Arthritis Relief - It's Not Just Drugs!The pain of arthritis can be debilitating, that's for sure. Sometimes the pain is acute, sometimes it's chronic. Acute means coming on suddenly for short periods. Chronic means lasting for an extended period of time - possibly years or even lifelong. While some people afflicted with the disease seem to only have minimal symptoms and effect on their lifestyle, others suffer greatly from its impact. There are a number of different treatments that can provide relief from arthritis pain. While not all will work for everybody, almost everyone can find one or two that help. Here's a rundown of a few: Acupuncture Acupuncture is probably the best known 'alternative' treatment for pain, simply because it works. While it doesn't work as well for some people as others, everyone should give it a try at least once, because it doesn't hurt and has no side effects. Western scientists have not yet been able to come up with a definitive reason why acupuncture works as well as it does. They cannot accept the traditional explanation, which goes something like this: the body's energy, called 'chi' or sometimes qi), must flow freely in order for a person to be healthy and free of pain. If the energy is blocked at any point, pain or illness will result. The chi flows along channels called meridians, and purpose of the needles is to relieve any blockages when they are inserted in certain prescribed points. Exercise Exercise can be a two-edged sword. Contrary to popular opinion, exercise is recommended for almost all arthritis patients. It can increase flexibility and strength and reduce pain and stiffness, while controlling weight (which relieves stress on the joints). However, the exercise must be appropriate for the form of arthritis. Someone with arthritis of the knee will probably be advised to avoid running and concentrate on something like swimming, which provides movement without exerting extra force on the joint. Heat Heat relaxes stiff muscles and decreases pain. You can apply heat to the joint in the form of heating pads or packs, or you can try 'hydrotherapy' which is the use of warm water. This can be utilized by just sitting in a whirlpool and allowing the warm water to relax the painful area, or better yet, one can exercise in water. The warmth and buoyancy of the water will cradle the joints during the workout, although the water used for exercise would not be as warm as that in a whirlpool. Ice Conversely, ice helps many people. Ice is frequently used to combat pain, swelling and inflammation, all symptoms of arthritis. Some people prefer heat, some prefer ice, and many people alternate the two. Some people like to put ice in a styrofoam cup and apply that. The styrofoam allows them to hold it without freezing their hand. Another tip is to buy a bag of frozen peas or corn and hold that on the area. This can be reused indefinitely, and can usually be left on the joint longer than ice. Of course, you would want to keep it separate from the real food in your freezer. When first starting out with any type of cold application, use it for short periods of time or use a towel to protect the skin from the full impact of the cold. Once you get used to how your skin reacts, you can then adapt your technique. Frostbite won't help you feel better! There you have a few drug-free solutions to arthritis discomfort. Side effects may include relaxation, comfort, and lack of pain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I Cured My Arthritis - You Can Too" A Natural Arthritis Remedy... No Drugs... No Secret Formula... 43-Year Sufferer of Arthritis Shocks Her Doctors (Who Predicted She'd Soon Need A Wheelchair) With Her Natural Arthritis Cure Without Expensive Medication Or Surgery (And Challenges You To Do The Same!) Yes, the story of this lady's arthritis cure seems almost impossible. And incredible as it seems, it's all true. I'm about to let you in on the secret that got her thrown out of an arthritis convention - For trying to tell the truth - that the arthritis sufferers attending DIDN'T NEED the expensive drugs and treatments they were being sold... Now YOU can learn about the natural arthritis treatment that the medical community wants to keep from you - because it's not profitable to them. Read the secret that got this lady thrown out of the arthritis convention. Ankylosing Spondylitis Privacy Policy Contact Us Legal Information |