Would you believe it? The latest medical news is that nine out of ten sufferers of back pain will recover within the first month without any treatment. So my contention that naturopathy can be trusted to give us better advice holds good. All the old and conventional treatments such as traction, corsets, and electrical stimulation, though not without merit, are now accepted as being generally unhelpful. To the legal fraternity this should be particularly good news as all the time consuming visits to the physios can be cut down. Not to mention the payments that can be a drain on resources. Knowledge is power, and a little understanding of treating back pain can be very productive in the long run.

When sudden pain occurs due to some injury, it is wise to apply cold packs within the first 48 hours. These will contain any inflammation or bleeding. A pack applied for five minutes at a time with short gaps is ideal. If the symptoms last longer than 48 hours then heat fomentation should be applied. Even a hot shower is advisable. Care is advocated to using heating pads when sleeping as burns may result.

For chronic lower back pain, the most important component would be exercise. Study the life of a typical lawyer today. Half his life is spent sitting. Whether in his study, car, or in a conference, he’s sitting. He gets up only to berate the opposition. The lower back muscles simply go limp from disuse and the slightest strain results in an emergency.

What about bed rest? Try to get out of it by the third day or at the latest the fourth. Too much bed rest makes the bones lose calcium and weakens the muscles further. Prevention is best. Adopt the practice of aerobic exercises. They are good in every way. Exercise releases endorphins in the body, which are natural painkillers and make you feel good. Additionally, you being more fit, you can take discomfort in your stride.  There is always physiotherapy for acute cases and if discomfort is acute, do not try to do anything without professional advice.

There is always the masseur. Let’s not argue. There was a body of traditional practitioners who were very knowledgeable and some still abound today. The question is, can we rely on every quack who presents himself? No, this could be very dangerous. Specially for those with a history of spinal problems, surgery and malformation. If you do wish to consider this option, go to a proper chiropractor, osteopath or therapist.

Finally, there are medicines. Even the freely available painkillers can help. But please don’t be tempted to use any medication without medical advice.  This subject is too complicated to be taken up here, but it is important. Don’t mask or ignore your pain with general pain suppressors. You will only permit the problem to fester and grow and cause more than just pain to yourself. You may cause yourself permanent injury.

-DR. ACHALA AGARWAL