Lower back pain impacts many Americans. It is one of the most debilitating illnesses that can leave the recipient with chronic pain. This pain will hinder the person’s ability to move, and make life generally unpleasant. Lower back pain is also one of the leading causes for trips to the doctors. So what can be done about this debilitating disorder? Well, there are several options and they include:

• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Spinal Adjustments
• Herbal Supplements

Many people scoff at the last one because they are afraid that they will become addicted to the supplements. What these people are thinking of are painkillers. Herbal supplements are not addicting.  They are all natural and do not contain any of the addictive properties that many of today’s leading painkillers do. Supplements for lower back pain are gaining momentum as a method to treat lower back pain. What makes supplements different other than their ingredients is that the Food and Drug Administration do not classify them as medicine. They are listed as ‘dietary supplements’ instead. The benefit is that you do not need a prescription for herbal supplements. The detriment is that since these FDA has not substantiated any claims of their ability to treat lower back pain, you will not be able to bill your insurance for the supplements, and many pharmacists will be unable to advise patients of the potential side effects that supplements could cause. Despite the negatives, supplements are an all-natural and non-addictive method to pain management. Here are some of the supplements for lower back pain:

• Willow Bark – If you had to pick one herbal supplement to treat your lower back pain, this would be it. Willow Bark contains salicin, which is a forerunner of aspirin. This gives Willow Bark its pain-fighting properties. Ironically, this herbal is also used in the treatments of fevers, headaches, and muscle pain. In a sense, Willow Bark is an all-natural form of aspirin. There are some side effects to Willow Bark. This supplement should not be used if a person has a bleeding disorder or is on blood thinners.
• Vitamin D – This vitamin has always been known for providing calcium; however, what many do not know is that it indirectly treats lower back pain. A lack of Vitamin D has been known to trigger lower back pain. Vitamin D can be an easy remedy for your back pain, so consider this as the first method in treating it.
• Devil’s Claw - While it is easy to admit that the name is far from appealing, that does not mean that we should judge a supplement by its name. Devil’s Claw is actually a supplement imported from Africa.  This root has the ability to treat various ailments throughout the body. In this sense Devil’s Claw functions as an all-natural pain reliever like Willow Bark. Devil’s Claw should not be taken by anyone who has any gastric issues, gallbladder problems, or are pregnant.

Supplements for back pain can be effective. However, these supplements are still drugs, and may produce side effects.  It is best to consult a doctor who is familiar with supplements before beginning any sort of regimen.