Taking the pain away

Some patients specifically ask for something herbal. For problems of the bone and joint system, preparations with arnica, salicylates or comfrey root extract are tried and tested. For internal use, the guideline authors recommend primarily willow bark preparations. Hyperaemic essential oils such as lavender, rosemary or mint may improve the symptoms of pain sufferers by means of their local massage effect. Side effects include especially hypersensitivity reactions, reddening of the skin and swelling.

Muscle tension, which is often at the root of backache, can be relieved with heat applications. Heat relaxes, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. At home, patients can use the classic hot water bottle, a grain pillow or an electric blanket. If you are on the road or want to be physically active also during treatment, you can use ointments that promote blood circulation or heat patches or compresses with capsaicin or cayenne pepper extract, nonivamide or nicoboxil. You must not use more than one heat patch per day, as this increases the risk of skin irritation or burns. It should be placed on dry, intact skin and remain there for four to twelve hours. As long as the plaster is there, no other externals should be applied, and patients should also refrain from additional heat applications. After that, a twelve-hour break is needed until the next heat patch is applied.