A lot of us suffer from back pain, some of which can be down to herniated discs, arthritis, for many women it can be a weakness caused from our child carrying days or it could be down to something completely different.

The centre of the back can be thought of as a column made up of 33 pieces of bone called the vertebrae. The spinal column is strengthened by ligaments, which run the length of the spine and is supported by muscles, which attach to the vertebrae through tendons. It is important to have back pain diagnosed by a doctor and if required see a chiropractor or osteopath regularly. If the pain is not chronic, but comes and goes, then regular massage and a few helpful natural remedies can be enough to keep the aches at bay.

HELPFUL TIPS

We need to remember to bend & lift properly, always be aware of your back whilst moving heavy items or doing exercise, even whilst walking or sitting in a chair, maintain good posture.
Try and avoid or reduce foods & drinks containing caffeine, caffeine reduces the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals.

Reduce your intake of meat & sugar, these foods exacerbate inflammation. Stress is also a huge factor for exacerbating inflammation in the body, so try, wherever possible, to maintain positive.

Eat oily fish at least twice a week. And fresh rosemary in your meals is great for improving circulation and aiding healing.

Ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, onions and garlic are all great natural anti-inflammatories. Get adding a teaspoon of turmeric to your rice dishes, curries, soups & stews to reduce the pain.
Green leafy vegetables, berries (especially cherries) are all rich in vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen, great for the bones.

Epsom salts in a bath can help eliminate the toxins from the joints and re-alkalize the body.

Aromatherapy massage- the essential oils penetrate into the bloodstream and really help calm muscle spasms. Lavender, Eucalyptus, Roman Chamomile, Black Pepper or Wintergreen to name a few, are great oils for this.

Wheat or Lavender bags heated in the microwave are also a good aid for easing it before sleep.

In exercise, yoga is a great choice for improving flexibility, a good stretch, a good mattress & plenty of sleep also very good for maintaining a healthy back.

Take advantage of my April offer- Aromatherapy Back Massage- Only 20 euros! T: 693 018 046