Find Out How to Manage Pain in a Natural Way
Updated July 10, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Pain is unfortunately a very common experience for those who are diagnosed with arthritis. This type of pain is primarily due to inflammation in the joints and is more commonly known to be acquired as you start to age. Though arthritis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers, there are sometimes side effects to the treatment. In the event that your medication is not effective for you or if you want to supplement your medication, there are several natural remedies that can help ease your pain levels.
The weight you carry is the weight you are putting on your joints. If you are overweight, losing some pounds really could help your mobility and relieve the pressure on your joints. When considering losing weight, you should carefully cater your work out methods to your arthritis condition. Losing weight can also help your self-esteem and improve your mood, which is often damaged by pain.
Tips on Managing Arthritis Pain
Exercise is one of the primary ways you can lose weight, but it can also help increase your flexibility. By doing so, your range of motion will increase and allow you to be suitable for more activities. Exercise will also increase the endorphin levels in your body, which in return reduces sensations of pain and also brightens your mood. However, when you’re exercising with arthritis, it is important to remember not to do intense workouts that involve a lot of weight-bearing. This can only be further damaging. Instead, opt for water exercises or floor stretches.
Meditation is a way for you to come to peace with your mind.
Pain is not only a physical concept, but also a mental concept. By relaxing your mind, you relieve yourself of stress, anxiety, and depression. This will help you cope with the pain and your arthritis. In addition, the pain from arthritis often affects your sleeping ability. By being more mentally clear, you will be able to have a more well-adjusted sleep.
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve arthritis stiffness and pain. By doing so, your joints loosen up, increasing your range of motion. You may even be able to find a massage therapist who specializes in arthritis pain.
Acupuncture has also been found to be an effective technique in the past. This is a Chinese treatment that involves applying needles to high areas of tension in your body in order to restore its balance. When looking for an acupuncturist, it is important to read reviews and do some research before making your appointment. It will also be a good idea to consult with your primary physician or your pain specialist regarding your decision to make sure you are the right candidate.
Heating and cooling your joints is a popular technique recommended by most doctors. Using hot water against your joints can help loosen them and ease the stiffness. You can also achieve the same objective by using a heating pad. Using a cold pack, on the other hand, is more effective when you are faced with pain and are looking for quick and easy relief.
You may know that omega-3 fatty acids optimize your health. They can also specifically help your arthritis by reducing your stiffness and pain. It is important to consult your doctor when doing this to make sure it does not interfere with any medication you are taking. However, in general, eating nutrient rich foods will help strengthen your bones. That in turn helps to make sure they are not as brittle. A healthy diet will help you lose weight, increase your energy, and help you lead a brighter lifestyle as you manage your pain. Dealing with arthritis pain is different for every individual. Talk to your doctor to figure out which methods will be of most ideal for you and your lifestyle.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Pain is unfortunately a very common experience for those who are diagnosed with arthritis. This type of pain is primarily due to inflammation in the joints and is more commonly known to be acquired as you start to age. Though arthritis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers, there are sometimes side effects to the treatment. In the event that your medication is not effective for you or if you want to supplement your medication, there are several natural remedies that can help ease your pain levels.
The weight you carry is the weight you are putting on your joints. If you are overweight, losing some pounds really could help your mobility and relieve the pressure on your joints. When considering losing weight, you should carefully cater your work out methods to your arthritis condition. Losing weight can also help your self-esteem and improve your mood, which is often damaged by pain.
Tips on Managing Arthritis Pain
Exercise is one of the primary ways you can lose weight, but it can also help increase your flexibility. By doing so, your range of motion will increase and allow you to be suitable for more activities. Exercise will also increase the endorphin levels in your body, which in return reduces sensations of pain and also brightens your mood. However, when you’re exercising with arthritis, it is important to remember not to do intense workouts that involve a lot of weight-bearing. This can only be further damaging. Instead, opt for water exercises or floor stretches.
Meditation is a way for you to come to peace with your mind.
Pain is not only a physical concept, but also a mental concept. By relaxing your mind, you relieve yourself of stress, anxiety, and depression. This will help you cope with the pain and your arthritis. In addition, the pain from arthritis often affects your sleeping ability. By being more mentally clear, you will be able to have a more well-adjusted sleep.
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve arthritis stiffness and pain. By doing so, your joints loosen up, increasing your range of motion. You may even be able to find a massage therapist who specializes in arthritis pain.
Acupuncture has also been found to be an effective technique in the past. This is a Chinese treatment that involves applying needles to high areas of tension in your body in order to restore its balance. When looking for an acupuncturist, it is important to read reviews and do some research before making your appointment. It will also be a good idea to consult with your primary physician or your pain specialist regarding your decision to make sure you are the right candidate.
Heating and cooling your joints is a popular technique recommended by most doctors. Using hot water against your joints can help loosen them and ease the stiffness. You can also achieve the same objective by using a heating pad. Using a cold pack, on the other hand, is more effective when you are faced with pain and are looking for quick and easy relief.
You may know that omega-3 fatty acids optimize your health. They can also specifically help your arthritis by reducing your stiffness and pain. It is important to consult your doctor when doing this to make sure it does not interfere with any medication you are taking. However, in general, eating nutrient rich foods will help strengthen your bones. That in turn helps to make sure they are not as brittle. A healthy diet will help you lose weight, increase your energy, and help you lead a brighter lifestyle as you manage your pain. Dealing with arthritis pain is different for every individual. Talk to your doctor to figure out which methods will be of most ideal for you and your lifestyle.
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