How do You Get Rid of a Headache Without Taking Pills?

Low back pain can stem from various injuries, conditions, or illnesses, with the most common cause being damage to the muscles or tendons in the back.

The severity of pain can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to intense agony. At times, the pain can hinder mobility, sleep, work, or routine tasks.

Typically, rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy (PT) are effective in improving lower back pain. Cortisone injections and hands-on therapies, such as osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation, can alleviate pain and facilitate the recovery process. Surgical intervention may be necessary for certain back injuries and conditions.

back pain
back pain

How to Relieve Low Back Pain Naturally ?

Relieving low back pain naturally can be effective in managing discomfort and promoting healing. Here are some natural approaches and home remedies that can help alleviate low back pain:

  1. Rest: Give your back a break by resting in a comfortable position. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, but don’t stay immobile for too long, as gentle movement is important for recovery.
  2. Ice and Heat Therapy:
    • Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours after the onset of pain. Ice helps reduce inflammation and numb the area.
    • Heat: After the initial 48 hours, you can switch to heat therapy using a heating pad or warm compress for 15-20 minutes at a time. Heat relaxes muscles and increases blood flow, which can help with healing.
  3. Gentle Stretching and Exercise: Engage in gentle stretching exercises that target the lower back and surrounding muscles. Stretching can improve flexibility and relieve tension. Activities like yoga and tai chi may be beneficial.
  4. Take walks. Walking is a very safe and good exercise. Brisk walking at work or outside will help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep pressure off your back.
  5. Lift correctly. When you lift something heavy, it’s very easy to twist the wrong way. This can lead to muscle spasm and pain. Use proper body mechanics by engaging your leg muscles, not your back, when you pick up heavier items. Get help if the item is too much for you to lift alone.
  6. Watch your weight. Extra weight puts a strain on your back. In order to deal with extra weight, your spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. The back may lose its proper support and develop an unnatural curvature of the spine over time.
  7. Strengthen Your Core Muscles: Building core strength can help support your spine and reduce the risk of future low back pain. Focus on exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, such as planks and bridges.Engaging in yoga is a highly effective approach for achieving a range of benefits for your back and overall musculoskeletal health. Yoga can aid in:
    • Stretching Your Back: Yoga exercises are designed to gently stretch and lengthen the muscles and tissues in your back, promoting flexibility and relieving tension.
    • Enhancing Muscles and Joint Health: Regular practice of yoga can improve the strength and stability of the muscles and joints in your back, leading to better support for your spine.
    • Improving Blood Circulation: Yoga poses and movements encourage the circulation of healing nutrients throughout your body, aiding in the healing and maintenance of your back.
    • Increasing Spinal Flexibility: Yoga is particularly effective in enhancing the flexibility of your spine, which can alleviate stiffness and promote better range of motion.
  8. Good Posture: Maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, and lifting objects. Avoid slouching or hunching, and use ergonomically designed chairs and workspaces if possible.It’s crucial to pay close attention to the health of your spine and hip joints and muscles. To prevent fatigue and reduce stress on these vital areas, consider following these simple tips:
    • Limit Prolonged Sitting: Avoid sitting for extended periods of time, especially in positions that place pressure on your spinal discs. If possible, use a standing desk during work hours. Remember to take short breaks every hour, stand up, and walk a short distance to relieve the strain on your discs.
    • Maintain Proper Posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. Ensure that your neck, shoulders, and back are aligned correctly to minimize stress on your spine. Poor posture can contribute to various back problems, including pain and discomfort.
    • Alternate Activities: Rotate your activities to prevent over-fatigue of specific muscles and joints. For example, if you’ve been standing and working for an extended period, consider switching to a seated task to give your muscles and joints a chance to rest and recover. You can return to a standing position once they’ve had an opportunity to relax.
  9. Sleep Support: Use a supportive mattress and pillows that promote proper spinal alignment while sleeping. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help alleviate pressure on the lower back.To enhance your sleep quality naturally, consider trying these various sleep aids individually to determine which one suits you best:
    • Vitamins C and B6: The body’s natural steroids play a vital role in regulating metabolism and promoting restful sleep. Supplements of vitamins C and B6 are recognized for their ability to support the production and regulation of natural steroid hormones.
    • Melatonin: Melatonin, your body’s innate sleep hormone, can be taken as a supplement to improve your sleep-wake cycle and encourage better sleep patterns.
    • L-theanine: This amino acid, present in tea leaves, has the potential to induce relaxation and contribute to improved sleep for some individuals.
    • Valerian: Supplements derived from the root of the valerian plant are believed to facilitate quicker sleep onset and longer-lasting sleep, aiding in achieving a more restful night.
  10. Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, turmeric, ginger, and fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation and pain.Regularly indulging in these healthful drinks may contribute to alleviating your back pain.
    • Turmeric Milk: Turmeric, an Asian spice, is brimming with antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. A simple way to integrate turmeric into your diet is by mixing a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, you can add honey or stevia to the milk. Consume this elixir, ideally just before bedtime, allowing the anti-inflammatory processes to work their magic as you sleep. For those who find dairy products to be inflammatory, opting for plant-based alternatives like almond milk can be a helpful choice.
    • Tart Cherry Juice: Cherries are renowned for their wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Cherry juice can provide relief from muscle pain, whether it’s chronic or exercise-induced. You can readily find cherry juice, often containing tart cherry extract, at grocery stores. Try incorporating a daily glass of cherry juice into your routine to assess its positive impact on easing your back pain.
    • Ginger-Green Tea: Another option to explore is infused herbal beverages, like ginger-green tea. This delightful blend combines the pain-relieving properties of green tea and ginger. Ginger-green tea bags are readily available at grocery stores, offering you the convenience of savoring a cup either at work or in the comfort of your home.
  11. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain the elasticity of spinal discs, reducing the risk of low back pain.
  12. Herbal Remedies: Some herbs and supplements, such as devil’s claw, white willow bark, and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties and may provide relief. Consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies or supplements, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
  13. Mind-Body Techniques: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and muscle tension, contributing to pain relief.
  14. Massage Therapy: Regular massage therapy sessions from a qualified therapist can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce tension in the lower back.
  15. Quit smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow to the discs that cushion your vertebrae. This could lead to quicker disc degeneration. Smoking also reduces calcium absorption and new bone growth.
  16. Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing.
  17. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and improve joint function, potentially providing relief from low back pain.
  18. Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep each night to allow your body to heal and recover.Sleeping flat on your back puts pressure on your spine. Elevate your knees slightly by placing a pillow under them. If you’re a side sleeper, put a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your back.
  19. Warm Pool: Taking advantage of the buoyancy of water can provide numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to exercise and pain management. Here’s why exercising in water can be advantageous:
    • Reduced Impact: The buoyancy of water significantly reduces the impact and stress on your joints and muscles compared to exercises on land. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with conditions that cause pain or limited mobility.
    • Pain Relief: Exercising in water can help alleviate pain by promoting muscle relaxation and reducing nerve sensitivity. The gentle resistance of water can also aid in strengthening muscles without causing excessive strain.
    • Improved Circulation: Water therapy exercises can enhance circulation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like arthritis or chronic pain.
    • Enhanced Flexibility: The natural resistance of water supports improved joint flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to perform exercises that may be challenging on land.

