The back is a complex structure composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, joints, fat, and skin. As a result of this structural complexity, the cause of backache is often difficult to determine. A backache that may appear very severe after physical examination and X rays may produce no symptoms, while a back that appears healthy or only minimally damaged may produce excruciating pain. Thus, the amount of pain may not actually indicate the severity of the condition. As we know, sensitivity of pain varies considerably between individuals and even from day to day in a particular person.
Backache is a symptom and not a disease in itself. It always has a cause, usually an organic or mechanical dysfunction, and can be divided into two basic categories – acute and chronc. The former comes on quickly, either immediately or over a period of several hours. Chronic pain, on the other hand, develops slowly and remains for a very long time, sometimes lasting for months or even years, and often flares up intermittently. It often creates other problems besides the pain itself. These may include: tension, spasm, insomnia, and depression.
While acute and chronic backache can manifest in different ways, oftentimes they are interrelated: the acute problem leads to a chronic one or, just as commonly, a chronic condition (which can be hidden for a long period of time) causes the acute symptoms. Oftentimes, the symptoms of backache are treated regardless of their underlying causes. Experts have noted that the site of the ache is rarely the site of the dysfunction. The ache may even be made to subside without correcting the dysfunction that caused the pain in the first place.
Causes
Poor posture puts a strain on the back and can interfere with organ function. Injuries or diseases of the spine, disease of the abdominal organs, gallstones, kidney stones, infections, and ovarian cysts.
Overweight, particularly when the abdomen is large and protruding, can also put a strain on the back.
Additionally, bending, twisting, and lifting all make the back, especially the lower part susceptible to mechanical injury.
Tumors, muscle disease, degenerative joint or disc disease, pelvic or vertebral instability are also causative factors.
Other causes include Inflammation of ligament; tendon or muscle where it attaches to bone; arthritis of the joints between the vertebrae; stress – both mental and physical, as well as heredity.
Because there are so many different factors that contribute to backache, it is very important to identify what the problem is as well as how it arose. This will allow the physician to apply the most appropriate form of treatment for a person’s ailing back.
Solution
Herbs and herbal remedies administered should have multiple effects, especially in the case of chronic pain. This is so, considering the fact that it often creates other problems besides the pain itself. Herbal formulas that combine analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative plants, and sometimes, an antidepressant are commonly prescribed. For example, one herbal combination may include equal parts of Phylantus amarus- ite kwo nwa in Igbo:(for pain); Cassia tora- asuwon in Yoruba, nsibgu muo in Igbo:(for spasm); passionflower (a sedative); and peppermint (an antidepressant).
More herbs include
Equisetum sp. (horsetail, shave grass, misin-misin goro in Yoruba) – not only heals and builds connective tissue, but also normalizes the bowels and alleviates lower-back pain, much of which can be traced to a dysfunctional intestinal tract. I love this herb mostly for its high silicon content, a trace mineral required by the body for flexible joints and stronger bones. It helps maintain the strength of the body and connective tissue and possibly the walls of the blood vessel. Take internally 1-3 cups of tea, 10-20 drops of extract in a cup of liquid or 1-3 capsules daily.
Rauvolfia sp. (asofeyeje-Yoruba, akanta-Igbo): this is a valuable medicine for backache especially involving insomnia because of its efficacy as a sedative. The hypnotic action of this plant appears to have been known since ancient times. 0.25 gram of the root powder is mixed with warm water and taken once daily. In chronic conditions, take 2x daily, till symptoms are cleared.
Asystasia gangetica (nri nwaturu-Igbo, loribi-Yoruba) – leaves are charred and applied as poultice on aching parts of the body.
Alstonia boonei (egbu-Igbo, ahun-Yoruba): stem bark is decocted for 45 minutes and is helpful in all cases of pain. Take 1 teacup 2 times daily.
Datura metel (gegemu or ewe ikan in Yoruba) – a sedative, analgesic and has relaxing properties which would make a soothing infusion to be used last thing at night especially when insomnia is associated with the backache. Flowers are pleasantly scented preferably employed in bath infusions and used with caution.
Turmeric- has been used to ease the pain of sprains, bruises and joint inflammation. A pinch is taken in warm water 2 X daily. Use with black seed (Nigella sativa) for faster results.
Peppermint tea and other mints – these are rich in menthol, which is a chemical compound that can help ease the muscle tightness that contributes to many bad backs.
Moringa oleifera (okwe oyibo-Igbo; ewe ile Yoruba) – the root is scraped and rubbed with castor oil onto the affected part to relieve any type of muscular or neurological pain. The leaves are also pounded and extracted in ethanol, then strained and stored in a dark glass bottle. Apply topically on the back and other aching parts of the body.
Cassia tora (asuwon-Yoruba, nsigbu muo-Igbo) – the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic properties of this plant enhance its medicinal use for backache significantly. The leaves are decocted and drunk as an analgesic, blood purifier and excellent nerve tonic. Poultices of the leaves can also be applied topically to relieve arthritis associated with backache.
Pepper – capsaicin, which comes from red peppers, may reduce inflammation and soothe pain when applied topically. Mixed with Shea butter or olive oil is beneficial for all sorts of pain. You can also place about 30 g of pepper in a quart of rubbing alcohol. Let the mixture stand for three weeks, shaking the bottle each day. Then, apply to the affected part during acute attacks. To avoid skin irritation, wash your hands very well after applying and avoid touching the eye and other sensitive areas. Test it on a small area of skin to make sure that it’s okay for you to use before using it on a larger area. If it seems to irritate your skin, discontinue use.
Ginger compress-grate a finger of fresh ginger, wrap in a cloth then place in hot water, let it cool and apply on the affected areas.
Massage – good for arthritis, backache and joint pain. Try castor oil, olive oil or shea butter to soothe your ailing back.