Thanks to hours sitting at our desks and hunched over our phone, the number of people suffering from back pain is at an all time high. Plants have been used for thousands of years to bring relief for those suffering from occasional back discomfort. There are a lot of natural remedies that can help, but one of the most effective is using Essential Oils for Back Pain. Here are the best oils to use to end minor discomfort.
Let’s face it: getting older isn’t always pretty.
I’m certain that I’m being paid back now for all those jokes I made when I was 24 and my older friends would complain that muscle recovery after 35 just isn’t the same as when you are younger.
Between the hours I spend sitting in front of the computer or hovered over a table taking photos and a five-year-old who has recently decided that Mommy carrying her is cool again, and I often feel like I’m dealing with more than my fair share of back strain.
I know I’m not alone. Most adults over 30 have experienced back pain at some point. Ranging from mild to severe, back pain can arise from a variety of causes including the wrong shoes, lumbar strain, trauma, and disease. Lower back pain is especially troubling because the nerves there are some of the most sensitive in our bodies.
There are many natural treatments that can help you deal with back pain, among them are Essential Oils for Back Pain.
The Best Essential Oils for Back Pain
- Wintergreen
- Peppermint
- Frankincense
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Roman Chamomile
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Geranium
- German Chamomile
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger
- Thyme
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I’ve fallen in love with both the company and their oils. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
Important Disclaimer:
These are the oils that have helped myself, friends, and family. I am not a medical provider and not intending to treat or diagnose any condition. I highly recommend anyone suffering from occasional back pain to see a chiropractor. While I’m a big fan of using natural methods, it is also key that you know when to get help. While some 90% of back pain will improve on its own, make sure you get immediate medical attention if you are experiencing numbness, radiating pain down one leg, difficulty urinating, or if pain is severe. If you have any other major health concerns, it is also important to get professional help before initiating self-care. These suggestions are intended for OCCASIONAL back pain, such as that associated with over exertion, or sitting in front of a computer all day.
My Favorite Blend
- 2 drops wintergreen essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Combine ingredients in a small glass container and massage into the affected area.
What Essential Oil is Good For a Muscle Relaxer?
With muscular back pain, we want to rotate in the use of essential oils that are anti-spasmodic. This is especially good after a long day in the garden or chasing a child learning to ride a bike!
- 3 drops basil essential oil
- 3 drops marjoram essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
Combine ingredients in a small glass container and massage into the affected area. Top with a heating pad for 15 minutes to drive in the oils.
Epsom Salt Bath to Soothe Your Back
Epsom salt is another word for magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is known support the nervous system and feelings of calmness. This is beneficial when dealing with a sore back as it may help relax tight muscles. Additionally, the detoxifying powers can help with the maintenance of muscles and joints.
- 2 cups Epsom Salts
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Place Epsom salts in a small bowl. Add oils and stir well. Place in a warm bath and soak for at least 30 minutes.
Essential Oils for Lower Back Discomfort
I find that soaking in the tub is one of the best ways to deal with lower back discomfort. My favorite routine is to do yoga for back soreness and then then soak in a hot tub with epsom salts and essential oils.
One thing that is important to note: while rosemary is a fabulous essential oil for easing back discomfort, it is also very stimulating. I don’t recommend using it just before bed for this reason. I would do the Epsom salt bath listed above if you were wanting to use essential oils for lower back pain after three in the afternoon.
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 8 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 teaspoons carrier oil
Place ingredients in a small glass container and mix well. Add to warm running water and soak for at least 30 minutes.
What Massage Oil is Good for Back Pain?
This is my favorite massage oil recipe for back discomfort.
- 1/2 ounce carrier oil
- 12 drops lavender
- 4 drops ginger
- 4 drops Roman chamomile
- 3 drops rosemary
- 4 drops thyme
Place ingredients in a small oil-safe container and mix well. Massage on the affected area as needed.
Other Essential Oils for Discomfort:
- Geranium
- German Chamomile
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
Other Natural Remedies for Back Pain
Turmeric
I am a BIG advocate of taking turmeric on a daily basis. It is one of the best supplements available to combat pain and inflammation.
Move
Staying in bed when your back hurts can be counterproductive and actually lengthen recovery time. It is best to avoid movements like bending and lifting while continuing to move and perform light stretches.
Yoga
I have personally had tremendous results with yoga to ease occasional discomfort.
Research supports my experience. In one 2011 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who took a weekly 75-minute yoga class for 12 weeks found they had fewer issues and needed less medication than those who didn’t.
What is the Best Food to Ease Back Discomfort?
Pay special attention to the omega-3s such as fish, walnut, and flaxseed in your diet. This omega-3s can help to reduce inflammation. Steer clear of processed food as this can lead to inflammation. Additionally, if you suffer from chronic back issues, it may be worth testing removing gluten and dairy from your diet. Both are believed to trigger inflammation in some people.
Ice, Then Heat
When you first injure your back, ice is helpful at reducing swelling and reducing soreness. (This is my favorite ice pack. Or this one does both ice and heat. ) Try icing for 20 minutes, two or three times a day for the first two days. After this, try alternating 5 minutes of heat with 3 minutes of cold.
Chiropractor
If misalignment of your spine is causing back pain, a chiropractor can be a tremendous help. Chiropractors have helped me tremendously through the years.
Comfrey Root
According to a 2009 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, using an ointment that contains comfrey root can reduce lower back pain by 95%. (Do not use it for more than 10 days at a time.)
Acupuncture
According to a 2009 study at Group Health Cooperative for Health Studies in Seattle, acupuncture may relieve lower-back discomfort more effectively than medication or physical therapy.
Arnica
Arnica is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic that can be helpful with back pain.
Foam Roller
Foam Rolling is a great way to improve blood flow and ease sore muscles.
How to Use a Foam Roller for Your Lower Back
To use, lie on your back with the roller underneath your pelvis. Bend your knees and raise over your hips. Rock your knees side to side to massage.
How to Use a Foam Roller for Your Upper Back and Shoulders
Lie on your back with the roller under your shoulders. Place your hands behind the head. Curl your ribs forward to move the roller down back to the bottom of the ribs. In a gliding motion, return the roller to the shoulders.
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I am young, and still, sometimes I face the back pain problem. It is definitely not good because, at this young age, there should be no back pain. But, whenever I face it due to long sitting work or whatever may be the reason, I try to do some stretching and back exercises. For me, that really helped.
I never used essential oil to get relief from back pain but, I will use it in future, but only when if the stretching and exercises won’t give relief to the back pain.
Thanks for sharing this helpful post with the readers. As I always prefer to try the natural remedies so I would try to try these oils as I am suffering from back pain and hope this will work for me. Keep sharing such helpful posts with the readers.
I’m skeptical that essential oils could do anything for back pain directly, but I do believe that they could help you relax and relaxing is always helpful for all kinds of body pain. Can’t think of anything better for back pain than a warm bath with some essential oils 🙂