Natural Remedies & Herbs for Backache

Colchicine, a substance derived from autumn crocus, may be helpful for chronic back pain caused by a herniated disc. A review shows that colchicine has provided relief from pain, muscle spasm, and weakness associated with disc disease including several double-blind trials. The author of these reports has suggested that 0.6 to 1.2 mg of colchicine per day leads to dramatic improvement in four out of ten cases of disc disease. In most clinical trials, colchicine is given intravenously. However, the oral administration of this herb-based remedy also has had moderate effectiveness. People with low back pain should consult a physician skilled in herbal medicines before taking colchicine due to potentially severe side effects.

Willow bark is traditionally used for pain and conditions of inflammation. According to one controlled clinical trial, use of high amounts of willow bark extract may help people with low back pain. One trial found 240 mg of salicin from a willow extract to be more effective than 120 mg of salicin or a placebo for treating exacerbations of low back pain...