Arthritis- A Friendly Chat

By Sandra Firman
2009

Sandra Firman

Digitally signed by Sandra Firman DN: cn=Sandra Firman, o=Sandi's Freelance, ou, email=sandifirman@yahoo.ca, c=CA Date: 2009.02.17 05:16:36 -05'00'

Arthritis- Definitions and Types Before we delve into the remedies for arthritis, it is important to understand the two main types of arthritis. There are over one hundred types of arthritis but they all go under the heading of these two main branches: 1. Osteoarthritis This is my burden in life, the main type and the one most often suffered. Osteoarthritis means basically the degeneration of joints. Your knees and hips and lower back are giving out on you and the loss of mobility in these joints causes untold pain. If you are an athlete or an older person you most likely suffer from some degree of osteoarthritis. You find that your lower back aches, your knees hurt when you climb stairs and your hips ache if you stand or sit too long. You are not alone. Over 33 million people in the United States suffer from this type of arthritis. This condition can and does result from obesity because the wear and tear also results from the weight- bearing joints start to break down. With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage or soft bone in the joint begins to wear down. It had been serving as your shock absorber for many years, and protecting the joints from damage. As more damage to your joints occurs over time, the cartilage on the bones of the joint starts to wear away more and more and soon it does not work at all. The cushioning effect of the cartilage is gone and also the gel-like fluid in the joints. The end result is pain when you run, walk or stand for a long time. You might HYHQ KHDU WKH JUDWLQJ VRXQG DV WKH MRLQWV URXJK HGJHV RI FDUWLODJH UXE XS DJDLQVt each other. Bone spurs can develop at they end of the bones and they are very painful. If one area, such as your lower back is affected, there are several vertebrae affected. An x-ray of your lower back and knees will be able to detect the damage and to what degree each is suffering. The diagnostician will be able to pinpoint which S joints or Spinal joints and L joints or Lumbar will need attention, or to what degree you knee joints are affected. After that determination you are responsible for whichever treatment you opt to take, and you need to be informed. Many people continue to live athletic and demanding lives, you will not be compromised by osteoarthritis, but you will need help. And that you have to judge for yourself!

The Second Type of Arthritis The second most debilitating type of arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is characterized as an enduring disease that affects joints in any part of the body but most especially the hands, wrists and knees. You may remember your grandmother or aunt with gnarled up hands, enlarged knuckles and closed up fists. She was hardly able to lift a spoon or a pot, but she could still cook. The only trouble is she could no longer knit, crochet or do any fine-motor skills. The looks of the hand is the signal that rheumatism has taken over. In this type of arthritis, the body is attacking itself, called auto-immune disease. There were no damages or accidents to the wrist or knuckles or knees. The body is simply ganging up on itself and causing the joints to swell up and gnarl up. The inflammation in the joints then spreads to any surrounding tissues and can damage the cartilage or bone. In very severe cases rheumatism can spread and do damage to the skin, eyes and nerves. Lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are also classed under the rheumatoid arthritis branch in which the body is attacking itself and is an auto-immune disease. The first symptoms of any sort of arthritis are: x x x x x x x Pain in the joint areas of the body Fatigue due to lack of beneficial sleep Aches which seem to come and go with changes in the weather Diminished capacity of active life Joints react with severe stabs of pain Lower back aches which start with early morning stiffness and reappear all day Pain reappears throughout the day with normal activity

Lupus is an agonizing auto-immune systemic disease in which the antibodies start to attack QRW RQO\ WKH MRLQWV EXW DOVR WKH ERG\V RUJDQV 7KH KHDUW NLGQH\V H\HV OXQJV DQG VNLQ FDQ become involved and slowly fill the patient with agonizing pain. Gout occurs when crystals gather in the joint, as in the knees, and make movement of any sort painful and difficult. The knees, knuckles and toes are the most susceptible to gout. Fibromyalgia is another type of arthritis in which the muscles surrounding the joints are affected with pain and aches. There are 11 points that a rheumatologist checks and at least 8 of them have to react in order to be determined as Fibromyalgia. It is often grouped together with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but I find that not to be the case. Pain and discomfort is the only characteristic for me with bouts of fatigue on certain days.

