Backache - how Aromatherapy can help

Some time ago, I ran a series of Questions and Answers in the East Anglian Daily Times - I thought I would share some of them with you.

Question: My husband suffers from backache and I have very stiff shoulders due to word processing – is there something we can share?

Answer: Lavender is one of the greatest painkillers so it would always be my first recommendation for pain. It is also affordable so it can be used regularly in the bath, for massage or in a room burner.

If the pain is of a permanent nature then I would also recommend Chamomile as an alternative or an addition. Chamomile is known as “nature’s steroid” so it has a great role to play in relieving pain. The downside of both these oils is that they are sedatives so I would also add rosemary (assuming no pregnancy or epilepsy). Rosemary is a good stimulant and is also a warming oil with great affinity for the joints and muscles.

Finally I might add a couple of drops of a sweeter scented oil such as Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Bergamot or Vanilla to aid relaxation. It is a clinical fact that when individuals are mentally tense or under stress their perception of pain is much greater. However when they are calm, relaxed and happy it is easier to take pain in their stride.

I would also recommend a microwaveable aromatherapy wheat bag for the shoulders. With shoulder pain there is a tendency to draw the shoulders up to the ears. This puts pressure on the nerves and aggravates the pain further. The weight of the wheatbag will gently help the shoulders drop and the heat will reduce the muscle spasms and tension.