Exercise Ball Therapy
Exercise balls, or Swiss balls, are used to strengthen the core muscles around the spine that provide stability. Doing exercises with the ball engages these core back muscles for stability and balance.
To strengthen stability muscles, sit on the exercise ball and gently bounce it for 30 minutes per day. Light bouncing will engage the spinal and abdominal muscles and strengthen but not strain them.
For a more challenging exercise, lie on the ground with outstretched legs. Put the exercise ball under the calves and place the arms, palms down, on ground. Lift the buttocks up to six inches off of the ground, engaging the abdominal muscles, and hold for five seconds. Repeat this exercise two to three times per day.
Acupuncture Therapy
Eastern cultures have used acupuncture since ancient times to enhance energy flow throughout the body. Western researchers are still reviewing exactly why acupuncture seems to relieve pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves and muscles to increase blood flow to the area as well as releasing endorphins, which act as natural pain killers.
While western medicine has started to adopt acupuncture as part of pain relief treatment, scientists are still testing the efficacy of acupuncture.
Acupuncture works by inserting tiny needles into specific areas of the body, or meridians, which trigger the release of energy to parts of the body. Licensed acupuncturists determine how long the needles must be left in.
Cayenne Pepper Therapy
The properties within cayenne pepper are used as a topical application for back pain relief due to its ability to increase blood flow to the area to which it's applied. Capsicum is the main active ingredient in cayenne pepper, and it is used in some arthritis creams.
There are two different methods that can be used to treat back pain with cayenne pepper. To avoid any allergic reaction, test the following topical applications on a small area of skin. Never apply these ingredients to sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, mouth or genitals.
In the first method, mix one quart of standard rubbing alcohol with one ounce of cayenne pepper and shake for 30 seconds. Repeat this every day for three weeks, the length of time required for rubbing alcohol to fully absorb the cayenne pepper. After three weeks have passed, take a medium-sized cotton pad and gently rub the solution directly onto the affected area. Immediately wash hands after use.
In the second method, bring one pint of water to a rolling boil and then add one ounce of cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. Add one pint of rubbing alcohol and then pour the solution into a covered container. Once the mixture is at room temperature, apply to the back as needed with a cloth or cotton pad.
Tags: cayenne pepper, back pain, rubbing alcohol, abdominal muscles, According Mayo