Over-the-counter medicines aren’t always the best solutions for back pain. Often times, the best remedies are those that are found at home. Essential oils are among them. Essential oils are extracted from stems, flowers, leaves, barks, roots, and other parts of a plant. They have been used for years now for various applications. That includes relaxation and relief from back pain.

Although there are many different essential oils available today, these seven essential oils are considered the most effective when it comes to treating back pain. But before anything else, let’s know what causes back pain.

The Causes of Back Pain

Studies suggest that about three million suffer from back pain in a year, each of them has varied reasons. While the most common ones are characterized by tension in the back and stiff muscles, others come about because of heavy lifting, bending, incorrect lifting, and poor posture while sitting and standing.

Who Experiences It?

Though it is a common problem, back pain doesn’t choose anyone. It may affect almost everyone at some points in life. But there are just people, who are more vulnerable to such kind of pain. They are as follows:

  • Older Individuals – As you age, you are more likely to experience back pain. So, take things easy, friend.
  • People Who Lack Exercise – People who do not exercise regularly may suffer tightness, spasms, and muscle injury.
  • Overweight Individuals – If you tend to carry so much body weight, chances are you are putting too much stress on your back. Shedding weight might just help.
  • Smokers – Smoking is one factor that causes back pain. If you smoke frequently, you are preventing the body from getting the nutrients it needs. Also, it prevents healing time of back pain and muscle sores.

So, how do you treat and cure back pain?

Essential Oils for Back Pain

Below are just seven essential oils you can use for back pain.

Lavender

The most popular oil for all sorts of pain, Lavender essential oil is generally used for tension and stress relief. However, it is also used in treating pain like sore muscles, sprains, and joint pain.

For those experiencing back pain, this oil can also be applied. In one study, it was found that Lavender oil significantly reduces pain by 39%. Because of its versatility, it is even used in alleviating skin problems and improving blood circulation.

Thyme

An excellent essential oil to use for recuperating from sports injuries, thyme essential oil works great at alleviating muscle and back pain, too! In fact, research suggests that it is more effective than ibuprofen, a drug for treating fever, severe pain, and arthritis. For centuries, this oil has been used in traditional medicine.

Wintergreen

WintergreenObtained from the leaves of the evergreen plant, wintergreen essential oil is normally added in teas, foods, and other products. But long ago, this was only used in curing respiratory conditions and fatigue. Thanks to research, it was found that it can also treat swelling, irritation, and most important of all, back pain.

Ginger

GingerLike Lavender oil, ginger essential oil has been used for years now. It is drank as tea and added to juices. It is also used to alleviate muscle aches and improve the circulation of blood. For backache and arthritis relief, use ginger essential oil as a massage oil.

Peppermint

We often associate peppermint with candies, but truth be told, it is actually obtained from both watermint and spearmint. Commonly used for stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion, peppermint essential oil is an excellent muscle pain and back pain reliever.

Sandalwood

If muscle spasms are causing you discomfort, Sandalwood essential oil is just what you need. This spicy, warming essential oil is used in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to relieve back pain and arthritis. Because of its earthy smell, this oil also helps get rid of tension and stress.

Spruce

Used to treat different types of mental and physical stresses, Spruce essential oil is known for its sweet scent. Other than that, it is also popular for its ability to alleviate conditions like lower back pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.

There are some important things to keep in mind though. Sometimes, these essential oils have side effects. So, if you are allergic to them, you must seek advice from experts first.