Medical Treatment for Arthritis

Now that we have defined what arthritis is, we can discuss what the medical field will offer you in one form or another. The doctors and rheumatologists have diagnosed the arthritis so it their duty to follow through with a medical plan. You might be offered an anti-inflammatory in pill form. An anti-inflammatory or NSAID is usually very safe to take and does not interfere with any other medication you might be taking. It is used for arthritis pain, sports injuries and headaches. It will relieve the constant pain or ache if taken on schedule, daily and with food. The only side effects that I am familiar with are stomach problems, so take them with food to reduce the risk of an ulcer, Names of NSAIDs that you might recognize are Naproxen, Celebrex and aspirin. In fact, ordinary baby aspirin of 81 mg is also recommended for heart patients to prevent blood clots. So in addition to relieving pain, aspirin is good for the heart in a small dose every day. An NSAID is fine to relieve the inflammation but the pain is a different matter. Pain relievers that can be prescribed or sold over the counter are Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and many others too many of which to include. These pain relievers in addition to the NSAIDs as above would be an adequate combination to help out with the pain and aches of arthritis. If, however, your arthritis, or disc degeneration is so severe, and the pain unbearable, the doctor may give you a prescription for Tylenol #3 or #4, Oxycocet or Percocet which are YHU\ SRWHQW 'RQW SODQ RQ ZRUNLQJ RU GULYLQJ RU WDNLQJ FDUH RI VPDOO FKLOGUHQ if you are taking these on a regular basis. I take mine at night to give me a deep sleep along with Naproxen to reduce the swelling. Also keep in mind that these are narcotics and they are very potent. Do not leave any pills or medication within reach of a baby or youngster, Opiates are also very habit- forming and can become a problem if you take them for a long period of time. In addition to medication, the doctor may request that you have sports therapy which is a special athletic gym with equipment to reduce the weight bearing on your joints and give your muscles a work out. Physiotherapists are trained to put you on a routine of special equipment to take the pressure off of the joints and to reduce the inflammation. It is wonderful to take part in the facilities and to gain some strength and agility back.

Alternative Methods for Arthritis For every country, culture and ethnicity there is a cure for arthritis. We are now learning to trust and use the alternative methods which have proven tried and true for centuries for many races. Modern society has the majority of us run to the university trained doctors but we do not necessarily need to choose their suggestions for a cure. I will offer home remedies first because some of them can be made from the garden or from household items. Bear in mind that these are for your perusal and do not promise to cure. Once again, make sure your doctor knows what you are trying. 1. Teas made of just about any herb or root, steeped for two minutes, drunk three times daily 2. Heat apple cider vinegar, pour on a cloth and rub into the sore joints before bed time. Repeat through the night if necessary and once in the morning 3. Drink hot apple cider vinegar mixed with a table spoon of liquid or solid honey, in a tea cup. 4. Thinly -sliced root vegetables such as potato, beets or carrots soaked in wine. After one month of soaking drink the wine twice a day 5. Put a cup of raisins in one cup of gin. When all the liquid has soaked in, take 6-8 raisins a day. 6. Make a hot poultice of flour, hot water, cayenne pepper and mustard powder. Mix all ingredients into a paste and put directly onto sore joints or onto hot, soaked flannelette. Place the cloth or tie around the joint. 7. Take a colon cleansing and a liver cleansing to rid the body of all toxins which is said to cause arthritis 8. Avoid all purified foods such as white sugar, flour, bread and cakes or pies 9. Eat only whole wheat and brown sugar, entire grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Nothing canned or frozen. As much fresh -caught fish as possible. 10. Use home-PDGH SHDQXW EXWWHU LI \RX DUHQW DOOHrgic and make cookies and use on toast with honey. Rub peanut butter onto joints for a few minutes 11. If you are not allergic take a bee and sting the inflamed joint which is introducing a toxin into the system. It is like taking snake venom to counteract a snake bite. Catching the bee might be tricky 12. Hot baths with all joints immersed is an excellent end to the day. It should have Epsom salts or vinegar in the water.

