Alternative Medicine and Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain 

Filipinos with back pain (1 million according to a report that was published in the Philippine Star) get no shortage of suggestions: turmeric capsules, yoga classes, meditation apps, or chiropractic treatment.  Some of these can help. 

Bear in mind that the right choice depends on the cause of your back pain. On the one hand, for musculoskeletal back pain, chiropractic treatment is arguably the best option. On the other hand, chiropractic therapy is usually counted as a complementary approach itself. So this isn’t really a choice between chiropractic and alternatives. It’s chiropractic treatment compared with other options people try alongside regular medical care. 

Alternative, complementary, or integrative?

Alternative, complementary, and integrative health approaches usually get mixed up. But take note that they’re different things: 

  • Alternative care is used instead of conventional medicine.
  • Complementary care is used alongside it.
  • Integrative care combines both in one coordinated plan.

Alternative medicine for back pain: 

Alternative medicine for back pain includes non-surgical therapies, mind-body practices, and natural supplements that can help minimize inflammation and eventually ease muscle tension. 

1. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which may help ease swelling and pain. Your body doesn’t absorb much of it alone, though.

  • Take it with healthy fats or black pepper so your body can use more of it.
  • Try it for a few months. If nothing changes, move on.
  • Check with your doctor if you’re on blood thinners or have gallbladder issues.

2. Cherry Juice Extract

The same compounds that make cherries red may also help reduce swelling.

  • Drink tart cherry juice, eat fresh cherries, or take a cherry pill.
  • Choose juice with no added sugar.
  • If you have diabetes, ask your doctor first since the juice is high in sugar.

3. Omega-3s (Fish Oil)

These healthy fats may help with sore, swollen joints, especially in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Get them from food when you can, like salmon, sardines, walnuts, or flaxseeds.
  • Pills can help if you don’t eat much fish.
  • Talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners.

4. Collagen

Collagen is a protein that supports your skin, joints, and muscles. Studies on joint pain are mixed so far.

  • Take it as a pill or powder, or mix it into drinks.
  • Help your body make more by eating protein and vitamin C.
  • It’s worth a try, but don’t count on big results.

5. Chondroitin and Glucosamine

Both are found in the padding around your joints, which thins as you age.

  • Chondroitin may help your joints move better. Glucosamine may ease stiffness.
  • Results vary from person to person.
  • Avoid glucosamine made from shellfish if you’re allergic.

6. Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)

This tree extract has long been used in traditional Indian medicine. Some studies show it may ease arthritis pain.

  • It may slow down what causes pain and swelling in your body.
  • Pick a brand that clearly lists the active ingredient.
  • It can cause mild stomach upset.

7. CBD Oil

CBD comes from cannabis but won’t make you high. Research on it for pain is still early.

  • No store-bought CBD is approved to treat pain.
  • Labels aren’t always accurate, and some products contain THC.
  • It can interact with blood thinners and seizure medicines.
  • Laws differ by country, so check what’s allowed where you live.

Disclaimer: In the Philippines, CBD oil is illegal for general over-the-counter use and retail sale, as it is classified as a prohibited cannabis derivative under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

What is chiropractic treatment?

Think of chiropractic treatment as hands-on care for your back, neck, and joints. A licensed chiropractor uses their hands, not pills, to get stiff parts of your body moving again. Most of the time, that means your spine is the part of your body that needs treatment.

Addressing the cause of the pain and discomfort

Patients usually come in because something hurts. Maybe your lower back has been sore since you started working from home. Or your neck has felt stiff for weeks and just won’t loosen up. Nagging aches like these are some of the most common reasons people book a visit.

Spinal adjustments

The technique most people picture is the spinal adjustment. Your chiropractor finds a joint that’s stiff or not moving the way it should and gives it a quick, controlled push. You might hear a pop. Don’t worry, that’s usually just gas releasing from the joint, not your bones cracking. Once the joint moves more freely, the pain and stiffness often ease up too.

Post-treatment guidance

Adjustments are only part of it, though. A session might also include stretches for tight muscles and some pressure on sore spots to help them relax. You’ll probably go home with a few simple exercises to do between visits. Your chiropractor may also ask about your daily habits, like how you sit at your desk, lift your kids or grocery bags, and what you eat.

The spine gets most of the attention, since that’s where a lot of back and neck pain starts. But chiropractors work on other joints too, like your shoulders, hips, and knees.

Can you use chiropractic treatment and alternative medicine together?

You can use chiropractic treatment and alternative medicine together. You don’t have to choose one and drop the other and everything else, for that matter. Cleveland Clinic describes chiropractic adjustments as complementary to regular medical care, so they’re meant to work alongside other approaches, not replace them. 

You see your chiropractor every week or two for adjustments. If you’re taking turmeric or another supplement, tell both your doctor and your chiropractor. Some supplements can interact with medicines you’re already taking. The same goes for traditional care. If you’re also seeing a manghihilot, let your chiropractor know, especially if both of them are working on the same area. That way, no one ends up undoing the other’s work or pushing a sore spot too hard.

Pay attention to how your body responds, too. If something makes your pain worse, stop and talk to your chiropractor or doctor before you continue. More treatment isn’t always better. What matters is finding the mix that actually helps you.

Get your back checked at Posture Perfect Chiropractic

Not sure how to begin? At Posture Perfect Chiropractic, every visit begins with a proper assessment. We’ll ask about your pain, your health history, and any remedies you’re already using. Then we’ll check how your back moves and explain what we find in plain language.

If chiropractic treatment is a good fit, we’ll build a plan around your goals and track your progress as we go. If it isn’t, we’ll be honest and guide you to the right care.

Book your consultation today and start moving with less pain. Book an appointment

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