s advisable to shy away from sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. Such feeds off inflammation which slows down your recovery. If you can curb some pounds during this period, it’ll be to your best advantage.
Back pains owing to spasms, inflammation, or swelling have varying severities. The natural options mentioned in this list are best for light and moderate cases.
Remember that these options can only do so much. If back pain symptoms persist or aggravates, see a physician immediately.