If you’re one of the about 65 million Americans who suffer with back pain, you may be dreading the holiday season. The holidays are filled with activities that can trigger or worsen chronic back. Spending all day cooking, cleaning, putting up a tree and lights, and carrying heavy packages, can affect our already aching backs.

Don’t let back pain ruin your holidays. These natural pain relief options will give you even more to celebrate this year!

Alternating Cold and Heat

Treating back pain with heat and cold therapies is an effective way to find relief. 

Using heat therapy will help increase blood flow, which will help your muscles relax and have more mobility. You can use a heat compress on the area of pain for 15-30 minutes and likely find some relief. This may be especially helpful if you are experiencing worsened pain due to the colder weather this holiday season.

The use of cold therapy can reduce the amount of blood flow which helps with inflammation. Because of the cold temperatures, it is best to not use it for as long as you would heat therapy. 

Exercise

Staying active has proven to help alleviate pain as well as improve people’s overall well-being. Exercise can decrease inflammation and help keep you moving, which will help with a decrease in pain. You can go for a walk, stretch, run, ride a bicycle, and more. And, strengthening your abs will also help relieve back pain.

One thing to keep in mind is where the pain is. For example, if you are suffering from lower back pain there are certain exercises you should avoid including sit-ups. Check with your doctor to find out what exercises for lower back pain they’d recommend.

Yoga Stretches

Yoga is something that many people practice for a variety of reasons. This is a relaxing and effective exercise that can help with pain.

Another great reason to practice yoga is that studies have shown that it can help relieve lower back pain.  

When your back is feeling extra achy during the holidays, take a minute to do some of these yoga stretches that are good for chronic pain:

• Downward-Facing Dog
• Extended Triangle
• Cobra Pose
• Locust Pose

As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.

Herbal Remedies

The use of herbal remedies has been shown to provide some relief from pain. Each herbal remedy is for certain issues, so knowing which to use for what type of pain is important. Some can also reduce inflammation.

One of our favorite herbal remedies includes turmeric which is an herbal medicine whose inflammation-reducing benefits are not only great for back pain sufferers but also those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Here’s an easy and delicious drink that features turmeric as well as another inflammation-fighting spice — cinnamon. 

Golden Milk Latte (Turmeric Milk)

• 1 cups oat or almond milk (ditch the dairy)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and mix well. Heat to desired temperature.

This warm drink is a perfect holiday treat!

DRS Protocol® Treatment

At Busch Chiropractic, natural treatment is offered as well. DRS Protocol® is a non-surgical, safe, and drug-free treatment developed by Dr. Richard E. Busch III.

This treatment has proven to be effective for many chronic pain conditions and has helped thousands of patients find relief from back pain without harmful drugs, surgery, or other invasive procedures.

After reviewing your films, Dr. Busch develops a treatment that is unique and effective for each patient’s condition. Take the self-test to find out if you’re a candidate for the DRS Protocol®. 

Find Natural Pain Relief Today

Try some of these natural pain relief treatments to help keep back pain from getting in the way of you enjoying the holiday season. Then, contact Busch Chiropractic to learn more about our natural treatment options.

We want you to enjoy your holiday season pain-free!