10 Essential Oils to Battle Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints doctors receive and is the leading reason for missed work days (1). Common conditions like sciatica and rheumatism manifest through joint pain, nerve pain and muscle tension in the back (2).

Doctors often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (advil) and naproxen (aleve). However, if used over a long period of time, these options carry negative side effects like stomach pain and ulcers. Even worse are highly-addictive opioids,  which have historically been over-prescribed by doctors, resulting in the current opioid crisis (3).

Aromatherapy, which refers to the medicinal or therapeutic use of essential oils absorbed through the skin or through smell, dates back to medieval Persia (4), offers a simpler approach to pain management which may be worth trying.

Essential oils are derived from plants using steam distillation, mechanical pressing, or grating and peeling (5). Using these processes, the liquid oil solution retains the natural smell and flavor of its source.

Despite the long history of essential oils being used to treat sore muscles and back pain, there is limited research on its effectiveness. Nevertheless, early results are positive. A 2016 study showed that the use of aromatherapy with essential oils resulted in significant improvement in pain (6). Another study released in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences revealed that essential oils exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties (7).

When applied topically, the following essential oils have been shown to relieve backaches and soothe inflamed muscles:

1. Ginger oil
   
   Often used for cooking, ginger has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These characteristics make ginger essential oils highly effective in mitigating pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (8). Lab studies have even indicated that certain ginger extracts can work preventatively to combat joint breakdown and inflammation.
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2. Peppermint oil
   
   Peppermint is another plant with powerful analgesic qualities (8). It naturally contains menthol and limonene, which are widely used for treating pain. Like ginger oil, peppermint oil is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If applied onto sensitive or raw areas, a burning sensation may occur.
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3. Frankincense oil
   
   Frankincense is an aromatic resin that comes from Boswellia trees and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries (9). It has been shown to treat inflammation, pain and stiffness. Minor skin irritation may occur.
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4. Eucalyptus oil
   
   Eucalyptus, native to Australia, is a well-known topical analgesic and forceful anti-inflammatory. Distilled from the leaves of a eucalyptus tree, this oil can be used to treat muscle aches and joint pain, providing soothing relief. If applied onto sensitive or raw areas, a burning sensation may occur.
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5. Holy Basil oil
   
   Also known as tulsi or tulsai, holy basil oil has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition to treat a range of conditions, including nerve pain (10). It contains 1.8-cineole, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and linalool, which has reduced swelling mice and rats.
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6. Lavender oil
   
   One of the most popular essential oils, lavender oil has a number of healing properties (11). In addition to being calming and stress relieving, lavender essential oils are analgesics that work well to ease joint pain.
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7. Chamomile oil
   
   Chamomile, known for its calming abilities as a tea or in a topical cream, is also helpful for managing inflammation. The soothing properties of this oil have been shown to help with muscle spasms and rheumatism (11).
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8. Clary Sage oil
   
   Compared to common sage, the leaves of a clary sage plant are much larger and have more healing properties. Traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps and reduce pain during labor, clary sage may improve circulation and reduce swelling associated with back pain (11).
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9. Rosemary oil
   
   Rosemary can be silver, gold or green-striped. The green variety is frequently used for its medicinal attributes, including its ability to calm inflammation and allay joint pain (11).
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10. Turmeric oil
    
    In addition to being a delicious spice, turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory (8). The active ingredient found in turmeric oil, curcumin, has been found to protect joints against swelling.

Essential oils can be applied directly onto the skin or used olfactorily (by sniffing).

When used topically for a massage treatment, dilute your chosen oil with six teaspoons of a carrier oil, which will prevent the potent essential oil from irritating your skin. Coconut oil, jojoba oil and almond oil are common carriers.

For inhalation during the day, dab a few droplets of your essential oil onto the pulse points of your wrist. Bring your oil with you and re-apply throughout the day.

A third and less common method of application is diffusion. Pour fresh water into the diffuser and add some drops of your oil for a gentle scent in your home or office. Refill the water every few days to ensure freshness.

If you want to create your own unique essential oils blend, you can combine complimenting oils in a tincture solution. However, it’s important to make sure you’re mixing oils that work well together. Be sure to consult an aromatherapy expert or certified guide before experimenting with your blend (12).

Incorporating essential oils into your routine requires commitment. But, when used in conjunction with other practices like regular exercise and a low glycemic diet, it can greatly reduce inflammation and back pain.

The American Chiropractic Association estimates that Americans spend as much as $50 billion on back pain-related healthcare per year (13). When factoring in lost wages and lower productivity, that figure rises to over $100 billion. Using essential oils to target muscle pain is an affordable remedy that you can experiment with at home.

Essential oils carry much less risk than stronger treatments like opioids. Essential oils generally have few side effects and no addictive properties. However, oils should still be used cautiously before establishing a routine and should never be consumed.

If your skin is sensitive or you’re allergic to one of the components in an oil, it’s possible you will develop a rash or slight irritation. When using an oil for the first time, make sure to patch test the diluted liquid. If there is no irritation after 24 hours, the oil should be safe to use.

As more people turn to alternative forms of treatment for their ailments, essential oils are becoming increasingly accepted as a simple home remedy worth trying for chronic pain. Scientific research indicates that essential oils can be a viable option for back pain relief.