    If you prefer warmer water temperatures, you can explore two options:

    • Water Exercise Classes: Many fitness centers offer water exercise classes conducted in pools with temperatures around 83 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. These classes often include a variety of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness while minimizing discomfort.
    • Hydrotherapy Pools: Hydrotherapy pools are typically maintained at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These warmer pools are especially beneficial for individuals seeking relief from muscle tension, pain, and stiffness. Hydrotherapy sessions are often guided by therapists and may involve specific exercises and treatments.

20. Taking a Vitamin D3 Supplement : Supplementing with vitamin D3 can be beneficial for individuals with the approval and guidance of their healthcare provider. Vitamin D is crucial for several bodily functions, including bone health, neuromuscular function, and immune system support. Here’s how vitamin D3 supplementation may help reduce back pain:

    • Calcium Absorption: Vitamin D plays a vital role in enhancing the absorption of calcium from the digestive system. Adequate calcium levels are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
    • Bone Strength: By improving calcium absorption, vitamin D contributes to the overall strength and health of bones. This can be particularly important in preventing or managing back pain caused by conditions like osteoporosis or vertebral fractures.

How Many Pain Relief Pills Can You Take ?

The largest group of over-the-counter painkillers are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As their name suggests, they also reduce inflammation but – unlike other anti-inflammatory medicine – do not contain steroids. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are used in the treatment of many different kinds of pain, including headaches, period pain and toothache. NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation and also lower fever.

There are more than ten different NSAIDs, but not all of them are available without a prescription or in every dose. In Germany and other countries, the following NSAIDs are available over the counter:

    • Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, the drug in medicines like “Aspirin”) (in doses of up to 500 mg per tablet)
    • Diclofenac (up to 25 mg per tablet)
    • Ibuprofen (up to 400 mg per tablet)
    • Naproxen (up to 250 mg per tablet)

These medications are also by far the most commonly used NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is another very widely used painkiller. While also relieving pain and lowering fever, it doesn’t reduce inflammation (unlike NSAIDs).

In some medications it is combined with an NSAID (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen). Caffeine is sometimes added too. It isn’t clear whether these kinds of combinations have any advantages or disadvantages over using the active ingredients separately. There are no good-quality studies comparing combination medications with individual drugs.

