If you’re tired of taking the same old medicine without finding much relief or experiencing side effects, take a closer look at what natural remedies for pain can offer you. One of these could be just the thing you need for effective and natural pain relief.
Back and neck pain seems to have become a universal part of everyday life. If you’re anything like me, you have searched for ways to alleviate it without resorting to pain medications.
We are fortunate that nature has provided us with answers in the form of herbs and natural remedies that can help provide that longed-for natural pain relief.
Consider giving these natural remedies a try – you might be pleasantly surprised by their ability to help you feel better.
Discover Natural Remedies for Back and Neck Pain
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a superhero spice when it comes to natural pain relief, especially back and neck pain. It contains many pain-fighting compounds known as curcuminoids, chief among them being curcumin.
Curcumin packs an effective punch against pain because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, which can help reduce back and neck pain from inflammation in these areas.
When applied topically, turmeric reduces pain, swelling and inflammation by blocking the action of inflammatory enzymes and creating an anti-inflammatory effect.
As if that weren’t enough, this yellow-orange spice also contains antioxidants that are able to break down free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Get some quality turmeric extract in capsule form for optimal pain relief. Don’t be surprised if the next time you reach for a painkiller, it’s turmeric instead!
2. White Willow Bark
White willow bark has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. This special bark, found on many species of white willow trees, contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking properties.
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese were known to use white willow bark for pain relief from headaches and muscle pain. In recent years, these properties have been harnessed to help people who suffer from back and neck pain.
Studies have shown that taking regular doses of white willow bark can aid in reducing pain and inflammation of these areas, as well as helping to increase mobility.
Its main ingredients, salicin and other plant chemicals called flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain in the body and promote healing. White willow bark also acts on neurotransmitters like those involved in pain signaling, making it an ideal natural option for relieving that nagging ache in your neck or back.
I have used White Willow for headaches for years. I find it to be an extremely useful in my “natural medicine chest.” Though, out of all the natural remedies listed here, this one in particular requires a build up of routine doses for my headaches. (The cause of which is most likely from continually working at my computer for long hours!)
3. Boswelia
It may surprise you to learn that pain relief can come from an ancient remedy like Boswellia serrata. This resinous plant material, known for being used as incense in religious ceremonies, has active compounds called boswellic acids that help assist pain relief from back and neck pain. These natural acids are known to reduce inflammation while they inhibit the enzymes associated with pain.
The primary active ingredient, Boswellic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation of the joints. Additionally, this herb contains compounds known as terpenes – specifically alpha- and beta-thujopsene – which can reduce pain intensity.
With its impressive blend of anti-inflammatory and pain alleviating properties, it’s no wonder many people around the world are turning to Boswellia as a natural way of relieving their discomfort.
4. Bromelain
Bromelain has long been touted as an effective pain relief option, and research shows that it works especially well when it comes to back and neck pain.
An enzyme found in pineapples, bromelain reduces pain and inflammation by targeting the pain’s source. It has a unique function—stimulating protein compounds called cytokines which reduce pain signals traveling between nerve cells.
Studies indicate that bromelain not only relieves pain but also becomes more effective over time, so you don’t have to worry about a quick fix — your pain can be relieved in the long-term.
Not only can bromelain help to reduce pain intensity but it can also serve as a natural pain relaxant – perfect for getting some much needed rest.
Whether due to muscle strain or old age (or both) — in my opinion, bromelain is definitely worth trying for those suffering from neck or back pain.
5. Devil’s Claw
I wrote about devil’s claw recently. While the post addressed its pain relieving capabilities, my emphasis was on joint pain in that post. However, devil’s claw is a natural painkiller that works equally hard to relieve back and neck pain.
Devil’s claw has been gaining popularity as an natural remedy / alternative treatment for musculoskeletal pain, such as arthritis, lower back pain, sciatica, and more.
.
It contains active ingredients proven to relieve inflammation and pain, making it an effective way to tackle pain common in these areas of the body.
Discovered by pastoralists centuries ago, the helpful effects of devil’s claw are largely attributed to its active ingredients harpagoside and beta-sitosterol, which help target pain sensors throughout the body. Talk about a clever remedy – one that tackles pain without masking it!
Devil’s claw, native to southern Africa, has been proven to be — what I like to refer to as — a miracle pain reliever for conditions related to pain in the back and neck.
The natural remedy is made from harvesting the secondary roots of this plant.
If you’d like to know one surprising thing you can do in bed to help you stay pain free all day long, you will want to check this out right away
Natural Remedies for Pain
In Conclusion, whether your pain is due to a anything from a pulled muscle to chronic neck or back pain, there may very well be relief available in the form of these herbs and natural remedies — added bonus — no addictive painkillers needed!
There are countless stories of people having success with these treatments (including me). However, it is important to keep in mind that no remedy will work for everyone as everyone’s pain tolerance and body chemistry is different.
All that being said, herbal remedies have certainly provided a great deal of pain relief for those who’ve been willing to try them — allowing them to get back their comfort and quality of life.