Applying HEAT to the lower back:
 
Back pain sufferers, who have tense muscles, often get relief by using moist, hot towel or a dry heating pad. Lie on your stomach and place the heated pad on your back. Cover it with another towel to keep the heat from escaping too fast.

Caution: Heating pads should never be set on high and then placed on the skin. Use a towel placed in between to prevent burning.


Oriental HYDROTHERAPY:

Water therapy has been effective for many ailments. In the Orient, back pain sufferers soak their feet in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Back pain and spasm can often be relieved in this way. The nerves that go to the feet come off the lower spine column, so warming them may do the trick.

Caution: If you have ulcers, or high blood pressure you should avoid this treatment. It may stimulate blood circulation, which could indirectly stimulate acid secretion in the stomach.
It can also raise the blood pressure.


Applying ICE:

If your lower back pain is the result of a sudden strain or spasm, it's usually best to apply ice immediately to prevent an inflammation. Later on, switch to moist heat. If the moist heat does not feel comfortable, then stick with the ice, applying for short periods (10 min at a time) with towel in between many times a day.


KUNG FU:

In Hong Kong, low back pain is treated not only by doctors, but sometimes also by a master of Kung Fu. Kung Fu is also an "exercise to release sciatic nerve pain". The concentrated exercises and body control required to practice this martial art is an effective treatment and a challenging sport.


Massage Therapy:

The back pain that results in an inflammation, contributes to pain. Noxious chemicals released by damaged cells can also cause this. Movement of blood carries such toxins away from the area. So, any therapy that moves the muscles and causes increased blood flow therefore speeding up recovery. The proper massage is vital; only visit a registered massage therapist. Caution: A therapist without proper certification can do more harm than good.


Foods and Inflammation:

If your low back pain is caused by tissue inflammation, you might find relief by trying one of the natural anti-inflammatory foods. These include cherries, devil's-claw tea, blackstrap molasses, celery, feverfew, alfalfa, ginger, yucca and fish oil be sure to purchase only organic, in order to get the best benefit and the least toxins. This can take some time before having any effects.


PAPAYA and Papain:

The Fiji Islands peoples were the first to recognize the medicinal values of papaya fruit and bark of the papaya tree. It has been recognized as having possible curative abilities. Research is underway to further develop the fruit's active enzyme, papain, to treat herniated (slipped) discs in the lower (lumbar) area of the back, a frequent source of severe back pain.


Birch Bark and the Indians:

Native Indians knew that the birch tree has many medicinal uses and can be consumed without side effects. They gathered the leaves or inner bark of the black birch and steeped them in hot water to make a tea to relieve lower back pain. Hold your nose, it is not for every palate.


Chinese Tiger Balm

This natural salve is effective for the relief of back and other body pains and aches.
Chinese Tiger Balm contains aromatic oils of camphor, menthol, peppermint, clove and cajuput. When massaged it increases blood flow to surface skin thereby promoting a better circulation and relieving tense muscles.
Caution: For sensitive skin, the Tiger Balm may feel like it is burning sensation on the skin, especially in children and seniors, or after sweating.


Never mind the flatulence… Pass the Black Beans!

An ancient oriental remedy for lower back pain is to eat 2 tablespoons of black beans every day for a month. Beans are good sources of protein, which is needed for strong muscles. Lower back pain is often the result of poor toned muscles that support the spinal column.
International Remedies:

In addition, you might want to try and look 'outside the box' for some of the less common, international remedies that have been found to be safe to relieve lower back pain.

Dr. Ralph U. Sierrra:
"We now stand on the verge of a great new age in magnetic science and it's applications - a tool that has been provided by Mother Nature herself".