Modern medicine can accomplish things that people mere decades ago considered to be firmly in the hands of God. There are

ways to treat cancer, delay what once would have been inevitable deaths, and help people endure great pain. However, as

wondrous as modern, conventional medicine is, there are just some things it can’t fix. For some illnesses and people, the

prognosis under conventional medicine can be grim and fraught with lifelong pain. Yet, that prognosis does not always have to

be the same when one goes for natural pain relief under an alternative system, such as naturopathy

Naturopathy is a medical philosophy and system that is considered an alternative to modern medicine, in the same way that

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine are alternatives. Unlike the two examples, naturopathy is a much younger system,

appearing on historical records sometime during the 1800s. Aside from natural pain relief, the system believes in using

natural products and treatments to stimulate the body’s capacity for repairing itself. The methods and the system itself are

considered modern and young, but the philosophical roots and theories stem from Greek, Chinese, and Indian philosophies and

treatises on health and wellness. Naturopathy, like the more ancient systems it shares many traits with, acknowledges the

connection between lifestyle, nutrition, disease, and treatment. Only in recent decades has Western medicine actually

acknowledged this link.

The difference between the natural pain relief and treatments that naturopathy provides and that of conventional medicine is

a matter of perspective. Conventional medicine will obtain data about the problem and take steps to alleviate that problem.

This is done without concern for the entirety of the person, and only lately have the involvement of other parts of the body

played a role in diagnosis and treatment. Some practitioners and observers have noted that the philosophy and systems that

form naturopathy really are not that different from the alternative medical systems of ancient origins, aside from the lack

of what might be perceived as a mystical element.

Regardless of whether the patient requires natural pain relief or some sort of anti-allergic treatment, naturopathy focuses

on the entirety and treats accordingly. For example, there is a theory that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is

related to a lack of omega fatty acids in children’s bodies, along with the inability to absorb them properly from food. A

conventional doctor would prescribe ADHD drugs for the problem, while practitioners of naturopathy would recommend a dietary

adjustment. Granted, this approach does not always work. Then again, supporters contend, conventional medicine is not always

guaranteed to work in all cases, either.

Some people, rather than advocate one or the other, prefer to integrate the two approaches. This is, according to supporters

of naturopathy, the better option when it comes to situations that have been traumatic physically or psychologically, or

would require surgical intervention. There are also certain conditions that simply cannot be countered by the body naturally

and require pharmacological solutions, such as angina, cancer, and congestive heart failure. Fortunately, most naturopathy

practitioners, like TCM and Ayurveda practitioners in China and India, acknowledge that no system is superior to another and

are able to work in conjunction with Western medical procedures.

A common problem with many adults is back pain. Many of us experience back pain caused by our daily routines such as when we spend too much time sitting while at work, or when we drive for a long period of time. Lifting heavy furnitures while cleaning up at home, working in the garden, or lifting weights in the gym can also cause back pain. These activities can sometimes put so much pressure and weight on your back causing low back injuries such as muscle strain or spasm, sprain of ligaments, joint problems, or slipped disk. When we have back pain, it affects our daily functions. The feeling of pain can be from slightly tolerable to unbearably painful. Knowing what caused your back pain is something you need to discuss with your doctor.

Slipped Disk or Herniated Disk

When a disk between the bones of the spine swells or bulges and starts pressing on nerves, a slipped disk or herniated disk occurs. This is often caused by twisting while lifting. When you have a slipped disk, you may experience difficulty in doing regular tasks or activities like sitting and bending. When the injury is severe, you will have the tendency to avoid movement due to intense pain. A lot of people don’t realize what caused their slipped disk but it is worthy to know that the injury will not lead to paralysis, and treatment is readily available.

Natural Pain Relief

Treatment options for Herniated disk or Slipped disk can fall into Non-surgical or Surgical methods. Both treatments have risk and benefit factors. It is important that you discuss it with your doctor. However, most back pain can be relieved by a few simple methods that doctors would suggest to try non-surgical means first to reduce irritation of the nerve. Natural pain relief such as enough bed rest, proper posture when sitting, walking, and lying, as well as regular exercise can do the tricks.

