Consumer Reports highlights common natural treatments for various health issues, and which ones are recommend and which to avoid. 

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends acupuncture therapy—where thin needles are inserted into specific spots on the body—for both acute and chronic lower back pain before trying medication. (Lower back pain is considered acute if it eases in less than six weeks and chronic if it lasts for more than three months.) "It may relax overactive muscles, and increase blood flow into the region," says Tyler Moldoff, DPT, physical therapist at HSS. Medicare covers it for diagnosed chronic lower back pain.

The ACP suggests spinal manipulation therapy—where a chiropractor or physical therapist applies pressure to spinal joints or moves them past their normal range—for acute and chronic lower back discomfort before trying meds. "It releases gas and pressure in the joints, calming nearby muscles," explained Moldoff. Medicare covers this for subluxation (slightly misaligned vertebrae). Check with your doctor first; in some cases, it could temporarily worsen discomfort.

Read the full article at consumerreports.org.