Arthritis and Heat Remedies

I highly recommend heat- applied treatment for arthritis, no matter where the arthritis is located. In this article I am going to talk about heat, its application and saunas. When the weather changes and the barometer rises or lowers my body seizes up. I rely on a hot water bottle or two placed directly on my lower back or shoulders. Some people like to use both the hot water bottle alternated with an ice bag to relieve the inflammation and pain. The other heat application is a heating pad which is electrical and is very flat so it can be placed under or over the body without interrupting sleep. Try to find the brand of pad which turns off after a few minutes automatically. Try using an electric blanket for the first few minutes of bed time. The blanket warms up the bed and then I can turn it off. In days gone by the servants would warm the beds of their masters with hot water- filled pans and remove them before they retired for the night. One night I left the blanket turned on all night and I slept like a baby. There is a new contraption that you can put on your chair or flat on your bed which both vibrates at different intervals and heats up as well. I wore mine out. Saunas are wonderful to release the tension, toxins and pain in your joints. The true Finnish or Swedish method is best, not a dry heat. In the Finnish method, a wood stove heats up the rocks beside it and the building gets very hot. Your body becomes used to the heat gradually. Then you take a cup or a ladle and splash water on the rocks. The steam or humidity fills the room with healing heat and you sit for 10-12 minutes with a towel on. Then you run out and jump into the snow or lake and cool off in the most exhilarating way. )RU WKH DUWKULWLF GRQW MXPS LQWR the lake or snow. Just enjoy the heat and humidity. However, please check with your physician, because people who have high blood pressure may not be able to use the sauna. I can only go in a sauna for 5 minutes tops before I can feel my condition worsening. Hot tubs are the same. Swirling water in a hot tub is great, but I can only do that for a few minutes. Newer style bathtubs, called jet whirlpool EDWKWXEV DUH D GHOLJKW <RX GRQW KDYH WR OHDYH RU JR DQ\ZKHUH MXVW VWUDLJKW WR EHG DIWHU a good soak. So heat does do wonders for the arthritic patient but, like everything else, do it in moderation.

Topical Skin Treatments for Arthritis

Now that we have covered the home remedies for arthritis and its varied applications, I would like to talk about the application to the body of treatment via WKH VNLQ 7KH VNLQ RU HSLGHUPLV LV WKH ERG\V ODUJHVW RUJDQ ,W LV ILOOHG ZLWK SRUHV KDLU DQG YDULRXV RWKHU FRQWHQWV LQFOXGLQJ SHUVSLUDWLRQ ZKLFK LV D KDYHQ LQ ZKLFK WR WUHDW WKH ERG\ 7KH &KLQHVH RU 2ULHQWDO PHWKRG RI DFXSXQFWXUH LV EHFRPLQJ PRUH DFFHSWHG DQG KDV EHHQ XVHG VLQFH WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WLPH AcXSXQFWXUH EHOLHYHV LQ FXULQJ WKH TL RU WKH IORZ RI YLWDOLW\ E\ LQVHUWLQJ XOWUD WKLQ ILODPHQW QHHGOHV LQWR WKH HSLGHUPLV LQ WKH PHULGLDQV RI WKH ERG\ ,I WKH TL RU IORZ RI JRRGQHVV EORRG DQG QXWULWLRQ WR DOO WKH RUJDQV DQG MRLQWV LV GLVUXSWHG WKHQ SRRU health and arthritis will follow. I cannot possibly describe all the points of entry QRU ZKDW WKH\ HQFRPSDVV EXW HDFK RUJDQ DQG HDFK MRLQW KDV D VSHFLILF VSRW RQ WKH body which can be treated by the needles. Once the needles are inserted, the doctor will let you rest and then he re-enters to touch the tops of them to add stimulus and minutes later you are done. Before he starts, the traditional acupuncturist will study your mouth and teeth, JXPV DQG WRQJXH WR GHWHFW WKH DUHDV RI LOOQHVV +H ZLOO WDNH \RXU SXlse on both ZULVWV DW WKH VDPH WLPH WR GHWHFW \RXU VWURQJ DQG ZHDN VLGHV +H ZLOO QRWLFH \RXU breath and body odor. Then he knows what to do. Acupuncture treatment takes VHYHUDO ZHHNV RU PRQWKV WR UHDFW EHIRUH D QRWLFHDEOH FKDQJH WDNHV SODFH ,W FDQ EH used in other diseases and conditions. I tried acupuncture but the cost was not FRYHUHG E\ DQ\ SODQ DQG , FRXOG QR ORQJHU DIIRUG WR FRQWLQXH ,Q WKH VDPH YHLQ WKH 7(16 PDFKLQH LV D JRRG WRRO IRU VRPH VXIIHUHUV TENS or transcutaneous electrical neuron stimulator is a compact unit with wires which attach to the skin with pads. The pads are placed around the tender or painful area and then the unit is turned on. With dials and various intensities, the wires stimulate the nerves and much like acupuncture are supposed to reduce the pain DQG WHQGHUQHVV , KDG D XQLW DQG ZRUH LW RXW ,W IHHOV UHDOO\ JRRG ZKLOH LW LV RQ EXW OLNH HYHU\WKLQJ HOVH WKH HIIHFW on me is temporary. You can carry the TENS around in your pocket or attach it to your belt and use it while you DUH ZRUNLQJ

