Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

White willow (Salix alba) bark has a long history of use in traditional medicine for pain relief, including backache, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Chinese. The primary active compound in white willow bark is salicin, which the body metabolizes into salicylic acid—a precursor to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of white willow bark extract in treating lower back pain. For example, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the American Journal of Medicine (2000) found that patients with chronic low back pain who received standardized willow bark extract (containing 120-240 mg salicin per day) experienced significant pain relief compared to placebo. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews, including those published in the Cochrane Database, have concluded that there is moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness of white willow bark in reducing lower back pain, with a safety profile comparable to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), though with fewer reported gastrointestinal side effects.

However, the quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and variability in product standardization. While white willow bark is not universally recommended as a first-line therapy, scientific studies do provide moderate support for its use as an adjunct or alternative for back pain, particularly for individuals seeking herbal or non-pharmaceutical options. As with all supplements, potential users should consider possible drug interactions and contraindications, particularly in individuals with aspirin allergy or bleeding disorders.

More about white willow
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Other ingredients used for Backache

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