Natural Remedy News
Optimizing Sleep Positions for Lower Back Pain Relief
Are you experiencing lower back pain while sleeping? Sleep is an important component to your overall health, and if back pain is the culprit, it can make for a challenge to catch some z’s.
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Eczema and Stress: The Connection and How Homeopathy Can Help
Most people don’t consider eczema as a severe ailment. However, it can still be a pain when it disrupts your daily life. One of the most frustrating parts of this chronic skin disease is the random flare-ups that happen with no obvious cause of what triggered them.
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Managing the Connection: Stress and Its Impact on Lower Back Pain
It’s no secret that high levels of stress can affect the body beyond the brain. And if not managed, it can contribute to physical issues, including lower back pain. So much so that the more a person deals with stress, their back pain can become exacerbated.
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Exploring Neuropathy Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Coping Strategies for Relief
Have you experienced shooting or burning pain that can come and go but at times be unbearable? If so, you may have nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system, also known as neuropathic pain.
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The Surprising Connection Between Diet, Chronic Inflammation and Lower Back Pain
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Did you know that by making a few tweaks to your diet you can alleviate lower back pain, opens in a new tab? When a person experiences chronic inflammation, opens in a new tab, it can contribute to various health issues, including back pain. Sometimes, the solution is all a result of what you are putting into your body.Can Certain Foods Cause Inflammation?Yes! Foods that are over-processed, fried, and quick and ready to eat out of the box are packed with added, opens in a new tabGo to foods that cause inflammation sugar. Those foods may include fast food, processed meat such as hot dogs, ham, bacon, candy, sweetened snacks such as cereal, red meat, alcohol, battered, deep-fried foods, and soda.Sure, all things can be fine in moderation, but if you tend to overeat ultra-processed foods and have back pain, it may be your diet.Anti-Inflammatory FoodsBy incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, you may start to notice a change in the amount of pain you feel in your lower back. Those foods include:Fatty Fish: Certain fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Try adding in salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout as a substitute to red meat.Berries: Various berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.Leafy Greens: By adding in spinach, kale, and Swiss chard into your diet, you will reap the benefits of vitamins and minerals that have anti-inflammatory effects.Nuts and Seeds: Various nuts contain healthy fats and antioxidants that can combat inflammation and alleviate lower back pain. Those include almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds.Turmeric: Turmeric is widely known to have anti-inflammatory properties because it contains a spice called curcumin. When cooking, consider adding turmeric to your dishes or take a supplement. Whole Grains: When you can, incorporate whole grains into your diet such as brown rice, quinoa and whole wheat over refined grains. Whole grains contain fiber and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation.Dairy Alternatives: Some may experience more inflammation from dairy products. Great substitutes can include almond milk, coconut milk or any lactose-free products.Healthy Fats: Avoid trans fats by substituting with healthier fats. Those may include products such as olive oil, avocado and nuts. All in which have anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce back pain.
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Understanding and Alleviating Calf Muscle Pain
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. Have you ever experienced a dull, sharp aching pain in the back of your lower leg? It could be the result of an issue in your calf muscle. While concerning, it’s important to know this type of injury is common for all activity levels.Whether you’re an athlete, an avid walker, or someone who is constantly on their feet, calf pain can be a real issue. That said, what causes calf muscle pain?Calf Muscle Pain CausesCalf pain can be a result of many different issues. The most common conditions, opens in a new tab are as follows:Muscle Strain: A muscle strain typically occurs due to the overuse of a specific muscle. In the case of the calf, this could be from exercises that overexert the lower leg such a running, powerlifting, biking, playing tennis, soccer, etc. Once strained, a person may experience limited range of movement, pain and soreness.Muscle Cramps: Cramps in the calf are sudden and painful contractions of the muscle that can last a few seconds or several minutes. They’re usually caused by dehydration, exercise, injuries and mineral deficiencies.Achilles Tendinitis: The Achilles tendon connects the plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the back of the ankle. Achilles tendinitis occurs by overuse, strain or stress on the tendon and causes pain in the heel or behind the calf when you touch or move it.Poor Footwear: If an individual has shoes that don’t fit properly, the lack of support can cause issues in the feet, lower leg and calf muscle.Sciatica: Sciatica, opens in a new tab occurs when an individual has herniated a disc in their back, and as a result, it has put pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve controls muscles in the lower leg and back of the knee and can cause pain, numbness, and tingling. All which can cause pain in the calf muscle.Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy DPN: DPN, opens in a new tab is a form of nerve damage caused by diabetes and pain may be experienced in the feet and lower leg.Compartment Syndrome: When too much pressure builds up within the muscles, a condition such as compartment syndrome occurs. The symptoms may include severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, trouble mobilizing and severe tightness. If this is the case for you, it’s important to seek medical intervention immediately.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Another serious condition is DVT, opens in a new tab, which is the result of a blood clot forming deep in the vein in the arm, leg and calf. Symptoms may include visible veins, swelling in the leg, cramping, leg pain, and skin discoloration. If you develop the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.How To Prevent Calf Muscle PainAs with any muscle condition, there are ways to prevent injury and overuse of your calf muscles. Simple precautionary measures such as warming up and stretching before exercising and wearing proper footwear can make all the difference. Other preventative measures may include: Hydration: It’s important to drink a lot of water. By staying adequately hydrated, you can prevent muscle cramps. Gradual Progression: Check in with your body. If you haven’t been running, don’t try and run 10 miles. By gradual progressing in an activity you can start training your muscle to endure a new intensity level. Strength Training: Focus on building strength in your calf muscles at the gym. The more you strengthen various muscles, the more likely you can reduce the risk of injury. Treatment Options For Calf Muscle PainIf you have strained your calf muscle or have cramping that isn’t going away, there are natural ways to help alleviate the pain. A common treatment includes the RICE, opens in a new tab method.Rest the areasIce the area for 20 minutes, using a covered ice pack.Compress the area with a bandage (but if the pain gets worse, loosen the bandage).Elevate the lower leg by sitting or lying down so the leg is above the level of the heart.Other options do include taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and mobility exercises and taking a break from all activity that may exasperates any pain in the calf muscle. If the pain hasn’t gone away with any of the above treatments, consult your doctor or medical provider
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Understanding the Different Types of Pregnancy-Induced Back Pain
Having trouble with lower back pain during pregnancy? Read on to learn more about the different types and how they can be managed through natural remedies.
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Unmasking the Silent Struggle: Understanding the Impact of Chronic Pain on Daily Life
Living with chronic pain can be isolating and exhausting. Learn more about its impact on daily life, and explore natural remedies to help you manage your symptoms.
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Ergonomics; Creating a Back-Friendly Workspace to Combat Lower Back Pain
Are you struggling with lower back pain? Discover how ergonomics can help! Learn the simple steps in creating a back-friendly workspace that will give you long lasting relief.
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