Lower Back Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Lower back pain, characterized by discomfort and inflammation in the lumbar region, is a common condition affecting millions worldwide.

Its causes range from physical strain, poor posture, and muscle imbalances to underlying medical conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and osteoporosis. If left untreated, lower back pain can lead to chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and even mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, herbal remedies offer a natural solution. Turmeric, ginger, and willow bark contain anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and swelling. Capsaicin from chili peppers can also relieve discomfort.

However, when using medicinal herbs, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow recommended dosages to avoid interactions and adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of lower back pain, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of lower back pain?

The main causes of lower back pain are multifaceted, and include muscle strain (accounting for 30-40% of cases), often resulting from heavy lifting, bending, or sudden movements.

Degenerative disc disease, where spinal discs lose their cushioning properties due to wear and tear over time, is another common cause (25-30% of cases). Herniated discs, where the soft tissue inside a spinal disc bulges out through a tear, can also lead to lower back pain (15-20% of cases). Additionally, conditions such as spondylolisthesis (slipping of a vertebra) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can compress nerves and cause pain.

Other contributing factors include poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and scoliosis.

• Herniated Disk: A herniated disk, also known as a bulging or ruptured disk, occurs when the soft tissue between the vertebrae in the lower back breaks through a crack in the outer, harder tissue, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.
• Degenerative Joint Disease: Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joints in the lower back wears down, leading to bone-on-bone contact and pain.
• Strain: A strain in the muscles or ligaments of the lower back occurs when they are stretched or torn, often due to overuse, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally, putting pressure on the surrounding muscles, nerves, and joints in the lower back and causing pain.
• Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can cause lower back pain due to inflammation and irritation of the nerves in the lower back, as well as the pain caused by the stones themselves.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones in the lower back become brittle and porous, leading to pain and increased risk of fractures.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints of the lower back, including the sacroiliac joint.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra in the lower back slips out of place, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves and causing pain.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for lower back pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for lower back pain are Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Capsicum annuum, Cannabis sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Achillea millefolium, Arnica montana, Ginkgo biloba, Piper nigrum, Crocus sativus.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and pain in lower back muscles. Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and shogaols that inhibit the production of pain-causing prostaglandins in the body. Capsicum annuum, or cayenne pepper, contains capsaicin which blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body and reduces inflammation.

Other herbs such as Cannabis sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Achillea millefolium, Arnica montana, Ginkgo biloba, Piper nigrum, and Crocus sativus have also shown potential in reducing lower back pain due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, contains a compound called curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and shogaols which help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Capsicum annuum: Capsicum annuum, or cayenne pepper, contains a compound called capsaicin which helps to reduce pain by blocking the production of a chemical called substance P which transmits pain signals to the brain.
• Cannabis sativa: Cannabis sativa, or cannabis, contains compounds called cannabinoids which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, contains compounds called glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizin which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium, or yarrow, contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana, or arnica, contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo biloba, contains compounds called flavonoids and terpenoids which help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the lower back, thereby reducing pain.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, contains a compound called piperine which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.
• Crocus sativus: Crocus sativus, or saffron, contains a compound called crocin which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help to reduce pain and inflammation in the lower back.

What are the main herbal preparations used for lower back pain?

The main herbal preparations used for lower back pain are a blend of Capsule, Decoction, Tincture, and topical applications such as Salve, Suppository, Gel, Cream, Ointment, and Poultice.

Capsules containing standardized extracts of herbs like Willow bark (Salix alba), containing salicin, a natural pain reliever, and Turmeric (Curcuma longa), containing curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound, can be taken orally to alleviate lower back pain. Decoctions made from herbs like Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) can be consumed as tea to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Topical preparations like Salves, Suppositories, Gels, Creams, and Ointments containing herbs like Arnica (Arnica montana), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, can be applied directly to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.

Poultices made from herbs like Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), containing salicylic acid, can be applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the lower back.

• Capsule: Capsules containing dried and powdered Arnica montana flowers or Boswellia serrata bark help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation and relieving muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from chronic pain.
• Decoction: Decoctions made with dried roots of Withania somnifera or ashwagandha help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality, and alleviating muscle tension, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and fatigue.
• Tincture: Tinctures containing extracts of Corydalis yanhusuo or corydalis help with lower back pain by reducing pain and inflammation, improving mood, and alleviating muscle spasms, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and depression.
• Salve: Salves made with extracts of arnica flowers or comfrey leaves help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and alleviating muscle tension, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.
• Suppository: Suppositories containing extracts of Capsicum annuum or capsaicin help with lower back pain by reducing pain and inflammation, alleviating muscle spasms, and promoting relaxation, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting sleep quality.
• Gel: Gels made with extracts of arnica flowers or menthol help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.
• Cream: Creams containing extracts of arnica flowers or menthol help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.
• Ointment: Ointments made with extracts of arnica flowers or comfrey leaves help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and alleviating muscle tension, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.
• Poultice: Poultices made with crushed leaves of Plantago lanceolata or plantain help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.
• Oil: Oils containing extracts of arnica flowers or capsaicin help with lower back pain by reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, thereby providing relief from chronic pain and promoting tissue repair.