Essential Oils for Back and Neck Pain

If you haven't already, chances are that you will experience debilitating back pain at some point in your life. After visiting your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to rule out anything dangerous, try essential oils to relieve pain and inflammation.

Ready to Use Options

The Herbal Toad has essential oil blends that are precisely mixed to deliver synergetic relief:

Anti Inflame Roll-On, Bone + Joint Synergy, Bone + Joint Roll-On

Common Essential Oils That Work for Back and Neck Pain:

NOTE: It is vital that you use authentic essential oils for treating back pain, otherwise you will not receive the results that you are looking for, as well as

1. Chamomile

This contains anti-inflammatory and pain relieving compounds, in addition to having terrific antioxidant compounds. German chamomile is soothing, calming, and has been found to support joint health.

2. Sweet Marjoram

Marjoram is a great oil for back pain because it is warming, soothing and eases the joints and muscles. It’s also emotionally calming, stress easing and generally soothing. It reduces inflammation as well (great for arthritis). This herb also has sedative compounds that can help relieve muscle pain and muscle spasms, migraines, joint stiffness, osteoarthritis, and rheumatism.

3. Basil

Basil is an ideal oil for tight muscles. It helps relax and loosen up any muscular tension wherever applied. Basil is also a great oil for the nerves / mental fatigue. In cases of neuritis it’s a highly recommended oil to rub into the spine, lower back and up into the neck area.

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a warming, soothing oil that contains some strong anti-inflammatory qualities. These anti-inflammatory properties, paired with its strong analgesic effect make it effective at relieving aches, pains and stiffness. This strong-smelling oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for nerve pain and muscle pain. It will clear out your sinuses at the same time, which can offer you relief from sinus headaches.

5. Ginger

A warming oil, ginger essential oil is perfectly fit for application on sore, tired, and painful back muscles. It’s quite effective for tightness, rheumatism and arthritic conditions. If you experience discomfort and/or any spasms make sure to have ginger on hand.

6. Rosemary

This is great for back pain, muscle pain, headaches, and joint pain due to its antispasmodic and analgesic compounds. Rosemary, like lavender, is another great all around oil. It’s effective for aches, pains, arthritis, among many other things. It’s analgesic and tonic qualities make it a top rated oil for backaches.

7. Clary Sage

Clary sage has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds and is well known for being calming and soothing to the mind and body. Use this in small quantities as it is very powerful. It works best for muscle spasms, tension, and the pain caused by PMS. Can be diffused to help with inflammation.

8. Lavender

Lavender is a wonderful all-around oil. This oil is particularly indicated for use in cases of stress, restlessness, hyperactivity, fatigue and anxiety. While not as warming or hot as some of the other oils listed above, lavender still contains some powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities that are great for backaches.

9. Peppermint

Peppermint is a refreshing and uplifting oil that contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. You’re probably familiar with peppermint oil and have some on hand. It’s great stuff!

Using Essential Oils for Back Pain

In the bath

1. Combine 1 tsp milk and 4-6 drops of essential oil in a non-reactive bowl
2. Add the blend to your tub once it’s filled
3. Agitate the water to disperse the oil/milk mix
4. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes (or more, if desired).
5. Rub any floating droplets of oil into your skin

Massage

TIP: Bring your essential oil blend for back pain with you when getting a massage and ask your massage therapist to use it when massaging your back.

1. In a small, non-reactive bowl combine 4 tsp (20mL) grapeseed or calendula-infused oil and 12 drops of your sciatica massage blend
2. Mix well and massage over your back

As a Compress

1. In a small (non-reactive) bowl combine 2 cups of cold water for cold compress or warm water for hot compress with 12 drops of essential oil blend for back pain
2. Stir water and oils well
3. Soak a cloth in the mixture. Wring out the cloth so it is still fully saturated but not dripping.
4. Apply your cloth compress to the painful areas of your back
5. Apply once every two hours

Recipes

Before using directly on skin, combine the following amounts of essential oils from each recipe with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil.

Recipe No. 1

• 10 drops peppermint
• 10 drops rosemary
• 10 drops basil

Recipe No. 2

• 10 drops lavender
• 10 drops eucalyptus
• 10 drops ginger

Recipe No. 3

• 10 drops rosemary
• 10 drops clary sage
• 10 drops marjoram

Sciatica Massage Blend

• 10 drops lavender
• 10 drops ginger
• 5 drops marjoram
• 5 drops chamomile
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil

Slipped disc massage blend:

• 10 drops rosemary
• 10 drops peppermint
• 5 drops eucalyptus
• 5 drops ginger
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil