Back pain can be a nuisance to say the least. The effect that it carries can impact every aspect of what we come to appreciate as normal daily living activities. Things we enjoy doing can easily become daunting tasks, such as exercising, shopping, relaxing, reading, writing, walking or even bathing can become challenging undertakings. If you’ve experienced or you’re currently experiencing back pain- you are not alone! More than half of the population can relate, including me.
On my path to ultimate and desired pain relief, I found some amazing go-to options. Bath time became one of my favorite segments of the day, thanks to all the great products that have now become my bath time must-haves. Check out my go-to products and find out how they’ve thankfully began to bridge the gap between pain and pain relief. I hope you find them helpful too! I strongly recommend consulting with your doctor before using any of the following products to treat any condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Benefits:
Apple Cider Vinegar has a host of amazing benefits and uses , including pain relief. I was happy to find out about it and especially elated when I tried it and witnessed its great benefits for myself. Typically, I apply Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to my bath and occasionally consume it, along with water, as a yummy beverage (see recipe below). By far, this is my favorite anti-inflammatory drink. I purchased it from Sprouts, although you can find it at most grocery stores. There are lots other brands, but this just happens to be the one that I prefer. A good friend of mine strongly recommended it when I’d first mentioned my challenge with back pain.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (OACV) is considered a superfood and is widely known for its detox and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, which help to prevent cancer and ward the body against chemical toxins. OACV contains powerful enzymes and minerals, including potassium which aid in eliminating the possibility of nutrient-deficiency related pain. Bathing with OACV is a popular means to finding sore muscle and back pain relief. The bath is a great detoxifier for muscle aches and pains.
Application:
Bath– Add 2 cups of OACV to a regular sized tub of water as hot as tolerated. Stay in the vinegar bath approximately 30-40 minutes or until the water has cooled. Towel dry and avoid showering for at least 8 hours.
Topical treatment- Mix OACV with olive oil or coconut oil. Use 2 tbs. of apple cider vinegar per one tbs of oil or soak a paper towel in apple cider vinegar and place it over the affected part of your back or neck. Repeat twice daily until pain subsides.
Consumption – Mix between one and three tablespoons OACV with 8 ounces of water. Add honey or stevia to enhance flavor. OACV also taste great with cherry juice. Mix 1 teaspoon OACV into 8 ounces cherry juice. This particular recipe reportedly helps relieve back and arthritis pain. It also increases energy and boost the immune system.
Epsom Salt & Magnesium
Benefits:
Epsom salt and magnesium are probably my favorite go-to products for pain relief. They have many benefits too! I’ve found relief using them in my bath as well as a topical application. I do not use them along with OACV, meaning I do not apply them in bath together or use them in the bath on the same day. I avoid doing so based on health professional’s recommendations. Independently, OACV and Epsom salt have both been extremely helpful. Personally, I’ve noticed the most benefit from Epsom salt and magnesium in bath and as a topical option.
Epsom salt bath can help relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and provide instant pain relief. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt acts as a natural muscle relaxant that helps reduce swelling and pain. Researchers have determined that magnesium deficiency can amplify pain. Food processing is one of the primary reasons most people are magnesium deficient.
Magnesium lotion and supplements are also a great option for accessing magnesium. People with kidney problems should get doctors approval before trying magnesium.
Application:
Bath– Add one to two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Make sure to drink lots of water because Epsom salt can be drying.
Topical – Magnesium Lotion is a highly concentrated lotion of pure magnesium chloride mined deep from under the earth’s surface from the Zechstein Sea in the Netherlands. Formulated with rich shea butter and coconut oil. Ideal for massage. I apply it daily, especially at bedtime. I also use Magnesium Body Wash during showers. It’s amazing!
Lavender Bubble Bath
I love bubbles and lots of them! Johnson’s Bubble Bath delivers just that. It’s most definitely my go-to for relaxing, smell good bubbles! It combines natural essences with lots of lather to produce pure relaxation and an amazing night’s sleep. It’s dermatologist and pediatrician tested and gentle enough to use every day. It’s a perfect compliment to my Epsom salt bath.
Lavender Candles
This is the perfect compliment to my bath. I light this amazingly fragrant candle and instantly melt into relaxation and pain relief. Historically, lavender has been used as a remedy for restlessness, insomnia and headaches. It is a key component in aromatherapy, where the scent is used for both healing and relaxation purposes.
I usually light 1-2 two of my favorite Bath & Body Works French Lavender candles, sit back, soak and enjoy.
All of these terrific products has truly contributed to making my bath experience, one of my sought after times of the day. Since I started using them, my back pain has significantly decreased. The only thing I haven’t found is a great bath pillow that’s ideal for neck and back pain. Please feel free to share your favorite bath pillows and natural back pain relievers below. Let us know if any of these suggestions help. I wish you the very best in your pursuits of back pain relief. Make sure to check out Part 2 of my Back Pain Relief Series and take a peek at the corresponding vlog. Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing my favorite sleep products and more!
Sources:
Keys to a Pain-Free Youthful Back, Braggs.com
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar as an Arthritis Remedy, homeremediesforlife.com
