Back pain is a common ailment that can have a huge impact on our daily lives, making it difficult to perform even simple daily tasks. Fortunately, there are natural remedies available that can help provide relief. Essential oils have become increasingly popular for providing relief from back pain, and they can be used in a variety of ways. In this article, we will explore how essential oils can be used to reduce back pain and provide relief. We will also discuss the various types of essential oils available and how they can be used. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how essential oils can be used to find relief from back pain.
What essential oils are best for providing relief from back pain?
The most effective essential oils for providing relief from back pain include Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Clary Sage. These oils are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle-relaxing properties that can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
How often should essential oils be applied for back pain relief?
Essential oils should be applied to the area of pain 2-3 times daily for back pain relief. Make sure to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil before applying, as some essential oils can be irritating to the skin if applied directly.
Does combining essential oils with CBD oil improve the effectiveness of pain relief?
Yes, combining essential oils with CBD oil can improve the effectiveness of pain relief. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain in the back. When combined with CBD oil, these essential oils can help to further reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Are there any side effects associated with using essential oils for back pain relief?
Yes, some people may experience side effects when using essential oils for back pain relief. Possible side effects include skin irritation, allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils for back pain relief.
Do these plant-based oils have the power to alleviate a host of ailments? Or are they simply a placebo? To get the essential heh truth, we spoke with two medical professionals to weigh in on this topic Ai Mukai M. Despite these hurdles, there are some reliable studies around essential oils. For example, one study concluded that using essential oils as aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain. Another study suggests that specifically orange oil can relieve pain. Other research has suggested that when certain oils are applied topically to the low back, such as wintergreen or peppermint, they can act as an alternative to traditional medications that may cause side effects. Mukai said when asked if essential oils work. Can it help symptoms? Some oils have anti-inflammatory properties and muscle-relaxing properties. The bottom line? Many people who use essential oils note their efficacy, even though more study needs to be done. Mukai says. He also believes that essential oils are only part of a larger integrative treatment plan, one that includes allopathic therapies, physical therapy, mind-body approaches, exercises, adequate sleep, and an anti-inflammatory diet. You might be wondering where to begin. From his experience, Dr. He shares examples of oils that may alleviate back pain, saying that lavender is an excellent choice as aromatherapy if you prefer to apply the oil topically, he advises using ginger, camphor, menthol, or rosemary. Mukai agrees that lavender can aid in pain management when used as aromatherapy and adds that orange oil is also aromatherapeutic. While they may be less effective at addressing the root cause of back pain, they can certainly help with the symptoms and manifestations. If you choose to go the topical route, Dr. This can include almond oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Find one near you today. Newsletters Clinician Site. What can we help you find? Sign Up for Our Newsletters! Follow Us! All rights reserved. All Treatments Alternative Treatments. Essential oils for back pain may be a viable complementary treatmentas long as you use them correctly. Aug 19, Shelby Deering. Medical Reviewer Jason M. Highsmith, MD. Do essential oils for back pain work? Find out what our experts have to say. Orange and lavender may be particularly effective for back pain, according to some scientific evidence. Start with a diffuser if youre new to essential oils, says Dr. Notes This article was originally published August 18, and most recently updated August 19, Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer from Madison, Wisconsin specializing in wellness, mental health, and home design. To learn more about Shelby, visit her website at shelbydeering. Alternative Treatments Jul 8, Alternative Treatments Jan 29, Alternative Treatments Nov 11, Start Survey.
After researching the effectiveness of dozens of treatment options, both medical and non-drug, they found that the best treatments for acute and subacute low back pain are non-drug treatments. With that in mind, it may be time to use natural remedies to fight back against your lumbar pain. One of the longest-known solutions is the use of essential oils. Back pain is one of the most common complaints doctors receive and is the leading reason for missed work days 1. Common conditions like sciatica and rheumatism manifest through joint pain, nerve pain and muscle tension in the back 2. Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen advil and naproxen aleve. However, if used over a long period of time, these options carry negative side effects like stomach pain and ulcers. Even worse are highly-addictive opioids, which have historically been over-prescribed by doctors, resulting in the current opioid crisis 3. Aromatherapy, which refers to the medicinal or therapeutic use of essential oils absorbed through the skin or through smell, dates back to medieval Persia 4 , offers a simpler approach to pain management which may be worth trying. Essential oils are derived from plants using steam distillation, mechanical pressing, or grating and peeling 5. Using these processes, the liquid oil solution retains the natural smell and flavor of its source. Despite the long history of essential oils being used to treat sore muscles and back pain, there is limited research on its effectiveness. Nevertheless, early results are positive. A study showed that the use of aromatherapy with essential oils resulted in significant improvement in pain 6. Another study released in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences revealed that essential oils exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic pain relieving properties 7. Essential oils are a simple home remedy for pain relief with few side effects relative to traditional pain medications. Scientific evidence on their effectiveness is mixed, however, and so drug treatments like prescription-strength NSAIDs may be necessary if your pain does not respond to home remedies and over-the-counter medication.