BACK PAIN · Spinal Health

homeopathic

Homeopathic remedies have a useful place in the treatment of back pain, although massage, chiropractic, or some sort of physical therapy may also be necessary.

6th · 12th · 30th potency

Use the 6th, 12th, or 30th potency every 2 hours in extreme pain, and approximately 4 times a day with mild pain. Continue to take it only as long as it provides relief. It is generally not necessary to take it more than three days straight.
For chronic back pain, professional homeopathic care is strongly recommended.

6c · 12c · 30c · 2h (severe) · 4x daily (mild) · max 3 days

Rhus tox.

worse on first motion, better with continued motion

When pain is primarily aggravated upon initial motion and relieved by continual motion, consider this remedy. People who benefit from it tend to feel stiff if they sit or lay down for a prolonged period. Their back pain is worse at night and causes them to be very restless in bed. Sleep tends to be very fitful due to the stiffness and pain they experience.

Mental / general

Mental: Restless, anxious; irritable from pain; worse from being still.
General: Stiffness after rest; worse at night and in bed; better from movement and warmth.
Modalities: Worse from cold, damp, first motion; better from continual motion and warm applications.

Hypericum

shooting pain from injury, nerve pain

When back pain includes shooting pains that are the result of an injury, this remedy is indicated. It is especially useful for nerve injuries and pain that radiates along the spine or into the limbs.

Mental / general

Mental: Anxious, restless; fearful of movement; sensitive to touch.
General: Shooting nerve pain; worse from touch and motion; better from pressure.
Modalities: Worse from cold and damp; better from rest and warmth.

Bryonia

worse from motion (even deep breathing), better from rest

Back pain and stiffness that is aggravated by any type of motion (even deep breathing) suggests this medicine. The pain makes people very irritable, with a strong desire to be alone. They prefer to lie still and avoid any movement.

Mental / general

Mental: Irritable, grumpy; wants to be alone; averse to company; worse from being disturbed.
General: Worse from any motion (including deep breathing); better from absolute rest and pressure.
Modalities: Worse from touch, warmth, morning; better from lying still and cold applications.

Colocynthis

cramping, spasmodic pain, better from heat and pressure

Cramping or spasmodic pain that is alleviated by heat, firm pressure, or doubling up will be helped by this remedy. People who need this remedy tend to be very irritable. The pain often forces them to bend over or curl up for relief.

Mental / general

Mental: Very irritable, angry; worse from being contradicted; intolerant of noise.
General: Cramping, spasmodic pain; better from heat, firm pressure, and doubling up.
Modalities: Worse from anger, cold, evening; better from heat, pressure, and being bent over.

Quick quiz · match the remedy

1. Which remedy is indicated when back pain is primarily aggravated upon initial motion and relieved by continual motion, with stiffness after prolonged sitting or lying down?