Stomach pain is typically harmless and easy to treat with quick home remedies. However, back pain that radiates to the stomach or is accompanied by bloating, pain and burning with urination is more serious and requires immediate attention from a medical professional.
Begin with light cardiovascular exercise such as walking, swimming or riding a stationary bicycle. Reduce your intake of sugary foods, fried or fatty foods and avoid drinking alcohol.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a soothing beverage that soothes an upset stomach, reduces stress levels and eases constipation. It is also a healthy, calorie free alternative to sugary sodas, fruit juice and soft drinks. It can help stabilize blood-sugar levels, and prevent a spike in insulin that causes the energy crash many of us experience after consuming high-sugar foods.
Animal studies show that peppermint has a relaxing effect on the digestive tract, and human studies have shown that it relieves abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome, according to Dr. Lauren Cadillac, RD. One clinical study published in the journal Pain found that patients who took enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules three times a day for four weeks experienced reduced IBS symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.
To make peppermint tea, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add a handful of torn mint leaves. Cover and steep for about five minutes. This is a delicious herbal tea that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It can be sipped after meals to aid digestion, in the afternoon as a boost for energy levels and before bed to help ease insomnia.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural acid-reflux remedy that can help balance the body’s pH levels. This is important because the more acidic your body, the more susceptible it is to disease. It is also an effective digestive aid. Drink a glass of warm or hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to support digestive function and alleviate conditions like heartburn, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
The citrus fruit’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective treatment for rheumatism and arthritis. It helps relieve pain and swollen joints, and also prevents the deposit of uric acid in the joints and muscles, which is what causes gout. It’s also a great remedy for a sore throat. Just mix a little lemon juice with some water and gargle frequently to soothe the throat.
The peel of the lemon contains a high amount of potassium, calcium and small amounts of fiber. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C and also has antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral and antispasmodic properties. It’s beneficial for colds, sore throat, peptic ulcers and skin problems like dry and scaly skin.
Warm Bath
A long, hot bath can be the perfect cure for a hard day. A study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that people who regularly hop into the tub tend to feel less stressed, tired, and have more energy. The warmth of the bath opens your nasal passages, which can help fight congestion and colds. It also helps you sleep better by regulating your body temperature.
A warm bath can soothe sore muscles and improve your flexibility by promoting blood flow to tight muscles. It can also ease muscle spasms and stiff joints, according to Healthline. You can add a few drops of essential oils to your bath such as lavender or chamomile to relax the muscles and mind. You can also use Epsom salt, which is made of magnesium and sulfate, to relieve pain from sore muscles.
The ideal temperature for a hot bath is between 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just above the average body temperature. It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink water throughout your soak. Too much time in the bath can dry out the skin, which leads to itchiness and inflammation.
Ice Compresses
Ice packs are a great way to reduce pain and inflammation from back injuries. They work by constricting blood vessels and minimizing swelling. They are most effective when used immediately after an injury, within the first 48 hours of an accident.
Heat therapy is a home remedy for back pain relief back pain. There are many ways to use heat therapy, including hot water bottles, heating pads and warming adhesive wraps that lay over the injured area and provide several hours of low-level heat. When using a heat source, be careful to avoid burns and skin damage, and never sleep with the heat pack on.
If you are not able to get an ice massager, you can make your own ice pack by placing a cup of ice in a plastic bag and then wrapping the cup in a towel. You can also use bags of frozen vegetables to help make an ice pack, but they are not as convenient and won’t be as durable. When you are applying a cold compress, always put a cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent burning.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
You can relieve back pain without prescription medication using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These include acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Many of these medicines also reduce fever.
If you’re not sure what type of OTC pain reliever to take, consult a pharmacist or a doctor who can advise on the best options. The pharmacist can help determine the proper dosage and explain how each medicine works. The doctor can check for any potential drug interactions.
Some of these OTC medications can cause stomach discomfort. To avoid this, drink plenty of water and take the medicine with food. Some pain relievers are formulated to be gentle on the stomach, such as the OTC medication ibuprofen and naproxen. You can also try 8% capsaicin patches or cream, which require a prescription but work by altering how your nerves transmit pain signals. However, these haven’t been shown to alleviate chronic back pain. If the OTC painkillers don’t ease your pain, your provider may recommend stronger prescription drugs such as opioids.
