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Backache

Alternate Names : Backache, Low Back Pain, Lumbar Pain, Pain - Back

A pain referred along the distribution of the sciatic nerve, which supplies the lower limbs, is referred to as sciatica. Any backache which is the result of mechanical stretches, strains, ligamentous tears, or a ruptured inter vertebral disc, is very sudden and severe. Pains that are related to pelvic or abdominal organ dysfunction might not be that severe, barring kidney pain, e.g., renal colic or pain due to stones anywhere in the urinary tract.

Back pain is one of the most common ailments of mankind. Ever since human beings stood upright they have been having trouble with their backs. In fact, experts estimate that roughly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and slightly more men suffer from it than women.

Causes and symptoms of backache.

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Back pain as a symptoms.

• Back muscle injury.
• Poor alignment of the vertebrae.
• Arthritis.
• Other medical conditions like fibromyalgia.
• Sedentary living habits.
• Sciatica - a specific type of back pain.
• Back muscle spasm.
• Limitation in movement of the spine - especially bending forward and leaning back.

Home remedies for the treatment of backache or back pain.

The remedies suggested below are for non-specific backache - backache where a cause has not been found and is attributed to arthritis or aging. No manipulation or massage should be done unless an X-ray rules out the presence of a prolapsed inter vertebral disc, dislocation or fracture.

• Eat all food that is high in vitamin-C. Cabbage, guava, kiwi, papaya and the poor man's all-purpose fruit, Indian gooseberry, the highest source of natural vitamin-C. This is retained even when the fruit is cooked. Just having one fourth of a dried Indian gooseberry will suffice.
• Garlic is the most important home remedy for backache. Two or three cloves should be taken every morning. An oil prepared form garlic and rubbed on the back will give a good result in backache.
• Application of raw potato in the form of a poultice has been found very effective in this condition.
• Lemon is another useful remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily. It will give relief.
• Ask someone massage the affected area with herbal oils using knuckles and increasing pressure slowly. After a few minutes you will feel less discomfort. This gets rid of tension and relaxes the muscles in that area.

There are also specific yogic exercises for relieving back pain. Consult a yoga teacher for expert advice.

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