The Emotions of Back Pain

Our back is our body’s support system and metaphysically problems in this area can be due to requiring more support in a certain area of life.
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The upper back is often linked to a feeling of being unloved and maybe more emotional support is required from a family member or friend. Problems in the middle back often arise with feelings of guilt and problems with the lower back are associated with financial worry and feeling unsupported in this area of life. The stiffness and tension in the neck and cervical spine is often linked with inflexibility in thinking, and stubbornness.

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​Back problems may be eased by releasing emotional attachment to the issue which caused the problem, trusting in life and the universe and becoming stronger. As Bach Flower remedies deal with mental and emotional problems which can develop into physical ones, the use of Bach Flower remedies to assist with relief of back problems is considered.

The Bach Flower remedies were discovered by Physician Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936), a Doctor of Medicine and Homeopath who developed his own system of treating illness based on the healing properties of flowers. He wanted to treat the person as a whole (holistically) rather than just treating the symptoms as he knew that Mental and emotional states could have a direct and powerful effect on physical health.

Flower remedies lift our emotions as they contain the energetic imprint of flowers, plants or trees which make us feel better mentally and subsequently physically. The remedies also open up our channels for reception of inner guidance and connection to our soul so we naturally become more intuitive and know how we can help ourselves. Flower remedies are sold in small bottles available from many Health food shops and can be taken for as long as necessary by adding a few drops to a glass or small bottle of water or by using in an aura spray.

Dr Bach knew that physical symptoms did not give any clue to selecting the right remedy and although taking a remedy for inflexibility (Rock Water) for a stiff neck or a remedy for guilt (Pine) for a middle back problem may be of help, the manner in which a patient reacted to a physical problem was taken into account rather than the problem itself.

Therefore, when a physical symptom (such as back pain) arises, ask yourself:
‘How is this making me feel?’

The appropriate remedy for the emotion generated by the physical condition can be of help. Various people suffering the same physical problem may need different remedies if their personalities differ as their emotional reactions will vary:

• A person is feeling guilty for not being able to help others, go to work etc. would benefit from taking Pine which will help put things into perspective and encourage increased self-worth, trust and self-forgiveness.
• A person who is struggling on with a back problem due to pressures from others could benefit from taking Centaury which will encourage them to say ‘no’ and to rest.
• A sportsperson with a back problem may become highly frustrated and impatient with having to rest and take time away from their sport. They could benefit from taking Impatiens which restores calm and balance and teaches patience.

For sudden onset painful back problems such as a slipped disc or whiplash, the readily available ‘Rescue Remedy’ is recommended. Rescue remedy is a combination essence containing 5 remedies:

• Star of Bethlehem for shock. The remedy releases the shock and helps regain balance.
• Rock Rose for terror and panic. This remedy helps release any panic.
• Clematis for faintness. This remedy assists with grounding and being in the present moment.
• Impatiens for undue agitation. This remedy restores calm and balance.
• Cherry Plum for fear of losing control. This remedy brings calmness.
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A further approach for any back issue is to (maybe with the help of a trusted friend or relative) question whether a change of mood has been apparent before the onset of the problem (sometimes for quite a long time before) and determine whether this mood state can be treated with the appropriate flower essences to help heal the current problem and prevent it reoccurring.

It may be that a friend has been displaying signs of stress and obviously worrying about redundancies at work.  Following this, they develop a back spasm. In this case, the remedy ‘Mimulus’ could be given to assist with known fears and worrying. This will work directly on the emotional state and consequently the physical pain.
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Bach Flower Remedies go directly to the route emotional cause of any problem but if a physical problem in the spine has already developed, assess the situation as to whether other means of treatment are necessary too as the Bach Flower remedies are a complementary rather than alternative medicine and will work very well in combination with orthodox medicine or another therapy to treat injury and pain.

Lisa Elmore