What to eat for lower back pain

When experiencing back pain, rationally choosing food and medication can help alleviate discomfort. Foods commonly recommended include black beans, Chinese yam, walnuts, goji berries, and sea bass; commonly used medications include ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, Huoxue Zhitong capsules, and Yaotongning capsules. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Food

1. Black Beans: Rich in protein, calcium, and various trace elements, black beans have the effects of strengthening the spleen and benefiting the kidneys, promoting blood circulation, and unblocking meridians. They provide essential nutrients for repairing lumbar tissues and offer supportive regulation for low back pain caused by kidney deficiency. They are best consumed in porridge or soups.

2. Chinese Yam: Contains mucilaginous protein and multiple vitamins, with functions of tonifying the spleen, nourishing the stomach, benefiting the kidneys, and consolidating essence. It helps strengthen lower back muscles and improve soreness and weakness due to physical deficiency. It can be steamed or cooked with other ingredients.

3. Walnuts: High in unsaturated fatty acids and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, walnuts benefit the kidneys, strengthen the lower back, moisten the intestines, and relieve constipation. They help reduce back aches and supplement essential nutrients. Can be eaten raw or consumed in moderation as a snack.

4. Goji Berries: Contain polysaccharides and multiple vitamins, offering liver- and kidney-tonifying, essence-nourishing, and vision-improving effects. They help relieve back pain and fatigue caused by liver and kidney deficiency. Can be steeped in water or added to porridge.

5. Sea Bass: Rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, sea bass benefits the liver and kidneys and strengthens tendons and bones. It promotes healing of damaged lumbar tissues and is best prepared by steaming or stewing into soup.

II. Medications

1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules: The active ingredient is ibuprofen, which has antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It effectively relieves mild to moderate back pain caused by various conditions. The effect lasts for an extended period. Should be taken according to the instructions or as directed by a physician.

2. Celecoxib Capsules: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Suitable for back pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It causes relatively less gastrointestinal irritation and should be used under medical guidance.

3. Eperisone Hydrochloride Tablets: The main component, eperisone hydrochloride, helps relieve muscle stiffness. Indicated for back pain associated with cervical shoulder wrist syndrome, periarthritis, and similar conditions. Helps relax lumbar muscles. Must be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

4. Huoxue Zhitong Capsules: Composed of ingredients such as Angelica sinensis, Panax notoginseng, and frankincense, these capsules promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. Suitable for back pain caused by trauma or blood stasis. Enhances local blood circulation. Should be taken as directed on the label.

5. Yaotongning Capsules: Contains powdered strychnine seed, ground beetle (Eupolyphaga), Ephedra, and other components. Has effects of reducing swelling and relieving pain, dispelling cold pathogens, warming meridians, and unblocking collaterals. Indicated for back pain due to obstruction of meridians by cold-dampness and blood stasis. Must be strictly used as prescribed by a physician.

Maintain a balanced diet in daily life, avoid excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods, and moderately increase intake of the beneficial foods listed above.