Ultrasound and Infrasound Therapy We have all heard in the past 40 years that we can have a picture or sonogram taken of a fetus in vitro, still in the womb. This picture of the baby is taken using ultra high sound waves which are conducted into the womb via a transducer and some conduction gel. It helps to gather data about the baby, anything from due date, gender, possible birth defects, size and if it is a multiple birth. I had one when I was two months along and the size of a barn. I had full- term full- weight twin girls some 7 months later. So how does this relate to arthritis and joint pain? Well in much lower doses a physiotherapist can conduct the sound waves with a wand onto the area of pain or joints which are in pain. Joints such as knees, ankles, wrists, elbows and shoulders can be treated over time with the sound waves, ultrasound. Once set up on a chair or bed, the client can give himself the ultrasound over the area while the physiotherapist works with others. I had a bone spur in my foot which hurt very badly. I thought my foot was broken but I FRXOGQW WKLQN RI ZKHQ RU KRZ , ZHQW IRU [-rays and there it was, a tiny piece of bone at the end of another bone and it grated on other bones when I tried to walk. So I took ultrasound treatments for five sessions and it was gone. The spur broke apart and was blasted into smithereens. No problems since. Infrasound is based on the other end of the spectrum. Much lower frequencies of sound, so low we cannot hear them but animals can, are conducted into the area of pain. Muscles WKDW ZHUH WLJKW DQG ULJLG ZRXOG EHFRPH UHOD[HG DQG ILQDOO\ UHFHLYH WKH EORRG VXSSO\ WKH\ had been denied. Joint pain can be reduced by also introducing the infrasound. Vitality, improved wellness and recuperation after an operation have been attributed to infrasound. In fact, both ultrasound and infrasound have been used in equine medicine. Horses love it! Their joint pain and muscle rigidity are lessened and they are in much better shape. Now small pet owners are asking to have infrasound administered to their animals. These two types of sound therapy are very useful in actually attacking the cause of the pain and muscle problems. Wellness is a state of mind and, of course, everyone has different opinions and beliefs about pain, the threshold of pain, the use of alternative methods versus medical treatment. Choose what you like and how you want to be treated.

