Black Cohosh for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be caused by many different reasons. Sitting for long periods of time on a wallet or a cell phone are among the most common, according to massage therapist Ms. Bullock, who treats lower back pain from these causes frequently in her clinic. The pain from dispersing weight can be excruciating and difficult to treat with over-the-counter remedies. Sciatica pain from the sciatic nerve are other causes for lower back pain, as is just plain poor posture. However your lower back pain comes to be, it can be a dull ache or a nice, slow burn. And it hurts.

Black cohosh is an herb that is actually primarily used for menopausal issues in women, but has been used in North American Indian medicine as a cure for lower back pain. Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, and is a fairly common dietary supplement. Black cohosh is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body, making it a great herb for treating aches and pains in general, but muscle pain in particular.

Black cohosh works by calming the nerves in the body, and helping muscles to relax rather than contract (which is why black cohosh was also used by women fearing miscarriage or early delivery). Black cohosh relaxes muscles and reduces the spasm of both muscles and nerves, therefore making lower back pain less severe and easier to heal.

In the relaxation of nerves and muscles in the lower back, muscles can discontinue pulling the spine in an incorrect position, which allows the pain in the sciatic nerve to dissipate from lack of pressure. As the muscles also relax and the nerves quit sending out pain signals, the body can also find relief from both pain and discomfort of lower back pain. Black cohosh is especially great for people who have lower back pain due to strain- their muscles can relax to a more comfortable position and make massage therapy that much more effective, if massage therapy is chosen as a healing option. Black cohosh helps lower back pain heal on its own more successfully as well.

Black cohosh can be taken in supplemental form, purchased in most health foods' stores. Only take black cohosh as directed, and never for longer than necessary. Black cohosh is a natural herb, but may interfere (as with many herbs) with medication you are taking, so speak with your doctor before taking black cohosh for your lower back pain.

Sources:

massage therapist Ms. Bullock

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/blackcohosh/