The Best Essential Oils for Powerful Back Pain Remedies

Anyone with chronic back pain knows how disruptive this issue is. It effects everything and can be limiting. Unfortunately, conventional back pain remedies all too often involve prescription drugs.

My husband has had severe back pain for the last 3 years. He has scoliosis, a bulging disc and irregularly shaped vertebrae, among a few other issues. When he first injured it several years ago, he would literally cry out as his body tensed into the fetal position on the floor. I could see the muscles in his back pulsing and spasming in ripples.

The herniated lower disc would put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing a tingling pain to radiate from the lower back and down the legs. His spine was also slightly twisted from a case of scoliosis. That is, until a few weeks ago.

Serious Back Pain Relief

After three years of intense pain every single day, he’s finally pain free. A few months ago he told me in amazement to feel his spine and asked what I felt.

“Nothing,” I said, confused.
“Exactly. It’s straight!” he replied back.

His spine hasn’t been straight for a long time.

So what changed? Nothing magically happened overnight, but there were specific changes he had made in the past 4 months that played a significant role in this turning point. We started seeing a chiropractor that specializes in releasing spinal subluxations, not just “cracking” the bones. He added in supplements like curcumin, collagen and magnesium. The biggest change though came when I tried something new.

The Game Changer

I’ve been giving him massages frequently for the past three years. These, along with regular chiropractic treatments have helped significantly, but the pain and twisting were still there.

Lately, I added high quality essential oils to the routine. I also started doing a weekly Aromatouch massage with the oils. This was without a doubt the most beneficial thing in my attempt to help his back. I’ve used essential oils from cheap brands before, but it wasn’t until I started using these oils and the special technique that his health took a complete turn for the better.

Here are some essential oils I’ve used and how they support the back.

• Deep Blue blend – This is a blend of Wintergreen Leaf, Camphor Bark, Peppermint, Blue Tansy Flower, Blue Chamomile Flower, Helichrysum Flower, and Osmanthus Flower essential oils. This helps numb pain and promotes healing. Think icy hot cream, but better. It helps fight inflammation, muscle aches and fatigue and supports nerve health.
• Basil– A powerful muscle relaxer that helps with spasms. I applied this whenever his muscles were tight to help them relax.
• Rosemary and Thyme – Both help relieve inflammation in the body, which is a huge deterrent for a healthy body.
• White fir – I haven’t used this one yet, but it’s on my list of “need to get next.” This helps with muscle pain and fatigue as well as cartilage inflammation.
• Balance blend – Supports healthy disc and nerve function.
• Lavender – Helps relax muscles, reduces inflammation and pain. Helps the cells regenerate and calms muscles.
• Citrus Bliss blend – Increases circulation in the body, which is vital for optimal health.
• Lemongrass – Supports ligament health.
• Ginger – Warming and stimulating to the muscles.

How to use Essential Oils for Back Pain Remedies

These oils aren’t a magic pill and won’t instantly rid the body of serious issues. What they can do though is reduce the body’s toxic load. It’s important to use the right essential oil for the problem, along with a healthy, low-inflammation diet (limited grains and dairy). A good chiropractor is also a must. When the body has the tools it needs and damaging toxins are reduced, it will be in balance and healthy.

Muscle Relief Bath Salts

One of the best ways to get pain relief is with a hot bath. Because oil and water don’t mix, I like to put the oils into Epsom salts first. This supplies much needed magnesium to soothe muscles and joints, while helping to mix the oils in the water. Chocolate is actually high in magnesium and you can read about the importance of magnesium here. The water suspends the body weight and soothes muscles.

Muscle soothing bath blend:

• 5 drops ginger essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops basil essential oil
• 2 cups Epsom salts

1. Drip the essential oils onto the bath salts and shake well to combine.
2. Add 1-2 cups to very warm running bath water.
3. Soak for 20-30 minutes.

Photo credit Nick Webb from FCC

Back Pain Remedies

I usually place 1-2 drops of some of the oils I mentioned above directly on the back. I’ll then add coconut oil as needed to lubricate the back for a nice massage.

If the muscles are simply tight, I may use some basil and ginger. If the disc is bothering him, I’ll use basil, rosemary, lemongrass and the balance blend. You can easily make a general back massage blend up before hand though to make things easier. It may not smell amazing, but it does the job well!

These essential oils are diluted to 3% which can be used as needed for back pain. You can however use up to 25% of essential oils in your blend for occasional severe pain and acute conditions (source). I usually just apply a thin layer of carrier oil to the back and add about 5 drops of various essential oils if the issue is severe.

Back Pain Massage Oil

• 5 drops each of Basil, Ginger, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Lavender, Citrus bliss blend (can use sweet orange or lemon instead), Balance blend.
• 1/4 cup carrier oil, like olive or sweet almond oil

1. Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz glass bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Apply liberally as needed to soothe back pain.