When sleeping, the best position is to sleep on your side with your knees bent. A pillow under your head is recommended to support your neck and may use a pillow in between your knees. You can also lie on your back on a firm mattress with pillows under your knees. Or you can lie on the floor with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair. This takes the pressure and weight off your back. You may only need about two days of this sort of rest for a hurt back. Too much bed rest can cause your muscles to weaken and slows down your recovery. Try to walk around, even when it sometimes hurt, for a few minutes every hour. Such regular movement can help maintain muscle tone but limit activities such as prolonged sitting, lifting, and bending which can aggravate the symptoms.

Proper sitting position can help provide back pain relief. Choose chairs with straight backs or low-back support. See to it that you keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Make adjustments with your seat or use a low stool to prop your feet on. When you turn, move your whole body rather than by just twisting at your waist.

Driving for long hours can strain your back. Try to sit straight by moving the seat forward to keep you from leaning forward when you reach for the controls. It may help to use a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back if you must drive or sit for a long time.

People whose work requires them to stand for a long period of time must find a way to rest one foot on a low stool from time to time, and try to switch with the other foot every 5 to 15 minutes. Maintaining a good posture is necessary in order to avoid back pain. Always try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line with your head up and your stomach pulled in.

To relax painful muscle spasms, try using heating pads for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Likewise, ice packs and massages may also give the same back pain relief benefits.

Pain Medication

Muscle relaxant medications and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to relieve pain and discomfort until the body heals itself. However, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium, may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Always consult with your doctor any medication to determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks for you.

Surgical Method

When nonsurgical therapy does not ease your discomfort or the pain is getting worse and becoming unbearable, your doctor may recommend surgical procedure as option. There are various surgeries available that range from the minimally invasive methods to a more serious procedure such as spinal fusion. The complexity of the surgery will depend on the severity of your condition.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation program may vary depending on the procedure the patient went through and the doctor’s preference. Exercise regimen may include

Exercises to strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles
Exercises to improve your posture
Stretches to increase the flexibility of your spine and legs
Exercises to maintain your cardiovascular conditioning while you recover

Prolonged bed rest is not advised as it can lead to a decrease in your overall physical condition. Get up and move with caution following your doctor’s recommendations regarding specific activities you should participate in.

indeed, back pain relief and the alleviation of other body aches is not impossible. Various drugs and therapies are now available to people who need to reclaim their health and resume their normal lives — free from pain and discomfort.

Katie Blake, age 39, a married mother of two from Somerset, UK, began suffering from chronic back pain after a near fatal car accident which occurred in January 2006. She has recently been feeling very low, due to lack of sleep caused by her back condition. When asked how her back pain had been affecting her sleep, here’s what she had to say,
“Since suffering with chronic back pain after the accident, I’ve found that I constantly toss and turn from one side to another just to try and get some relief.
There are nights when the pain seems so unbearable, almost as though my lower back is splitting in two; that trying to change sides literally leaves me in tears. So, I prop myself up with cushions and try to force myself to lie still on my back, only to wake up as stiff as a board the next morning.
When you’ve got to get up early, to sort out two young kids on after virtually no sleep at all, well, what can I say, it’s no laughing matter is it!”
Unfortunately, Katie’s story is not an isolated one. In fact, just like you, she is among one of the thousands of chronic back pain sufferers, whose quality of sleep is affected in a negative way, by their pain.
Two Thirds Of Back Pain Sufferers Have Sleep Trouble
A recent study conducted by the National Sleep Federation revealed that
As many as two thirds of chronic back pain sufferers have sleep trouble.

The more severe the pain, the more likely it is to affect sleep

Disrupted sleep can make the pain feel worse

Traditional pain relief medication, such as analgesics can disrupt the sleep patterns

and make getting to sleep more difficult.
Vicious Cycle
So as you can see, it’s pretty much a vicious cycle where you find it difficult to get to sleep because of the pain and the less sleep you get, the worse the pain feels.
Assuming you’ve been in the position, where you’ve experienced insomnia; you’re probably familiar with the effects it can have on your body, such as
Feeling un-refreshed and lacking in energy the next morning

Poor concentration levels

Feeling irritable

Impaired ability to think and speak

In a moment, I would like to offer you a glimmer of hope in the form of a natural therapy that might just help you break ‘the more pain equals less sleep cycle’, that you’ve probably become accustomed to.
Therapeutic Powers
Today, I’d like to share information with you, about a therapy that promotes the deep and restorative sleep that has been eluding you all this time. I’m talking about the natural therapeutic powers of Magnetic Therapy.
You’re probably wandering what Magnetic Therapy can do for you; well, let me begin by telling you what it is.
Magnetic therapy can be defined as a safe, natural and non-invasive method of applying high strength magnetic fields to the body for therapeutic purposes. It is a form of complementary therapy based medicine used to treat certain medical conditions by exposure to permanent or pulsed magnetic fields.

