Using Essential Oils for Back Spasms

There is nothing quite as immobilizing as a muscle spasm in the back. The pain is intense, and you are not able to do anything from simple sitting to walking or any other daily activities. All you want is some relief, without the use of pain medications or other pharmaceutical products that can be laden with chemicals and toxins. The good thing is that there are some essential oils for back spasms to use as a natural remedy. Before you start though, one word of caution. Please check with your preferred health care professional if you experience back pain. This is precautionary especially if the spasms or pain are caused by trauma or is accompanied by painful joints in the body. These can be symptoms of serious chronic conditions requiring treatment.

What Causes Back Spasms?

Back spasms can occur due to injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back. Heavy lifting can strain back muscles leading to spasms. Any other activity that puts a lot of strain on the muscles or ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury which in turn, can cause spasms. Sports and other activities that require the back turn suddenly and repeatedly can lead to spasming muscles. Back muscles are more vulnerable if your abdominal muscles are weak since they provide support for the back. When muscles are weaker, it can lead to more injuries than those that are stronger and more limber. You might suffer from pain and spasms in the back if you have either a ruptured disc in the spine or arthritis.

Best Essential Oils for Back Spasms

Using essential oils for back spasms and pain has many benefits. When your back is spasming the anxiety or tension can make it worse. Using EOs to relieve depression or anxiety can help alleviate the pain at least partially. Those who suffer from insomnia because of the pain can use EOs to help induce sleep. Here are the top essential oils for back spasms.

• Marjoram Essential Oil –This oil is a natural pain reducer that is effective for relieving pain and stress on overextended muscles. Plus, there are no negative side effects.
• Frankincense Essential Oil – Frankincense is extremely relaxing, and its soothing aroma can help ease tension to reduce pain. This effect is experienced when diffusing the oil.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil –The strong anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus EO make it the perfect oil for creating a massage oil to help relieve stressed, painful back muscles.
• Sweet Ginger Essential Oil–The warming qualities of ginger EO penetrates into spasming muscles and relieves aches and pains. Combine it with a carrier oil and massage it into the affected back muscles.
• Lavender Essential Oil– The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender EO make it an exceptional choice for relieving back pain. It also has a calming effect on the nerves while reducing stress that can help you relax and sleep.
• Peppermint Essential Oil– Soothing stress is Peppermint EOs superpower. Stress often exacerbates pain and makes it more intense. Peppermint essential oil can help reduce stress which indirectly soothes back pain.

How Essential Oils Relieve Back Spasms and Pain

These oils, in particular, have higher amounts of compounds that are known as natural painkillers. They have more eugenol, linalool, menthol and other compounds that help relieve pain in different ways. These compounds found in EOs help by:

• Improving Circulation of Blood –Back pain caused by spasms can be compounded by poor circulation. This can be due to lack of movement or bad posture. Ginger EO in particular, encourages blood flow which can help alleviate pain.
• Increasing Blood Flow – In addition to circulation, oils with stimulant properties like lemongrass or eucalyptus help increase the flow of blood to the spine. The blood supplies the spine with oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper healing and repairing tissues. This can reduce pain in the back.
• Suppressing Pain Signals – The analgesic compounds in some essential oils help reduce painful sensations. Some EOs contain compounds like methyl salicylate which are also found in over-the-counter medications for pain like aspirin. Essential oils can help alleviate back spasms and pain naturally, so you don’t have to use synthetic drugs that often present negative side effects.
• Numbing the Pain – Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils contain menthol. When it comes in contact with your skin you usually feel a tingly sensation. This is numbing the pain and giving you some relief.
• Preventing Muscle Spasms –Some EOs contain molecules that are anti-spasmodic in nature. This means they are able to prevent or reduce muscle spasms in the back or spine. They are also good for reducing overall pain levels.

Using Essential Oils for Back Spasms and Pain

The best way to use EOs to relieve back spasms or pain is to use them for a deep, therapeutic massage. You may give yourself a massage or ask a friend to do it for you. To do a self-massage, sit on a stool and apply the massage cream or oil to your back using one or both hands. Remember to sit erectly as you do. Rub the cream or oil into the area using your fingers, knuckles, or palms. For the best results, do this three times a day.

Want to make your own massage cream? You can add a few drops of any of the oils to your regular cream. Or, you can make your own.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of coconut oil
• 8 drops of lemongrass EO
• 5 drops of lavender EO
• 3 drops of peppermint EO
• 3 drops of ginger EO
• 3 drops of frankincense EO

Pour all the ingredients into an 8-ounce glass amber colored jar. Place the lid on tightly and gently shake or swirl the bottle to mix it well. Use the massage oil to target spasming muscles.