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Arthritis Pain Relief
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
by Judy Hill
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Judy Hill is a freelance
writer specializing in Womens Sexual Health, Arthritis Pain
Relief, Mothering and Breastfeeding issues. Her articles
have appeared in Doula Magazine, the Santa Cruz Express,
and other non-mainstream press publications.
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Arthritis pain relief is the dream of countless sufferers from
this all-too-common condition. Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear
disease: Most of us will suffer with it to some degree by the
time were 70. In its various forms, it affects people of
all ages; almost any animal with a backbone can be afflicted.
Caused by deterioration of joint cartilage and bone, the pain
can range from mild to completely debilitating.
The Dangers of Medications for Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis pain relief is usually available by simple changes
in nutrition and exercise for the most common cases of primary
arthritis. Pain relief for more severe cases can be difficult
to find, confusing, and even dangerous. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDS) are the most often prescribed arthritis pain
relief treatment, and they are usually effective. However, these
medications can cause stomach irritation, peptic ulcers, and increased
bleeding throughout the body. According to the New England Journal
of Medicine, more than 16,000 deaths each year are attributed
to the use of NSAIDS for arthritis pain relief.
Arthritis Pain Relief Starts with Prevention
So-called normal wear does not cause severe arthritis.
Excessive stress, repetitive motion and injury are the avoidable
causes of arthritis pain; relief therefore begins with prevention.
Weight loss decreases stress on weight-bearing joints, and moderate
exercise both facilitates reducing and increases the flexibility
that can aid in accident prevention. Any type of repetitive stress
injury should be avoided; workplaces are slowly becoming more
aware of the dangers of uninterrupted physical repetition.
Alternatives to Drugs for Arthritis Pain Relief
The limitations of traditional western medicine have
opened the minds of many who suffer from arthritis pain; relief
has been found by sufferers who have sought alternative methods.
Acupuncture, the ancient form of Chinese medicine, can offer substantial
arthritis pain relief. The tiny needles inserted into specific
areas of the body are painless, and the treatments are a relaxing
experience for many people.
Fasting is another method that uses the bodys natural
properties to achieve arthritis pain relief. A supervised fast
under the care of an experienced practitioner is a method that
has helped many. Hot or cold compresses, applied directly
to the painful area, can provide excellent short-term arthritis
pain relief. While applying cold packs can be very helpful in
acute flare-ups, some people find that they cannot tolerate cold
for even a short time. Moist heat seems to work best. Aromatherapy
blends can be used to enhance the healing essence of poultices;
mixtures and/or recipes designed for arthritis pain relief are
available at some health-food stores.
Emotional factors in Arthritis Pain Relief
And never forget the importance of supportthe ultimate
arthritis pain relief is found in the love and caring of a system
of friends, families and caregivers who will listen to you, touch
you, and understand you as best they can. Although feelings of
isolation can result from the relentlessness of chronic arthritis
painrelief is as close as your nearest loved one.
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