Back pain can cause serious discomfort. You have probably experienced It at some point in your life, and the only thing you could think of was how to stop the excruciating pain. This is one of the most common conditions people in the US go to the hospital for. While there are medical approaches to dealing with back pain, you can also deal with it effectively by taking supplements for back pain.

Best Supplements to Help with Back Pain

1. Omega Fatty Acids

Taking omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce the inflammation that causes back pain. You can easily get these supplements in liquid or capsule form. You should consult your health care provider about dosage. It is important to take the right dosage since excessive amounts of omega fatty acids can increase your chances of bleeding out. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in sardines, oily fish, tuna and dark leafy greens.

2. Vitamin D

The deficiency of vitamin D in the body can make back pain worse. A study conducted in 2013 and published in Pain Physician showed that severe pain is related to the deficiency of vitamin D in those suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis. This condition is characterized by back pain as the main symptom.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D is 15 mcg. However, it is always best to get the opinion of your doctor before taking any supplements. A natural way to get vitamin D is exposing yourself to sunlight and eating foods fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the best supplements for back pain.

3. Chondroitin and Glucosamine

These two compounds occur naturally in the human body. Chondroitin is found in the cartilage that surrounds joints while glucosamine is found in the fluids surrounding joints. Studies have shown that supplementing with these two compounds can help relieve arthritis pain. While no studies have been performed for lower back pain, it is assumed it would have the same effect.  You need to be wary of the fact that these compounds can interact with medications for blood thinning such as aspirin and warfarin.

4. Turmeric

This is another highly recommended supplement for those suffering from back pain. Turmeric is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent supplement for easing inflammation. It is very common in India where it is used to make curry dishes, added to tea or used as a liquid extract. While turmeric is safe for consumption, it can cause stomach upset when taken in copious amounts for a prolonged period.  

If you suffer from gall bladder disease, avoid using turmeric as it can make the condition worse.

5. Capsaicin

This remedy for back pain has been in use for quite a number of years. It is not a nutritional supplement but instead it is used as a cream. You should apply the cream to your skin to help reduce inflammation and pain. The cream comes from hot chili peppers and works by desensitizing the channels used to send pain signals to your brain receptors. Apply 3 or 4 times a day to the affected area.

6. Devil’s Claw

This is a plant native to Africa that is also known as Harpagophytum procumbens. Research has shown that devil’s claw extracts can be used to relieve chronic back pain flare ups. The daily dosage of devil’s claw is about 50mg. the reason Devil’s claw is effective at easing back pain is that it contains a chemical that helps reduce swelling an inflammation. Devil’s claw comes in many formulations, but the most important one for back pain would be one containing harpagoside in the active ingredients. Check the label to make sure you have the right product. This is one of the best supplements for back pain available today.

7. Willow Bark

Willow bark is derived from the various varieties of willow tress available.  The bark of the tree is known to be medicinal and is used to alleviate pain. As a precaution, you shouldn’t take white willow when taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin. Avoid willow bard if you’re allergic to salicylates or aspirin. Willow bark should not be given to kids under the age of 18.

8. Fish Oil

If you have back pain, the taking 2000 mg of fish oil daily will help reduce the inflammation. Your normal diet doesn’t include the required amounts of fish oil so supplementation is a must.

9. Magnesium

This is a mineral needed in the body to help relax your muscles and reduce stress levels. To help with back pain, take 400 to 500 mg on a daily basis. There is a chance it might cause diarrhea. If it does, reduce the dosage.

10. Traditional Chinese Medications

Chinese herbal medicine has spread over the western world and other parts of the world. While most of these herbal medications are considered good for your health, they are not all created equal. It is possible to get life-threatening adverse reactions after using Chinese herbal supplements, including liver damage. The NCCAM has even warned of cases where Chinese medication has been found to contain heavy metals and other toxic substances.

11. Proteolytic Enzymes

These enzymes are found in pineapples. They help reduce inflammation and swelling. Take 500mg 3 times a day.  

Caution：

It is important to consult your doctor before using any supplements for back pain. They will be able to review the risks and side effects and guide you on dosage. The quality of supplements varies from company to company so make sure to purchase from reputable companies.