Homeopathic Treatment of Back Pain

In all fairness, many of you will be unaware that this week is World Homeopathy Week (10th - 16th April 2016).

​With this in mind, we are delighted to have Pierre write an article about how homeopathic treatments can help alleviate back pain whilst he also delves into the common root causes.

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Some facts related to back pain

It is not always easy to determine the exact cause of back pain unless it is the result of a fall or injury such as whiplash after a car accident. Back pain often results from a sprain which many of us do not take seriously enough. A single action causing strain is generally and relatively harmless. It is in everyday tasks where we are less conscious that injuries are more likely to occur resulting in cumulative strain and chronic pain.  When looking at injuries of different parts of the body caused by incorrect handling and carrying techniques, a staggering 41 % will affect the neck, back and spine. Additionally most of us pay little attention to our posture. Modern living is not necessarily conducive to promote health in that area. 

Homeopathic approach/receiving the case
In the homeopathic repertory a whole section is reserved for the back. So where do I start, what do I look for? Some investigative work needs to happen in order to find the correct homeopathic treatment.

I will first inquire about aetiology i.e. the possible origin in order to ascertain whether the complaint is acute or chronic [e.g. congenital curvature of the spine like scoliosis, skeletal damage or osteoporosis) and since when the patient has been affected by it.

It will also be very important to find out everything about the exact location of the pain; is it affecting the cervical or lumbar region (commonly known as lumbago)? Is it more on the right or on left, does it radiate or extend to other parts of the body?

Moving on from there I would inquire about the nature of the pain. Is it a dull ache, a burning pain, a bruised feeling, does it extend upwards or down into the buttock and thigh (e.g. sciatica)? Is the pain occurring at the time of menstruation or accompanied by another ailment?

Modalities are also very useful (i.e. what makes the pain worse or better). For instance some people might prefer to lie on a hard surface, others will find relief by walking or standing erect. There are also differentials to consider such as: do cold or hot application help, does the weather make it better or worse, does pressure ameliorate? 

The above demonstrate how an in depth assessment of all these various symptoms is necessary in order to individualise the totality of the symptoms and match this with the best indicated homeopathic medicine.

Sharing my own experience

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc resulting in stenosis. In other words the bulge of the inflamed disc was pushing on the spinal cord. This reached a point where I had to stop playing squash and later on even walking became an ordeal.

I tried various approaches including physiotherapy, osteopathy, and acupuncture. All those helped to some extent, in particular to manage the pain which was chronic and limiting. However I was not getting better. My GP referred me next to a specialist who gave me the following options:

1)    Regular steroid injection every 3 to 6 months or
2)    A surgical intervention which had less than 50% chance to improve the situation.

I was not keen on either. I then decided to consult my own homeopath. I am happy to tell you (hand on heart) that the homeopathic treatment I was given has resolved the issue. I still very occasionally get a backache but I have the option to repeat the remedy if necessary without the risk of any side effects. Best of all I have resumed playing squash and can hike again!

Conclusion
There are several remedies that can help with back pain.  If you own or are considering to buy a homeopathic first aid kit, why not try to treat yourself when you are affected by an acute manifestation of this affection. 
​Pierre