When dealing with any chronic pain disorder, especially low back pain, often the best approach is to combine conventional medicine and alternative medicine. Together they can work to not only provide pain relief, but manage the stress and other symptoms that come along with chronic pain. Here is a list of a few alternative medicine options that you may find beneficial. It’s always best to discuss any new exercises or treatments with your doctor before beginning them.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture prompts the nervous system to release beneficial chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. The stimulation of nerves, muscles and connective tissue activates the body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow. As a result, the perception of pain is altered.
Yoga or Tai Chi
The Arthritis Foundation and other health organizations recommend tai chi as a way to help balance your body and mind, as well as for arthritis. Movement becomes easier when your muscles are flexible and strong and yoga and tai chi allow you to build those muscles up gradually. It allows your body to become stronger and more flexible.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to help control and reduce stress, but there are physicial benefits to it as well. These include increased energy, lower blood pressure, serotonin increase to improve mood and reduction in tension headaches, muscle and joint pain.
Massage
Massage helps to improve blood circulation and sleep, increase flexibility and range of motion, as well as giving a better posture and enhanced general well-being. If you haven’t already considered massage as an alternative therapy, you should consider trying it.
Supplements
Discuss different options with your doctor and pharmacist, but some people find relief when using supplements such as magnesium, fish oil, and vitamin D3.
Souces:
http://painmanagementtrends.com/2013/09/benefits-of-massage-therapy/
http://painmanagementtrends.com/2015/03/why-meditation-is-an-effective-treatment-for-chronic-pain/
http://www.spineuniverse.com/resource-center/lower-back-pain/complementary-alternative-medicine-cam-low-back-pain