Hot Stone Massage

A relatively new method of massage is based on the use of smooth, small, stones placed on your body. It has come into favor lately as a method of soft massage which does not have to be as intrusive as deep tissue massage. Some people find that deep tissue massage is very wrenching on an already sore and painful body. The stones are gathered from a rapid running river and are small, the size of an egg and no bigger than the palm of your hand. They are gathered from the river bed as they are smoothed from the rushing water. Then they are placed into a heating oven which heats them throughout. They can also be boiled. The stones are then removed and used by the therapist. He puts them in his own hands first to make sure they are not too hot. He then puts them on various parts of the back and legs and arms where the joints and muscles are found to be sore, tender and tight. First the body may be oiled to allow the rocks to slide from one spot to another. After a few minutes, the stones are removed and put back in the heater. The therapist then uses his hands and the oil to do a soft massage. The muscles and tendons are already relaxed so the deep tissue massage is not necessary. He can remove the stones once again and place them on the body or use the stones to help with the massage. They glide over the body due to the oil which also sinks into the skin. The patient is left with the stones on his/her back for a few minutes before being excused. In my younger day, I remember my osteopath using hot steamed towels in heavy amounts to relax the back and the muscles. I would lie on my stomach and he would come in and place these heavy hot steaming towels all over my back, let me lie there for a while and then come in and remove them. His job was much easier to manipulate my sore joints after a firm massage. I would walk out of there as though I had no spine left and it lasted a good long time. Massage has its place in the manipulation of the muscles and the spine. It is meant to be a relaxing time with soft music and warm sheets. No one should walk out of a massage WKHUDSLVWV FOLQLF IHHOLQJ DV WKRXJK WKH\ KDG EHHQ SXPPHOHG

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy has been practiced in all societies since the earliest of time. The laying of hands or manipulation of the soft tissue of the body is a well known and respected form of therapy to assist with the lessening of pain. There are close to one hundred different styles of massage but in all types the therapist may use his/her hands, fingers, knuckles, elbows, forearms and even the feet. The main intent of massage is to relax the client, apply oils and creams to the back, arms and legs, cover him with towels and warm sheets and to lightly rub and manipulate the body. He will relax the soft tissue, increase the blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to the necessary areas, keep the body warm and help to decrease pain. The main concept is to deliver blood and oxygen to the starved muscle groups, joints and tendons in order to relieve the pain of arthritis and other conditions. There are so many different types of massage that I cannot do justice to any one method. The Swedish style uses long, hard strokes on the back while twisting the body, the arms and legs to get muscles to move and start to work again. North Americans are probably more familiar with the deep tissue massage where the therapist uses a combination of strokes and deep finger pressure where he can feel the knotted muscle groups that need to be relaxed deep under the skin. I have had the deep tissue massage and I have felt discomfort because my arthritis is right throughout my body. I cannot relax because I know that every movement is going to mean more pain to my body. Then you have to get up after your treatment and get dressed to leave. I do not find full measure relief in any massage unless I am at home, in bed and I just get a regular back rub. That does me the world of good. Massage is not just for arthritis pain but is found to be useful in lowering the levels of blood pressure, anxiety and stress. The clinical practice itself is often housed in the same office as a chiropractor as they work co-operatively with each other. One week you might need a chiropractic treatment followed the following week by a massage. Be sure to find a registered massage therapist RMT rather than someone who hangs out a shingle offering massages by the hour.

Acupressure and Reflexology

There are many claims by trained medical practitioners that neither of these techniques treats a disease or a diseased organ. Given that they are the touching, the massaging and the manipulation of different parts of the feet, ears or hands in reflexology, it is hard to believe that it would work. For acupuncture, the conjecture is the same. It is a long-held belief that these practices are not healing nor should they be trusted as a cure. Well maybe not as a cure, but I am always up for a massage on my feet and or hands. Rheumatics have trouble with their feet and ankles, hands and wrists. So why not encourage a little massage and maybe stir up some nerve endings which lead to other organs as well. The feet are the tell tale of your general health. If your feet are in good condition, then most likely so are you. If you are a diabetic all you hear about is look out for cracks or bleeding or yellowing toe nails. That means your circulation is poor and you need proper foot care or else gangrene can set in. So why not indulge in some reflexology while you are having your feet pampered. Try to find a health centre or spa which has a registered reflexologist on staff. Explain your needs, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes or what have you and have a thorough going over. He or she will be able to tell you a few things that maybe you did not know. Every part of your foot has a nerve ending which can correlate to a body part or organ. By stimulating with firm massage every part of your foot, toes and ankles, the reflexologist can determine, supposedly, the general health of your body. If that part is in need of more circulation or nutrients then the massage will open up the pathway to it. There is no harm in trying new methods and new procedures. Always check with your doctor first about your plans. Never start to take pills or herbs unless your doctor is aware because so many of them can interact with the medication you are currently taking. Serious consequences can take place if one contradicts the other or the two are too strong for your system. So relax, have a day spa, a massage with stones, a herbal wrap, a facial and a reflexolology treatment. What can be better for your health?

