Back pain is a common term covering a wide variety of
situations primarily centered around the spinal column.
The spinal column is not only a major structural member of
the human anatomy but it also houses the spinal cord, a key
part of the Central Nervous System and the primary conduit
for exchange of information between the Peripheral Nervous
System (limbs, organs, and glands) and the brain.
Injury or disease to the vertebrae,
discs, or the spinal cord can all be the source of back
pain.
Also, since nerve signals from the Peripheral
Nervous System travel through the spinal column, injury or
disease of the spine can lead to improper function or “mixed
signals” in these other parts of the body. Listed
below are common types of back problems and also a
simplified chart showing which of the vertebrae is the
critical point where nerves leave the spinal column to
service various parts of the body.
Muscle Strain
With heavy or awkward lifting, repeated uncomfortable
actions, over exertion, or with a fall or other type of
accident the muscles in the back can be strained resulting
in aching pain that can last for days.
Whiplash
This is the common term for the injury resulting from an
abrupt jerking motion of the head resulting in an injury to
the neck. Common in our day of auto crashes.
Disk degeneration
The disks between the vertebrae provide a cushion and
flexibility to the spine. They may be damaged through
accident or degenerate with age. Typically with
age the outer covering of the disc will weaken causing the
disc to bulge and to flatten. The flattening can
eventually cause bone to bone contact between vertebrae and
become a source of pain. The bulging can put pressure
on the adjacent nerves and be another source of pain.
If the bulging adds enough pressure the disc may rupture
which is termed a herniated disc. The pain in these
cases can be dull and achy or become sharp and shooting in
acute situations.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve pair that travels from
the lower spine to the legs and feet. The nerve
transitions from the spine from the L4, L5, and S1 locations
which are in the lower part of the back. These are
structurally susceptible to stress with all the pressure
that can be applied to this part of the back. If the
nerves are pinched or damaged it will result in pain,
numbness, or weakness in any area from the lower back to the
feet.
Facet joints
The vertebrae are linked together with the facet joints
(see diagram). These joints can degenerate with
arthritis or age. As they degenerate they can become
inflamed and painful. Prolonged sitting or remaining
in one position can exacerbate the pain and standing or
flexing the back can provide some relief. Over time
this can lead to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
As the facet joints deteriorate the body may try to
compensate by producing a bony growth commonly called a bone
spur. This bony structure can narrow the passages that
nerves go through and result in pressure on those nerves.
Failed Back Syndrome
Many journals now list this as a common back problem.
This is the result of back surgery that has left the person
with no improvement or even a worsened condition.
Statistics now suggest that this happens in 15 to 40 percent of
back surgeries.
Spinal stenosis
This is a narrowing of any of the channels that carry
nerves thereby putting pressure on the nerves. It is a
term that applies to many of the conditions above. It
can result in pain, numbness and/or loss of strength in
limbs and can affect bladder and bowel functions as well.
The Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) are
connected to other parts of the body through the Peripheral
Nervous System. If damage is done to the spine it can
have an effect on other parts of the body. The chart
below is a simplified diagram of where various nerves leave
the spinal column traveling to other limbs, organs, and
glands of the body.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Balance, Birch, Deep Blue, Frankincense,
Helichrysum, White Fir, Wintergreen
Essential oils based
products: AromaTouch Technique, Deep Blue
Rub
Also consider:
Basil, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon,
Marjoram, Myrrh, Oregano (use Oregano topically with
a carrier oil), Peppermint, Rosemary,
Sandalwood, Thyme
Suggested protocols:
Back pain many times includes the following
scenario:
1) There is an injury or degeneration that leads to
damage of nerve, muscle, or connecting tissue. With
the back most commonly nerve pressure or damage is involved.
2)
Pain may be accompanied by loss of feeling and/or loss of
strength
3)
Inflammation compounds the pressure on the nerve
4) As the back
muscles try to compensate there are often muscle
spasms or cramps in the back area that add additional
pressure and intense pain.
This leads to the conclusion that the protocol should
include:
1) Oils for immediate pain relief
2)
Oils for inflammation reduction
3) Oils to relax muscles and eliminate the spasms
4)
Oils for increased circulation to facilitate quicker healing
5) Oils that heal and rebuild the damaged tissue
BEST TO START HERE:
· The
single best possible step is to use the
AromaTouch
Technique described elsewhere on this website.
Daily if possible. Follow with a hot compress.
· Supplement
this with the oils listed below.
THEN COMBINE WITH THESE
(as necessary):
Oils for immediate pain relief:
· Deep Blue, Birch,
or Wintergreen
· Apply
2 -3 drops topically to the area where the pain is manifested
as often as required or use Deep Blue Rub. (For some Wintergreen may need to be applied with a
carrier.)
· To
make the AromaTouch Technique or other oils and blends
applied to the back more effective use a hot compress after
the application to drive the oils deeper into the tissues
and muscles.
Oils to reduce inflammation:
· Basil,
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Myrrh, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, or Wintergreen
· Apply
topically to spinal area. This is the location on the
spine where the nerve is being pinched and will probably be
different that where numbness or lack of strength or even
muscle cramps occur. For example, if numbness and loss
of strength is in the leg then the lower back area where the
sciatic nerve originates may well be where there is nerve
compression. Two or three drops topically 2 - 3
times daily. (For some Wintergreen may need to be applied with a carrier.)
Oils to relax muscles and eliminate spasms:
· AromaTouch,
Lime, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile
· Apply
2 - 3 drops topically to the area where the spasm is
occurring.
Oils to increase circulation:
· Citrus
Bliss, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lemon, or Peppermint
· Apply
2 -3 drops topically to the spinal area 2 -3 times per day
Oils to strengthen and regenerate tissue:
· Frankincense,
Helichrysum, or Sandalwood
· Apply
1 -2 drops topically to the spinal area 2 -3 times per day
followed by a hot compress
Also consider:
· Baths
with oils will help relaxation
· Diffusion
of Citrus Bliss, Lavender, or other relaxing oils at bed
time will help
dōTERRA Essential oils does not prevent, treat or cure disease. Your lifestyle choices can help prevent disease. Your doctor treats symptoms and fixes broken parts. Your body cure disease!
