Arthritis - Prevention And Pain Relief
Arthritis refers to a group of musclo-skeletal disorders characterized by inflammation and joint pain
. Joints are the connecting tissues in between two bones, and an inflammation of more than one joints is regarded as Arthritis. In contrast to the popular belief, arthritis can affect men and women of all ages. More than 350 million individuals in the world are dealing with arthritis.
Whether it's Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis or any other kind, the one normal feature is the extreme stiffness and pain associated with this disorder. While there's no permanent cure for this disorder, the symptoms are usually manageable with:
* Regular Exercises
* Alternative Therapies
* Natural Pain Relievers
Let's take a deeper look into each of these arthritis pain management techniques.
EXERCISES
Exercising is extremely essential when you have arthritis. Regular and moderate physical activity can work miracles for your joint and muscle pain by decreasing fatigue, strengthening your muscles and bones, increasing stamina and flexibility, and restoring your general sense of well-being. Here are a few exercises that are specially beneficial:
* Swimming - Swimming in heated water can relieve arthritis pain and joint stiffness to a great extent. The arm and leg movements softly exercise your joints and furthermore strengthen your muscles. Being in lukewarm water raises your body heat, which causes dilation of blood vessels and increases blood circulation. You can also try hydrotherapy that involves floating in warm salt water, as salt is a natural pain reliever.
* Cycling - Cycling is a great low impact workout option for arthritis patients. Cycling machines can be adjusted in respect to your needs, so you do not have to apply too much pressure while riding it. For those with serious joint pain, stationary bikes are the best option and they are equally effective in strengthening your joints and muscles. Just keep track of your mileage, and go on increasing your goals by small margins.
* Walking - When you think about low impact workouts that don't involve any jarring movements, there's nothing better than Walking. A simple yet effective cardio workout, lubricates your joints, increases muscle strength and reduces the stiffness in your joints. The most important thing to consider is that the level of your exercises should be neither too low nor too high. Therefore, start at a comfortable and small level, and slowly go on improving the time.
* Yoga - Yoga is undoubtedly a miracle cure for most physical diseases including Arthritis. Regular practice of Yogasanas (physical postures) and Pranayama (Yogic breathing) can lubricate your joints, enhance blood circulation, strengthen your tissues and joints, improve muscle flexibility and provide a complete workout for all your body parts. Get in contact with a Yoga teacher and learn the various exercises that are recommended for arthritis pain management.
* Tai-Chi - Tai Chi is a form of ancient Chinese exercise that involves controlled, light movements focused towards improving flexibility of joints, sense of balance and muscular strength. Recent studies conducted worldwide have shown the amazing benefits of Tai Chi for Arthritis patients, as it provides a complete workout for all your body parts, ligaments, joints and tendons. It also helps in relaxing your mind so you can deal with the pain in a better manner.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
* Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a well-known Chinese therapy that has been recommended by the WHO as an efficient treatment for pain. Disposable, stainless steel needles are used to promote your body's energy-channels or meridians to correct the energy imbalances in your body. The needles stimulate points located near the nerves, which leads to the secretion of endorphins (body's natural pain-relieving chemicals) and prevents the message of pain from being sent to the brain.
* Chiropractic: Chiropractic is a remedial system that centered on the structure of the body. Chiropractic treatment for arthritis will be adapted to suit your age, physical built, severity of your condition and your general health. In general, a chiropractor will work on your spine to correct subluxation and other imbalances, and allow your body to cure itself naturally. It is a well-known therapy for arthritis pain relief.
* Biofeedback Techniques: Biofeedback Techniques can help you enhance your health by controlling various physiological functions in your body such as your heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, skin temperature etc. This gives you complete control over your body, so you can cure various health disorders.
ORGANIC PAIN RELIEVERS
From organic herbs that treat inflammation to procedures that influence the brain's amazing healing powers, nature offers many treatments for diseases such as arthritis, and other musculo-skeletal disorders. Listed below are many of the organic pain relievers that you can comfortably use for getting rid of the pain and inflammation brought on by arthritis.
* Capsaicin: Capsaicin is an active component of Chile Pepper. It desensitizes the nerve receptors called C-fibers that are responsible for pain feelings, and also lowers the joint tenderness temporarily.
* White Willow Bark: It consists of salicylic acid (a substance from which aspirin, a pain-relieving drug is produced). White willow bark prevents the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and decreases pain to a large extent.
* Fish Oil: Fish oil contains EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) that work as organic anti-inflammatory agents, by blocking the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids that strengthen and lubricate the joints.
* Cat's and Devil's claw: Devil's claw is a South African herb that consists of 'iridoid glycosides', which are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Termed after its hook-like horns, cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a wood vine native to the Amazon rainforest. It is used to treat a variety of health problems, including arthritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation, dysentery, and fevers.
* Turmeric: Turmeric is a common solution for cold, cough, inflammation and pain. It contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and painkiller agent.
* Glucosamine: Glucosamine is the foundation of cartilage, tendons and other connective body tissues. Not only does it preserves these body tissues, but also suppresses the activity of enzymes that can damage cartilage. A lack of Glucosamine is regarded to the primary causes of arthritis. Glucosamine acts as a 'shock absorber' for the joints and enhances their flexibility in an all natural manner.
For long-term relief from joint pain and inflammation, you will require to follow a complete pain management program that consists of a healthy diet, regular exercises, and use of organic remedies as far as possible. Although these are not quick-fix solutions, they can be very efficient at managing your pain and reducing inflammation, therefore, allowing you to live an active and healthy life.
by: Larry Oz
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