HOME REMEDIES FOR BACKACHE

Most backaches begin while bending forward to pick up something from the floor. The pain usually comes on suddenly without warning, and it may be very difficult to straighten up to a standing position again. In most cases it is felt either in the middle of the back or lower down on one side. If a spinal disc is involved, the pain may extend down the thigh and leg along the sciatic nerve on that side.
The most common cause of backache may be due to decrease in exercise that makes the muscles of the back strong and healthy. Flabby muscles then produce a wobbly spine, followed by pain, spasm and misery especially if a disc is ruptured.
Weakened muscles and damaged discs are not the only causes of low back pain. Other causes are menstruation, pregnancy, female disorders, kidney and bladder conditions, as well as rectal and prostatic diseases. Usually these bring little or no pain on moving the back.
Arthritis of the spine is another common cause of low back pain. Fracturesof the spine often result in severe back pain. A qualified surgeon who can prescribe any appliances or supports that may be needed should treat such conditions.
A sprained back is the result of a bending or overextension of a joint beyond its capacity. Any unexpected twisting of the body, such as in car accident, may cause a badly sprained back. But merely bending over to pick up one’s shoes may also produce a sudden pain in the middle of the back, making it difficult to straighten up again. All movements must then be restricted to prevent further pain.
Regular exerciseis important. As soon as the pain begin to decrease, the patient should lie on the floor with his hands behind the neck and raise the legs high in the air. First one at time, then together. Repeat this a dozen times each morning and night. Careful bending from side to side and also rotating the upper part of the body while holding the lower part steady will help to strengthen the back and keep the muscles strong and healthy. At the same time it will restore tone to all tendons, ligaments and joints.
Another condition known as osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, is often seen in elderly people. This may cause collapse and wedging of one or more of vertebrae, due to the weakening of the bones, which often occurs in the later years of life. Such conditions need careful medical management to prevent further deformity and pain. They should be given a good diet, including sufficient amount of protein and calcium to restore the tissues of the bones.
Neck pain that arises from long hours at the desk or by driving car for long can be relieved by certain neck exercises. These include rotating the head clockwise and anticlockwise, allowing the head to drop forward and backward as far as possible and turning the head to the right and left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen up contracted neck muscles, which may restrict the blood supply to the head.
The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce and at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach and plenty of fruits, all except bananas.
The patient should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods; curd, sweetmeats and sugar; condiments; and tea and coffee.

Most backaches could be avoided following a few simple rules:
1. Lift with legs, not the back. Bend your knees when you wish to pick up something heavy. Keep the back straight.
2. Avoid overexertion. A person who is not accustomed to heavy lifting should not try to carry too much at a time.
3. Exercise regularly. Don’t overdo a good thing like exercise. Taking a moderate amount regularly will do more good than strenuous exercise on rare occasions.
4. Change your position frequently. Avoid cramped sitting positions that bring on fatigue. Move around. Keep flexible.
If you do have back trouble, do not worry. With proper treatment your back will soon be better.

HOME REMEDIES FOR BACKACHE

* A dose of powdered Sonth, Meetha soda and Namak (salt), if taken with hot milk or water, decreases backache.
* The most important home remedy for backache is garlic. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning to get relief. Oil prepared from garlic and rubbed on the back will give immediate relief.
* Lemon is another useful home remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily gives immediate relief.
* Chebulic myroblan is effective for the treatment of backache. A small piece of this fruit should be eaten after meals. This will give quick relief.
* Vitamin C is also useful in treating the severe backache. About 2,000 mg of this vitamin should be taken daily for treating this condition.
* Raw potato is an ancient home remedy for backache, Application of raw potato in the form of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition.
* Hot fomentation, alternate sponging, or application of heat to the back will also give immediate relief.
* Boil ten tulsi leaves in one cup of water until the syrup is reduced to half a cup. Add salt to it after cooling. Take this mixture daily. For severe backache, take it twice a day.
* A self-massage with eucalyptus oil is also very effective remedy, mustard oil can also be used.
* Guggulu is very helpful for backache treatment. Eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.
* a mixture of five black pepper corns, five cloves and one-gram dry ginger powder can be taken with tea at least twice a day tp reduce backache.
* For backache treatment take half a gram of dalchini powder with one-teaspoon honey at least twice a day.