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Glycine for Back Pain

Back pain ranks behind the headache as the most common disorder in the United States. The condition is a symptom indicative of any number of diseases or disorders. There are two forms of back pain: acute and chronic. The former is sudden, intense and of short duration. The latter can go on for up to a month and is characterized by a nagging, dull pain. Glycine supplements are one of the most common forms of treatment that can prevent the need for painkillers.

  1. Causes of Back Pain

    • Mechanical postural changes due to degenerative diseases such as arthrosis or osteoporosis can cause back pain. These are usually age-related and connected to the body's decreased ability to repair injuries. Back pain can stem from disease or abnormalities. Unless a thorough medical examination has been carried out, do not rule out tumors, appendicitis, bladder infections, ovarian disorders and pelvic infection, which can cause referred back pain. Back pain also results from injuries from physical activity that puts the spine under undue strain. Incorrect lifting techniques can result in a herniated disc.

    What Is Glycine?

    • Organisms synthesize proteins with glycine, a non-essential amino acid found in fish, dairy products or meat. Choline in the liver or kidney, and threonine and serine can also form glycine in the body. When the body is in a fasting state, the amino acid can be converted back to serine. It also improves glycogen storage, allowing more glucose to be spared for the body's energy needs. Glycine in its pure form is a supplement that helps prevent arthrosis and diseases that may cause back pain.

    Effect of Glycine on Back Pain

    • Significant improvement of back pain is noted when glycine supplements are taken, reducing the need for painkillers. A possible reason is that glycine counteracts the effects of diet-related lack of glycine. L-glycine also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to the brain, which results in a feeling of calmness. Because it is also a precursor to collagen and a growth hormone promoter, glycine may ease back pain, as collagen and growth hormone are both vital to wound healing.

    Other Methods of Back Pain Relief

    • Ease painful muscle spasms with heating pads, ice packs or massage. Follow 20- to 30-minute durations when using ice or heat. Strengthening exercises can also help relieve chronic back pain. Acupuncture facilitates the release of opioids that relieve pain and calms the sympathetic nervous system. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, decreases the concentration of Substance P when applied to the skin. Substance P is a neurotransmitter for pain. In addition to the analgesic effect, you might feel a stinging/burning sensation where the cream is applied.

    Prevention of Back Pain

    • If you need to remain seated for several hours, take periodic breaks to stretch and relieve your back muscles. For a person constantly on his feet, low-heeled shoes or flats put less strain on the spine. Exercise is important to strengthen the back and surrounding muscles. A sedentary lifestyle is a factor in back pain. Low-impact exercise like walking, cycling and swimming allows you to build up strength and fitness without further straining your back. Furthermore, weight loss and improved posture from consistent exercise can reduce strain on the back.

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