How do NSAIDs Work?

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX enzymes). There are two main types of COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX-2.

  1. Inhibition of COX Enzymes: NSAIDs block the action of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that play a role in inflammation, pain, and fever.
  2. Reduction of Prostaglandin Production: By inhibiting COX enzymes, NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for promoting inflammation, sensitizing pain receptors, and causing fever. By decreasing prostaglandin levels, NSAIDs help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
  3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: NSAIDs exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory response. This can help decrease swelling, redness, and heat associated with inflammation.
  4. Analgesic Effects: NSAIDs have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties by blocking the production of prostaglandins that sensitize pain receptors in the peripheral nervous system and spinal cord. This helps reduce the sensation of pain.
  5. Antipyretic Effects: NSAIDs also have antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins involved in fever regulation in the brain’s hypothalamus.

It’s important to note that while NSAIDs are effective at reducing pain, inflammation, and fever, they can also have side effects, particularly when used at high doses or for prolonged periods. Common side effects of NSAIDs include gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, bleeding, kidney problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it’s essential to use NSAIDs as directed by a healthcare professional and to avoid exceeding the recommended dosage or duration of use.

What is the Right Dose of Pain Relievers?

The risk of side effects and complications can be reduced by using the lowest dose possible. It is generally important not to exceed the maximum single dose or the maximum daily dose. The information in the following table applies to Germany but may be very similar in other countries.

Table: Maximum daily dose for adults (without a prescription)

Drug Maximum single dose Maximum daily dose
ASA 1,000 mg 3,000 mg in people under 65, 2,000 mg in people over 65
Diclofenac 25 mg 75 mg
Ibuprofen 400 mg 1200 mg
Naproxen 500 mg 750 mg
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) 1,000 mg 4,000 mg
Fixed-dose combination of acetylsalicylic acid
(ASA), acetaminophen and caffeine
500 mg ASA / 400 mg acetaminophen/ 100 mg caffeine 1,500 mg ASA / 1200 mg acetaminophen / 300 mg caffeine

So if someone has a packet of 400 mg ibuprofen tablets, for instance, they should not take more than three tablets per day (24 hours).

Different NSAIDs shouldn’t be combined with each other. But an NSAID can be combined with acetaminophen if one medication alone isn’t effective enough.

Who has a particularly high risk of complications?

A number of personal factors increase the likelihood of NSAIDs causing problems. The risk of developing stomach or bowel problems is greater if you

    • are over the age of 65,
    • currently have a stomach ulcer or gastritis, or had one of them in the past,
    • have chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis),
    • take several NSAIDs at the same time,
    • are taking low-dose acetysalicylic acid (“Aspirin”) to prevent complications following a heart attack or stroke,
    • are taking anticoagulant (anti-clotting) medication, steroid medication or SSRI antidepressants.

NSAIDs also increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes, particularly in people who have already had one. These complications are more likely if you already have other kinds of cardiovascular disease or if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure.

In people who have decreased kidney function, taking NSAIDs can increase the risk of acute kidney failure. It is especially important for them to avoid taking too high a dose.

Which symptoms could be signs of complications?

Side effects like mild indigestion are not a cause for concern. But you should see a doctor if you have frequent or severe stomach pain, or if you notice signs of bleeding in the stomach. These include the following:

  • Black-colored stool (bowel movements)
  • Vomit with blood in it (red or black vomit)
  • Anemia symptoms such as exhaustion, shortness of breath during physical activity, or pale skin

In rare cases, ulcers can lead to perforation of the stomach wall (perforated ulcer). This complication is associated with sudden and very strong stomach pain. Perforation of the stomach wall is a life-threatening condition, so these symptoms should be taken seriously and the emergency services should be called immediately.

How can complications be prevented?

You can lower the risk of painkiller-related side effects and complications by paying attention to the package insert and

  • always taking “as little as possible, as much as necessary,”
  • only taking painkillers for as long as really needed,
  • watching out for possible interactions with other medications, and
  • checking whether certain painkillers aren’t suitable if you have any of the risks or medical conditions described above.

Which symptoms could be signs of complications of taking Pain Relievers ?

Side effects like mild indigestion are not a cause for concern. But you should see a doctor if you have frequent or severe stomach pain, or if you notice signs of bleeding in the stomach. These include the following:

  • Black-colored stool (bowel movements)
  • Vomit with blood in it (red or black vomit)
  • Anemia symptoms such as exhaustion, shortness of breath during physical activity, or pale skin

In rare cases, ulcers can lead to perforation of the stomach wall (perforated ulcer). This complication is associated with sudden and very strong stomach pain. Perforation of the stomach wall is a life-threatening condition, so these symptoms should be taken seriously and the emergency services should be called immediately.

Knowing the possible signs of a heart attack or stroke can also be helpful.