Arthritis Pain Relief
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
by Judy Hill

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 we’re 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 body’s 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 support—the 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 pain—relief is as close as your nearest loved one.