5 Home Remedies for Back Pain That Work [Slideshow]

The Basics: Heat and Cold

If an injury or pain is fresh, ice can help to reduce swelling and lessen the time needed for recovery. If it has continued over time, heat may be more appropriate to encourage blood flow to the injured area that needs repair.

Be mindful not to use heat just after pain begins, as it may potentially make it worse. Another caution to mind is not to use heat when you are feeling hot or cold when you are feeling cold. This may send an alternative signal the brain to detect a threat instead of recovery. 

Stretch and Blood Flow

Sitting and lying down when you have back pain are natural go-to's, but making sure you stretch is important for sending blood flow to the affected areas. In fact, there is an established connection between movement and treating pain. 

Light exercise may also help to strengthen the rest of your muscles and better support the back. Start slow, pay attention to how you feel, and do not proceed if you feel worsening or sharp pain. 

Try: touching your toes while maintaining as straight a back as possible, or the cat-cow pose to begin. 

CBD

If your pain is particularly from arthritis or multiple sclerosis, studies have shown that CBD can potentially help.

Basically, CBD may trigger receptors in the brain to produce pain-relieving chemicals serotonin and anandamide. In addition, it is also a strong antioxidant, which can also have an effect on healing and feeling better.

Anti-Inflammatories 

Anti-inflammatory everything (well, most things) are your friend when it comes to back pain. A variety of spices such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, clove, rosemary, and garlic can work to reduce inflammation in the body. 

Alternatively, it is best to avoid foods that may cause inflammation. These are those that are high in sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, refined carbs, gluten, and others. 

Mental Reset 

If pain is not chronic, there is a chance that your mind can help you do some healing. Override the tendency to harp on and think yourself further into feeling the pain by employing some simple meditative techniques. Deep, mindful breathing, guided meditation, overall mindfulness, and even positive thinking can work to both distract you and set you on a new mental vibration. 

The way that your brain interacts with your body is important for pain management. If you think you'll pass on the mental reset, first consider that thinking negatively can also impact how you're feeling. This manifests as lowered serotonin and dopamine levels, and the production of the stress hormone cortisol.