Topical Pain Medications

Your body is a temple and when that temple starts to crumble and fall, we all need help. After a really active day or a sporting event, our muscles and joints usually scream with agony. After a very warm bath with Epsom salts, towel off and have a topical joint and PXVFOH FUHDP UHDG\ WR VSUHDG RQ EHIRUH \RXU SMV 7KH\ GR ZRUN DQG LW LV RIWHQ EHWWHU WKDQ JUDEELQJ DQRWKHU SDLQ NLOOHU 1. &UHDPV WKDW PDNH \RXU VNLQ IHHO KRW DQG FROG LQWHUPLWWHQWO\- they are called counterirritants because they contain irritable ingredients such as menthol, ZLQWHUJUHHQ RU HXFDO\SWXV RLO 7KHVH LQJUHGLHQWV PDNH \RXU VNLQ IHHO ERWK KRW DQG FROG ZKLFK ZLOO WKHQ WDNH \RXU PLQG RII RI WKH DUWKULWLF SDLQ 2. Analgesic Creams- which contain aspirin which has pain relieving powers. These toSLFDO DQDOJHVLFV DUH YHU\ VWURQJ DQG WKH\ DUH DEVRUEHG ULJKW LQWR WKH VNLQ 7KH\ are excellent for sports injuries or sport- related arthritis. Examples are Bengay, Aspercreme and Sportscreme. 3. Creams that are made from chili pepper seeds. These seeds contain a strong compound called capsaicin. It forms a burning sensation and they are most HIIHFWLYH IRU DUWKULWLF SDLQ ZKLFK LV FORVH WR WKH VNLQV VXUIDFH ,W LV PHDQW IRU ILQJHUV NQHHV DQG HOERZV DQG MRLQWV ZKHUH LW FDQ EH UXEEHG LQWR ([DPSOHV DUH Capzasin and Zostrix 4. Other over- the- FRXQWHU FUHDPV DQG VWLFNV RU ORWLRQV- , KDYH WULHG /DNRWD $FWLY2Q and a new one called Voltaren which contains diclofenac which is an NSAID and should be used only for a short period of time. ,W ZRUNV JUHDW There are many others and they all deliver the same type of support; that is, warm the area and VRDN LQ WR WKH MRLQWV DQG PXVFOHV 7KHVH FUHDPV VKRXOG EH XVHG ZLWK D JRRG EDFN rub. 5. Gels and patches can be made up using the analgesics and diclofenac. They can be placed in WKH DIIHFWHG DUHD DQG NHSW WKHUH IRU XS WR  KRXUV Creams, gels and patches can be very effective but only for a short while. Their effectiveness wears off after an hour or so. There was one lotion in a bottle called Heet which was offered in Canada for a short while. My husband swore by that stuff DQG KDG PH DSSO\ LW ZLWK WKH EUXVK HYHU\ QLJKW RQ KLV EDFN ,W ZRXOG VRRWKH KLP DOO night, wafting in and out all the next day as well. It was very effective in helping him and his aches and pains from construFWLRQ ZRUN

