Two ways to ease pain with aloe

It’s probably hiding among your homegrown field of luscious orchids and daisies — an inflammation fighter in disguise. The aloe vera plant may add a funky flair to your outdoor garden, but don’t underestimate its anti-inflammatory super powers.

The health benefits of aloe vera go way beyond treating sunburns and acne. In fact, it’s one of the best herbs for arthritis and back pain. Try these natural ways to soothe chronic neck and back pain with aloe:

Ease joint inflammation

Oral use

You can’t see them, but you’ll find several vitamins and minerals inside the clear gel of the aloe plant. Aloe vera contains nutrients like vitamin A, C, B12 and E, along with zinc, calcium and many others — much like the healing foods found in an anti-inflammatory diet. That’s why aloe vera juice for inflammation is often used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts or anyone who wants to ease joint pain while keeping their spine healthy.

Try this: Drink aloe vera juice to reduce pressure on arthritic joints in the spine and other areas of the body. Make sure the juice is sugar free so you can soak up all the aloe vera benefits for arthritis. It can hydrate your discs, too!

Manage muscle strain

Topical use

Did you know that you might have herbs for back pain already growing in your back yard? Using aloe gel topically is another natural way to relieve muscle strain, joint pain and swelling. Studies have also shown that aloe vera extract benefits sciatic nerve pain.

Try this: Break open an aloe leaf and apply the gel directly onto your skin or buy an aloe-based topical cream. Massage into the affected area to help reduce muscle pain.

Adding aloe vera to your massage or diet means fighting neck and back pain the natural way; but always be sure to ask your doctor first. If natural treatments and conservative care haven’t worked to relieve your pain, trust the experts. Contact Laser Spine Institute for your free MRI review* to find out if you’re a candidate for our minimally invasive spine procedures.