Low back pain, according to the National Institutes of Health, afflicts 31 million people. The American Chiropractic Association recently published 4 interesting facts:

1. 50% of US adults needlessly suffer.

2. It’s one of the most common reasons for missed work.

3. Most cases are mechanical in nature.

4. The US spends $50 billion each year trying to treat it.

Traditional medicine has failed miserably to effectively treat and resolve low back pain. Prescription drugs only mask the problem and surgery just doesn’t work. Millions of us are simply left to suffer. But there is hope!

A recent review of three alternative therapies, conducted at the Oregon Health and Science University, revealed some promising results. Here’s a summary of the review:

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a simple, natural technique that stimulates the body to repair damaged joints and connective tissues. A pro-inflammatory substance is injected into the affected area, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen, the material that ligaments and tendons are made of.

New collagen shrinks as it matures. The shrinking collagen tightens the ligament that was injected and makes it stronger. Prolotherapy has the potential of being 100% effective at stopping low back pain.

Speaking with Life Extension members who have tried prolotherapy, I am convinced it’s a very safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies.

Radiofrequency Denervation

Radiofrequency denervation uses electrical currents to deactivate the nerves in the affected area. Essentially, the nerves are “paralyzed” and stop emitting pain signals to the brain. The most common side effect is soreness in the area where the needles were placed. Local application of cold compresses immediately following the procedure will relieve some of the discomfort.

The results from clinical trials have been mixed, at best. However, in my opinion, radiofrequency denervation works great, providing lasting pain relief.

Supplements for Reducing Low Back Pain

Chronic use of prescription pain-killers is dangerous and not very effective. Instead, try supplementing with the following nutrients for controlling the pain. I have found them to work quite well without side effects.

1. Tart Cherry Extract — 1500 mg/day

2. 5-Loxin (an extract from the Boswellia plant) — 75 mg/day

3. White Willow bark (from the Salix alba tree, nature’s aspirin) — 200 mg/day

Summary

Talk with your doctor about these three alternative treatments for low back pain.

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