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Most of us suffer back pain from time to time but you don’t have to put up with it. Read on for a herb that can help to ease the ache

This year’s BackCare Awareness Week is 4-10 October and if you are one of the estimated four in five people who are thought to suffer with lower back pain at some point in their life here’s a herb that can help to bring relief.
 
Devil’s claw so called because of the vicious hooks on its fruits which stick to animals’ feet is a favourite with herbalists for soothing aches and pains such as back pain. Long used by bushmen living in the Kalahari Sands of Namibia for back and joint problems, numerous clinical studies show that devil’s claw contains substances that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help a wide variety of joint problems including backache
It is not known exactly how devil’s claw works but the anti-inflammatory properties of the active compounds, the harpagosides and the plant sterols found in its roots, are thought to be responsible.
Devil’s claw is found in Flexiherb, a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints based on traditional use only.

Watch point

If the pain lasts longer than six weeks and is especially debilitating you should go to your GP for advice,’ says Patricia Watber, from BackCare, the charity for healthier backs.  You should also consult your doctor if the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever or pins and needles or you feel unsteady on your feet.

TRY THIS…

If you keep on getting back ache try the following:

1. Take regular low impact exercise – walking cycling or swimming (avoid breast stroke which can strain your neck) can improve strength and flexibility.
2. Walk tall  - Imagine an invisible cord pulling you up from the top of your head to the ceiling.  Try not to slouch or hunch your back.
3. When sitting, tuck your bottom into the seat of the chair, make sure the bottom of your back is well supported (use a rolled up towel if necessary) with your feet on the floor or stool.
4. Avoid bending over the steering wheel when driving.
5. Wear flat shoes with cushioned soles to help reduce stress on your back.
6. If you are carrying shopping bags or luggage, try to distribute the weight evenly on both sides of your body.

LISTEN TO THIS …

If back pain strikes don’t retire to bed. The latest research says that two weeks of bed rest can actually make things worse not better.