MAILBAG: Erase Back Pain Without Dangerous Pain Killers

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 18, 2022

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

“I feel like I have to just keep taking more and more pain relievers to help my lower back pain. Is there anything else I can do to get some relief?”

– Bruce from Omaha, Nebraska

Hi Bruce,

I don’t have to tell YOU that painkillers only work for a short time. You’re already painfully aware of that.

Then, just like you said, you need to take more (and MORE) to make them work.

For heavy-duty prescription painkillers such as opioids, this pain relief merry-go-round can eventually lead to addiction, overdose, and death.

But over-the-counter pain medications aren’t without risks, either. For example, taking too much aspirin can lead to stomach bleeding. While too much acetaminophen can cause kidney damage.

My advice for beating back pain might sound a bit strange at first. But trust me when I suggest you move as much as possible and avoid sitting or lying around much.

It’s counterintuitive to move when you are in pain… but it works.

But don’t stop there. I have more tips for battling back pain in my simple plan for Complete Back Pain Relief:

• Stretch: Our bodies tighten up as we age. So we need to stretch to stay flexible. Find a routine you can do every day (even when you’re not in pain). Stretching alone can fix most people’s back pain if they make a regular habit of it.
• Move: Moving your body encourages blood, oxygen, and nutrients to circulate as while moving waste products away to be disposed of. I typically recommend gentle walking or swimming for people with back pain.
• Anti-inflammatories: Short-term inflammation often goes hand-in-hand with back pain. The best natural tools for calming inflammation are omega-3-rich fish oil and the herbs curcumin and Boswellia.
• Ice: Ice and cooling are great ways to quickly reduce the swelling that accompanies inflammation and relieve pain. Look online for a cooling wrap you can use on your back. Or, for a low-tech option, submerge yourself in a cold bath.
• Nutrients: Magnesium is needed to help muscles relax, while vitamin D can help reduce pain.
• Get Help: Chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists can all help relieve back pain. Find practitioners you trust and follow their advice.

P.S. Over-the-counter pain relievers have already been linked to internal bleeding and kidney problems. But a recent study uncovered yet another disturbing side effect. And it’s one that you especially don’t want to have while we’re still battling a pandemic. Click here for a warning you shouldn’t miss.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND