Low Back Pain
Low back pain affects up to 80% of people sometime in their lives, and in any given month 20 to 30% of adults have an episode. Generally, the pain is in the lower back on one or both sides, occasionally extending into the buttocks or thighs. In most people the cause of back pain is unknown. It may arise from any number of pain-sensitive structures in the lumbar spinal column, including joints, ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues.
Treatment of this painful condition can be difficult since many of the prescription medications used to treat lower back pain have significant side effects. A Cochrane review (1) has shown three herbal supplements to be effective in treating acute episodes of back pain. The herbs tested were oral administration of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) and Salix alba (White Willow Bark), and topical application of Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne). The review contained ten randomized controlled trials that included 1567 adults with non-specific acute or chronic low back pain. All three herbs reduced pain in comparison to placebo.
The most impressive improvements in back pain symptoms were seen with use of devil's claw. Two high quality trials showed a daily dose of this herb was equivalent to a low dose of a common anti-inflammatory medication. Similar results were also seen with white willow bark, although these trials were not as high in quality as the trials using devil's claw. Three trials that investigated the topical use of capsaicin showed it was better than placebo in relieving back pain.
The approaches taken by a medical herbalist depend on the particular presentation of each individual patient but would aim to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, reduce muscle spasm, promote healing, improve circulation and maintain stamina.
Herbal treatment not only relieves both acute and chronic low back pain, but may also promote healing without any negative side effects. Other therapies such as chiropractic care and massage can also be very effective for bringing about long-term healing. Nutrition and a well balanced diet are essential in preventing low back pain and regular exercise is necessary to keep back muscles strong and flexible.
If herbal treatment is used either alone or together with other treatments as part of a holistic approach it is important to inform your doctor.
1. Gagnier, J.J., van Tulder, M.W., Berman, B.M., Bombardier, C. (2011) Herbal medicine low-back pain. Cochrane Summaries. http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD004504/herbal-medicine-for-low-back-pain
Low back pain affects up to 80% of people sometime in their lives, and in any given month 20 to 30% of adults have an episode. Generally, the pain is in the lower back on one or both sides, occasionally extending into the buttocks or thighs. In most people the cause of back pain is unknown. It may arise from any number of pain-sensitive structures in the lumbar spinal column, including joints, ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues.
Treatment of this painful condition can be difficult since many of the prescription medications used to treat lower back pain have significant side effects. A Cochrane review (1) has shown three herbal supplements to be effective in treating acute episodes of back pain. The herbs tested were oral administration of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) and Salix alba (White Willow Bark), and topical application of Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne). The review contained ten randomized controlled trials that included 1567 adults with non-specific acute or chronic low back pain. All three herbs reduced pain in comparison to placebo.
The most impressive improvements in back pain symptoms were seen with use of devil's claw. Two high quality trials showed a daily dose of this herb was equivalent to a low dose of a common anti-inflammatory medication. Similar results were also seen with white willow bark, although these trials were not as high in quality as the trials using devil's claw. Three trials that investigated the topical use of capsaicin showed it was better than placebo in relieving back pain.
The approaches taken by a medical herbalist depend on the particular presentation of each individual patient but would aim to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, reduce muscle spasm, promote healing, improve circulation and maintain stamina.
Herbal treatment not only relieves both acute and chronic low back pain, but may also promote healing without any negative side effects. Other therapies such as chiropractic care and massage can also be very effective for bringing about long-term healing. Nutrition and a well balanced diet are essential in preventing low back pain and regular exercise is necessary to keep back muscles strong and flexible.
If herbal treatment is used either alone or together with other treatments as part of a holistic approach it is important to inform your doctor.
1. Gagnier, J.J., van Tulder, M.W., Berman, B.M., Bombardier, C. (2011) Herbal medicine low-back pain. Cochrane Summaries. http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD004504/herbal-medicine-for-low-back-pain
