Ensure you don't suffer back pain with these five products
Recent research warned that Britain is facing an epidemic of lower back pain as the population ages.
Research carried out by Dr Tony Woolf from the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, and researchers in Australia warns that almost one in 10 people now suffers from lower back pain, and that this number is set to rise as the population ages.
Further research from Simplyhealth shows that over 67% of over 55s have suffered with lower back pain in the last 12 months, with lower back pain the most common type of pain. Over a third also admitted having to take time off work because of this pain.
A spokeswoman for Arthritis Research UK said: “Many people develop back pain for no obvious reasons, and research suggests that it’s impossible to identify a specific cause of pain for around 85 per cent of people in the early stages. Treatment such as physiotherapy, pain relief and exercise to keep the muscles supporting the spine strong can all help.”
To help you with any back pain you might have we've selected five of the best products to help ease it. Let us know if they work for you.
Five of the Best for Back Pain
The Simplyhealth BackCare app
Simplyhealth, the UK’s largest health cash plan provider, has launched a free App with charity BackCare, for people concerned about or suffering from a bad back.
The Simplyhealth Back Care App allows users to input information about their back pain to find back pain exercises and information to suit their lifestyle. Users can search for practitioners in their area by entering their postcode details, with the option to call directly from their app device. Users also record information about their back pain and keep track of their condition. Users record their ‘pain location’ and ‘pain level’; to access an exercise plan – shown in graphical format or video. Users can also share their experiences via the BackCare community on Facebook.
For every download, Simplyhealth will donate £1 to the BackCare charity2, which provides information and support to people affected by back pain.
Download the free App ‘The Simplyhealth Back Care App’ from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Salonpas Pain Relief
The new Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch helps to reduce muscle and joint pain associated with strains and sprains. This groundbreaking new pain relief patch represents a significant breakthrough for the millions of Brits who suffer from muscular pain.Using the latest technology, the Salonpas® Pain Relief Patch delivers two pain relieving ingredients directly to the affected area to provide long-lasting relief. Unlike painkilling tablets, Salonpas® is applied directly to the site of pain, where its two active ingredients are absorbed through the skin to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Available at pharmacies nationwide from £4.99
HoMedics 3D No Pain patch
The HoMedics 3D No Pain Patch is an innovative one piece self-adhesive electric pain reliever that can be stuck onto the site of discomfort anytime any place.
The patch provides effective pain relief for all types of pain including back pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines, menstrual pain, musculoskeletal pain
The device uses micro TENS technology to target specific areas of pain.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) stimulates nerves through the skin. It is recognised as a clinically proven, effective, non-medication method of treating pain from certain causes.
It manages pain by stopping the pain gate to prevent pain signals transmitting to brain, and help to release endorphins to sooth by stimulating nerves.
It is also free from side-effects when used properly, and can also be used as a simple means of self-treatment.
Built with medical grade silicone, the HoMedics 3D No Pain Patch is ultra-thin and light for maximum portability and its flexible material means it can be easily attached to the contours of the body.
Advanced circuitry conserves energy by providing 20 minutes per treatment, up to 20 sessions per battery life.
Priced £19.99 available from Argos.co.uk
Tiger Balm Red
Tiger Balm owes its origins to a soothing herbal balm that was prepared to effectively relieve the aches and pains of Chinese Emperors. Discovered over a century ago in China, Tiger Balm Red is now a modern day topical analgesic proven effective for the temporary and targeted relief of muscular aches and pains.
With 18% of us suffering from aches and pains every day, the relieving properties of Tiger Balm’s natural active ingredients Camphor, Menthol, Cajuput Oil and Clove Oil, coupled with the calming aroma of Cinnamon Oil means you no longer need to suffer in silence when it comes to muscular aches and pains. A little of the non greasy formula should be gently rubbed into the affected area two or three times a day for best results, or as often as required.
Tiger Balm comes in a decorative handy sized jar that is ideal to take with you everywhere. Tiger Balm Red is priced £4.90 for a 19g jar and is available from Boots, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Superdrug, independent pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. For further information call 0844 243 6661. Always read the label.
Devil’s Claw – nature’s anti-inflammatory
Devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens) is a perennial shrub that grows wild in the desert countries of Southern Africa, most notably in the Kalahari sands of Namibia. The name refers to the shrub’s hooked, claw-like seedpods and herbalists use it for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in patients with chronic back pain and osteoarthritis. Studies now show that devil’s claw extract can help a wide variety of joint conditions. Recent research particularly indicates its use for neck, shoulder and lower back pain.
Celebrity Osteopath, Garry Trainer, recommends the Devil’s Claw found in the traditional herbal medicine FlexiHerb® (£10.20 for 40 tablets) stocked in Boots, Lloyds pharmacy, Superdrug and Waitrose. For more information and special offers visit www.flexiherb.co.uk
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