Back Pain Be Gone: Explore Natural Paths to Relief and Wisdom

Back pain is not just a simple discomfort; it can serve as a teacher, instructing us on how to better understand our bodies and the connection between our mental and physical selves. Dealing with pain naturally and mindfully can lead to relief and an enhanced appreciation for preventing back pain and working towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Different Faces of Back Pain

Recurring, chronic back pain is a hard experience to go through. Seeking relief can often lead to drug addiction, depression, and disability if it spirals out of control. It’s important to note that neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, and tailbone discomfort can be caused by different issues and should be treated accordingly.

My recurring lower back strain began during my college years, as I engaged in various sports and activities. I noticed that after resting and being mindful of my bending and lifting habits, the pain would heal within a few days. This offered me an opportunity to reflect on the possible psycho-emotional causes of my discomfort. As Louise L. Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, writes, “The back represents our support system. Problems with the back usually mean we feel we are not being supported. Too often we think we are only supported by our job or by our family or spouses. In reality, we are totally supported by the universe, by Life itself.”

Chronic Back Pain

For some individuals, back pain is chronic and lasts longer than three months. Occasional pain is linked to infection or cancer, but they account for less than 2% of chronic back pain. Most commonly, back pain comes from a musculoskeletal problem involving compressed nerves trapped by subluxations (slipped spinal bones), disc herniation, strained muscles, or degenerative arthritis. Irritated nerves then carry pain impulses.

Headaches and Neck Pain

Neck pain can also give rise to headaches. For instance, tension headaches in the forehead or temple area originate from strained or irritated neck muscles and connective tissues. Chiropractic treatments, such as the gentle realignment of the top two vertebrae on the spinal column, are known to relieve neck pain and headaches effectively.

Thoracic, Lumbar, and Tailbone Pains

Thoracic, lumbar, and tailbone pains typically originate from problems within the spinal column and the associated nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord. Healing these problems may involve a combination of yoga exercises, dietary adjustments, massage therapy, and chiropractic interventions.

A successful remedy for chronic back pain may also include daily traction (with a calibrated mechanical table or home inversion table), stretching, exercise, proper nutrition, and a positive mental-emotional focus. Even disc herniation can eventually heal, much like a sprained ankle repairs itself with proper treatment.

Comparing Surgery to Natural Healing

In contrast to these natural healing methods, surgery for disc herniation and spinal stenosis include discectomy, spinal fusion, and laminectomy. However, a 2009 review of back surgery reported that surgical treatment is only moderately more effective than conservative, non-surgical methods, and its benefits usually decline over time¹.

Lessons Learned from Back Pain

Back pain can teach you to confront your psycho-emotional challenges and understand what requires attention. Addressing worries, fears, or other emotional issues is crucial to healing from back pain.

Back pain can also teach you about your own coping mechanisms. Instead of immediately reaching for pain pills, learn to work through the pain and take responsibility for your active road to recovery. Let the pain show you the value of being more appreciative and patient with those around you.

In the years following my college days, I have had many sudden episodes of lower back strain. Each serves as a wake-up call, reminding me to remain mindful of my health and well-being.