It is truly a time-tested therapy, which has been around since 2000 BC. The Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Indians and Greeks were among the first to use it and give recognition to its’ therapeutic benefits.
I feel it’s important to say that Magnetic Therapy isn’t used as some sort of mystical cure for ailments or diseases. Instead, it’s natural forces are used to kick-start your bodies own systems in to action. Next, we look at how it does this.
When high strength magnets are placed directly above the site of injury or near a major artery, they generate a localised Magnetic Field that is powerful enough to penetrate right through the skin and bones, down to the cells.
This magnetic field also triggers a chemical response, which causes the iron content in your blood to become responsive to it. This reaction results in improved blood circulation. One of the functions of blood, is to transport oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the cells, tissues and vital organs in the body.
Consequently, as the blood circulation system begins to improve, the knock on effect is that more oxygen and nutrients are transported directly to where it’s needed, i.e., to the damaged cells and soft tissues at the site of pain or injury.
On receiving the required fresh supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients, the bodies own healing processes can begin to work on repairing the damage to the cells and soft tissues at an accelerated rate. Whilst the bodies essential repair works get under way, the brain sends out signals to release the internal painkillers i.e. the Endorphins that get on with the job of relieving the pain.
As well as stimulating the bodies healing processes, the Magnetic Field also relieves pain, by tackling any inflammation present. It does this by drawing out excess fluid and toxins from the surrounding tissues and then expelling them on route via the Liver and Kidneys. Once the excess fluid and toxins are removed, the swelling will begin to reduce.
Now, you recall that earlier, I mentioned about Magnetic Therapy ‘promoting deep restorative sleep’, well stay tuned, because we’re going to get into that next.
Magnetic Therapy In Your Sleep
Here’s a fact for you,
Scientific research conducted by a key specialist in the area of Magnetic Therapy, namely, Dr. W.H. Philpott MD of Oklahoma has shown that effects of magnets are at their most powerful at night, and here’s why. Every living thing on this Earth is dependent on Magnetic Energy. In fact, the earth itself is a huge magnet, and as such produces natural Negative Magnetic Energy force.
During the day, we are exposed to the Positive Magnetic Force from the Sun and Negative Magnetic Force at night from the Earth.
The following explains the effects that each type of energy has on the human body.
Effects of Magnetic Energy
Positive Magnetic Energy from the Sun

Promotes deep and restorative sleep

Supports the healing process

Decreases inflammation and relieves pain

Increases cellular oxygen

Negative Magnetic Energy from the Earth

Stimulates wakefulness

Inhibits the healing process

Can increase inflammation and aggravate pain

Decreases cellular oxygen

According to Dr. W.H. Philpott’s theory on the effects of Magnetic Energy, the Pineal gland, located in the centre of the head, acts as a sort of control centre for the immune system, hormones, and enzymes in our bodies. This gland actually contains Magnetic crystals, and is acutely sensitive to the effects of Magnetic Energy.
The Pineal gland secretes the sleep hormone Melatonin throughout the night, when the Earth’s Negative Magnetic force is dominant. The body requires high levels of Melatonin to enable a good night’s sleep.
Significant advances in magnet technology have enabled scientists to duplicate the Earths negative energy and harness it in form of high strength magnets.
Therefore, when you use magnets to surround yourself in a Magnetic Field at night, the effects are intensified for two reasons, 1 The Earth’s Negative Magnetic Energy is at it’s most powerful and 2 The body is in its’ resting and healing phase. As such, you are able to benefit from

A deep restorative sleep that will leave you feeling energised and refreshed when you awake

Improved circulation that will feed your cells with those vital nutrients and oxygen to enable faster healing

Reduced if not eradicated aches, pains and inflammation

The effects of the bodies resting stage, which allows the body to heal itself more efficiently at night.

Hopefully by now, you can begin to see how using Magnetic Therapy can help you break, the vicious more pain less sleep cycle.
In addition, it may interest you to know that there are self-help Magnetic Products readily available that are specifically designed, to provide this nighttime therapy. They are Magnetic Bed Pads or Magnetic Mattress Covers. These products have a series of high strength magnets sewn inside them. In addition, they have been clinically proven to be a safe and effective form of natural pain relief.
So, as I bring this article to an end I just want to say, don’t let back pain continue rob you of the deep restorative sleep that your body so desperately needs. Give Magnetic Therapy a try, who knows, it could work for you.
Donna Gray
DISCLAIMER

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. The author of this article is not a medically trained physician; therefore, any theories or suggestions put forward are intended to supplement and not replace the advice of medically or legally trained professionals.

All matters concerning your health require medical supervision.

Please ensure that you consult your GP prior to adopting any suggestions put forward by Magnetics 4 Back Pain, as well as about any condition that may require medical diagnosis or medical attention.

Magnetics 4 Back Pain is not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any injury sustained either directly or indirectly from information put forward in this article.

Whenever we feel pain, it means that our body is reacting to something that is not normal and needs immediate attention. Pain is a signal that something is not right. The cause may be a physical injury, a disease, or could be an emotional upset.

Leg Pain

Leg Pain is something that is a common complaint and a common symptom for a lot of different causes such as muscle spasms or cramps, injuries, dehydration or depletion of minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium. It can also be classified as inflammatory, orthopedic, neurologic, and vascular.

Muscle Spasm

Sometimes, we feel this terribly intense pain at the back of our leg while asleep. This is called a charley horse or muscle spasm which is characterized by a tightening of leg muscles that seems like forming into a hard knot, making your leg difficult and painful to move. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax.

Tired, over-used or injured muscle is prone to spasms. When working out, always take a lot of liquids to avoid dehydration or low levels of minerals which can also predispose a person to muscle spasms. Some spasms occur because the nerve that connects to a muscle is irritated. Activities like swimming, running and jumping are prone to muscle spasm.

When muscle spasms strike, stop your activity at once. Try to stretch and massage the affected muscle area. Both heat and ice are natural pain relief which can help relax the muscle and soothe the pain. Pain medications such as non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can reduce discomfort when muscles continue to be sore. In severe cases, consult your health care provider for anti-spasm medications.

Some helpful tips to prevent muscle spasms
Stretching and massage improves flexibility.
Workouts and exercise programs should be within your capabilities.
Take lots of fluids during exercise
Eat fruits rich in potassium like bananas and oranges

Restless leg Syndrome

Another type of leg pain is restless legs syndrome RLS which is a neurological disorder that brings about a compulsory desire to move the limbs accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation as if there are insects crawling in the lower legs. Such sensations may vary depending on its severity, from uncomfortable to irritating to painful. Unfortunately, trying to relax would only activate the symptoms resulting to difficulty getting and maintaining sleep. This condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue when ignored.

Since research considers this condition as “idiopathic” which means that the cause is unknown, treatment depends on identifying the associated or underlying medical conditions. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia are sometimes associated with restless legs syndrome. Those who experience sleep disturbance will have to manage and modify their lifestyle such as minimizing if not totally avoiding alcohol or caffeine intake. Medications such as athritis pain relief or skeletal muscle relaxant drugs may be administered to those with associated medical conditions like arthritis.

Blockage of Leg Arteries

Tiredness or burning pain in the legs is caused by poor circulation and blockage of blood in the leg arteries. This pain is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. Sometimes, limping occurs due to leg cramps. This is called claudication.

Narrowed or blocked arteries can occur anywhere in the body. Oftentimes, after a period of walking, the blockage occurs in the legs, most commonly in the calf or the foot. This is called intermittent claudication and is relieved by enough leg rest.

Home Care and Treatment

A healthy diet is important and a daily program of walking for short periods, and stopping when there’s pain or cramps, may help improve your condition. Avoid wearing tight shoes.
However, make sure to let your doctor check any non-healing wounds on the lower legs and feet. When leg pain does not go away, remains hot, red and swollen, seek medical help immediately.