![](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LWD_240622-1000x667-1-1000x300.jpg)
Surprising Drug-Free Secret to Easing Back Pain
Back pain is serious business. But it’s seldom taken seriously.
It can affect almost everything you do, interfering in daily activities, from walking to everyday chores like cooking and cleaning.
The pain can range from a dull ache to debilitating muscle spasms. At its worst, it can even be hard to get out of bed.
Once thought of as a young folk’s problem, we now know back pain is also quite common in seniors. In fact, up to 85 percent of older adults have musculoskeletal pain, with 70 percent of them suffering from back pain.
But what if I told you that you already have access to a back-pain fix that’s safe, free, and EFFECTIVE?
If you’ve ever gone to your doctor about your back pain, you already know there’s a disturbing lack of quick, safe, and effective solutions.
Risky painkillers, heavy-duty muscle relaxants, and some vague advice about “strengthening your core” are the most common “treatments.”
But it turns out the real fix might be hiding right inside your own mind
Now wait, before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as some hippie-dippy nonsense, hear me out. Solid scientific evidence shows that practicing mindfulness can significantly reduce back pain.
In fact, a clinical trial published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology supports using the mind to ease back pain.
Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, researchers compared the effects of mindfulness meditation training to a placebo-mindfulness technique.
Mindfulness meditation was the CLEAR winner, proving to be more effective at reducing movement-evoked chronic pain.
So, what exactly IS mindfulness? It’s simple: paying attention.
As strange as it sounds, focusing on your breathing and shutting out distracting thoughts can train your brain to better manage pain.
Mindfulness doesn’t require you to be in a particular location, there’s no chanting, and props like incense or candles aren’t necessary. Instead, you simply need to focus on “the now.”
The cool thing is, you can turn almost any activity into a mindful one. For example, washing the dishes. Next time you have a full sink that needs washing, concentrate fully on the task, not allowing any outside thoughts.
Pay attention to the warmth of the water on your hands, the sounds of the dishes clinking together, the way your feet feel on the ground, and even the texture of the sponge and dish towel. If you find your mind wandering, refocus on the task.
You can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere: in the shower, mowing the lawn, talking to a friend… it’s that easy.
But if you’d like a little more guidance to get started, free or low-cost smartphone apps will walk you through different kinds of mindfulness sessions, including ones that focus specifically on chronic pain. You can also check online for free videos.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Try mindful meditation and discover the difference it can make in relieving your chronic back pain.
P.S. Mindfulness isn’t the only effective back pain solution. Check out my other drug-free hacks for true back pain relief.
Source:
Khatib, L., Dean, J.G., Oliva, V. et al. The role of endogenous opioids in mindfulness and sham mindfulness-meditation for the direct alleviation of evoked chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Neuropsychopharmacol. 49, 1069–1077 (2024).
![Dr. Scott Olson, ND](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/themes/health-child/images/author-images/Dr.ScottOlson,ND.jpg)
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 Free Articles
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
On this Labor Day, we’d like to take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers who contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Forget fad diets and grueling workouts. New research suggests a humble compound found in olives might be the weight loss and blood sugar breakthrough we’ve all been...
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
We all know garlic is supposed to keep vampires at bay. But what if I told you this 5,000-year-old pungent bulb could also ward off some real-life health villains? A groundbreaking new study suggests that garlic can be a secret weapon in the fight against high blood sugar and cholesterol. How does this humble herb...
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
We need to talk about something we ALL do. I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important. While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health. A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital...
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world. You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it. Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes...
"Rise and Shine" Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
Imagine an all-natural, entirely free hack that improves sleep quality and has you kickstarting your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. I know it sounds too good to be true. Heck, if I didn’t know better, I’d be looking for the catch, too. But I assure you, it’s legit. This simple...