Liquid Supplements for Arthritis

Since the dawn of time there have been snake-oil salesmen and voodoo practitioners offering their elixirs. While the west was being settled, wagons would pull into towns selling a potion that would settle any discomfort and the dreaded sciatica. I also remember Lucy trying to sell Vitaminamin juice from a bottle and even she could not tolerate the taste. I have been very enticed to try a couple of online bottles of this and that. I refuse to become a dealer because I want to keep my friends and furthermore, everything you need can be bought at the health food store or pharmacy. So what is the catch! It is always some berry that triggers my interest..a berry that is cultivated in the remotest of jungles in a little known part of a country no one can pronounce. The tribesmen have never been seen before nor have they seen by white men or women, but somehow they have suddenly discovered the berry. When crushed and mixed with only the most natural of ingredients, it will bring on untold health and welfare. It is the hype that these berries and elixirs receive that gets you into the craze to buy WKHP 7U\ RQH ERWWOH QRZ DQG XVH \RXU FUHGLW FDUG ,I \RX GRQW OLNH LW SKRQH XV ZLWKLQ  days and we will not charge your card any further. Well I fell for it about five years ago, GLGQW FDOO ZLWKLQ WKH  GD\ OLPLW DQG WKH IROORZLQJ ZHHN ZH KDG  IXOO VL]H ERWWOHV I could not drink that stuff that quickly nor did I feel any better. I felt worse because of the cost. I quickly phoned the number on the website and listened to music for hour. I could not get through by phone or by website or email. I was in it for the duration. But I have no one to blame but myself and maybe a popular talk show host for what happened next. Another berry was found somewhere and it would help me to lose weight and feel better if I took it with another set of pills. If it sounds too good to be true, then it must be. I sent away for the trial size. A week later I found four or five charges to my FUHGLW FDUG IRU GLIIHUHQW FRPSDQLHV , KDG QHYHU KHDUG RI DQG , UHFHLYHG D PRQWKV ZRUWK of berry juice and pills. Here we go again! I had to fight tooth- and- nail to get the charges stopped to the point where I had to have my credit card changed to another number. It got that bad. No phone numbers would work, I got put on hold and I listened to mXVLF , JRW QDVW\ HPDLOV %XW , GRQW FDUH , ZLOO VWD\ plump and arthritic if that is what it is going to cost me.

Copper Bracelets

Thousands of years ago, one of the minerals that were mined for the earliest civilizations was copper. It was malleable and it could be stamped with designs. The South Americans used copper for jewelry and building materials. It was found to be a formidable material for shields during warfare and to use as a totem in many tribes. The cultures who made use of copper soon found out that their copper rings and bracelets began to get smaller over time. And they were feeling better over time. There was a correlation between losing copper and getting relief from aches and pains. The injured or elderly began to wear the copper whenever possible to aid in their comfort. Over the years, copper gained in value and was used for copper piping in plumbing in housing until recently. But the belief in the healing powers of copper continued. We now manufacture copper bracelets and necklaces and rings to be worn by anyone who believes in its healing effects. Copper bracelets are very common and are not very expensive at all. They can come with a design or just plain. But it is important to buy one without any finish or lacquer so that the copper has direct contact with the skin. It is believed that our bodies are lacking in all sorts of earth minerals and the main one is copper. That is why the body makes use of the copper bracelets and they become smaller. My husband uses a copper bracelet on one wrist and it leaves a green tarnish on his skin. It is also getting smaller as time passes. He has been diagnosed as having carpal tunnel syndrome and he is awaiting a surgical date. The green suggests that the copper jewelry is reacting to its environment and the sweat in his skin and it corrodes or turns green. He takes the copper bracelet off for a couple of days, has a good scrub and then puts it back on. I recently bought my first copper, silver and gold woven bracelet and my sore wrists are gone. Many people proudly wear their copper bracelets and go out golfing or mountain climbing. They would never part with it nor take it off. Part of the mystique of copper healing is the EHOLHI LQ LW 7KH\ DUH KRSLQJ LW ZLOO ZRUN DQG WKHUHIRUH LW GRHV 2WKHUZLVH WKH\ ZRXOG QRW bother wearing it nor have any use for it. The belief has been passed down through generations and therefore there must be some truth to the fact that copper does have healing potential.

Magnetic Therapy

Magnets and their therapeutic uses have been around for centuries. This time we can thank Cleopatra for sleeping on lodestone which is filled with magnetic rock and the Greeks who noticed that they could not climb hills in shoes whose soles were made of the same material that was found on the hills. The magnetic pull made the climb too difficult. Magnets have long since been used in all types of experiments and for all sorts of reasons. We use magnets around the house for different reasons from keeping the refrigerator door shut to putting paperwork up on the fridge door. But the most important reason for magnetism is its use in lessening the inflammatory process in the body. Magnets, when placed on parts of the body for a variety of reasons, such as cancer, can be found to have recuperative properties. The use of magnets is now widely advertised for different products such as mattress covers, arm braces, knee braces and wrist guards. 7KH PDJQHWLF TXDOLWLHV KHOS WKH EORRGV FLUFXODWRU\ V\stem to get the good nutrients and oxygen to the organs, joints and tendons which are badly affected by arthritis. So now the magnets can be placed on the body in a number of ways: 1. Mattress cover-by sleeping directly on the pad your whole body gets a full night's recuperative rest and you should wake up refreshed and ready to work. 2. Magnetic belts-are worn around the waist and lower back to work on the lower spine to relieve the arthritic vertebrae. 3. Magnetic wrist bands- worn around the wrist to help relieve the agony of carpal tunnel syndrome. 4. Magnetic jewelry such as a copper bracelet to constantly work on the tone and strength of your body. ,W LV \RXU FKRLFH WR XVH PDJQHWLF WKHUDS\ DQG LI LW GRHVQW work for you, give it to someone who might enjoy it and get some relief. It all comes down to what you believe it and what you are able to spend.

Yoga and Mild Exercise

Yoga has its origins in eastern cultures and it originated in India. The term yoga means yoke or bring them together which is what they did with water buffalo. Yoga is the best known of the eastern slow movement exercises or body movements. It is far better preferred than exercise bikes or jogging for those of us who suffer from arthritis. In the beginning lessons, the students are taught to do very calming and stress-free movements of the body either in a sitting or standing position. As they progress, the student begins to notice that he/she has gained strength, balance and vitality with these simple exercises. Flexibility is one aspect of yoga training which the arthritic will appreciate over all else. The ability to move, walk and bend is so elusive to most of us. Overall, yoga has its roots in the spiritual world so that the whole body will benefit from the movements. The main goal of yoga is not to cure or relieve arthritis but to help patients with true inner happiness and balance in their lives. However with there being so many types of yoga there is one in particular which is beneficial for the arthritic. The Hatha Yoga leaves out the spiritual aspect of happiness and concentrates on the movements that are more necessary to the painful joints and tight muscles. It concentrates on postural alignment, strength and endurance or vitality. One posture is called the Spinal Twist Position which has the client sitting on the floor, legs stretched in front, draw on leg up and put its ankle over the knee cap of the other leg. Wrap your arm around the raised leg, and look backwards over your shoulder. It is a very calming, twisting of the spine which is barely noticeable. Not only does Yoga address the physical needs of the client but also the psychological needs by bringing strength and wellness into the mix. Yoga also brings an increased mental vitality and a general feeling of well -being not usually noticed by the arthritic. And finally, the Medical Society recognizes the goodness of Yoga and declares that it is a good treatment for those suffering with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Yoga is the preferred type of mild and non-exertive exercise for arthritics. It wakes up and makes the innermost muscles and tendons move and gets the blood circulating to the furthest regions of the body. Yoga, when done properly under supervision, brings encouragement to the weakest and the most pain-filled of all Arthritics.

Tai Chi Tai chi is used extensively in all parts of the world to reduce stress and improve upon agility for everyone. It is the style of slow movements that are so inviting for many people. Most cities and towns have parks and gyms where tai chi is taught and practiced. Tai chi developed in China as a form of self defense and it has been in existence for over 2000 years. If practiced regularly, tai chi will bring serenity to the body and relieve stress and other health conditions. It is sometimes called tai chi chuan and is a self-paced system of physical exercise and stretches. You must be able to do a series of postures in a slow and graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without stopping. Tai chi is generally used to: x x x x x Reduce stress and anxiety Increase energy and agility Increase flexibility Improve on muscle strength Increase feelings of well being overall

As always check with your doctor before involving yourself in any exercise program and especially if you have a heart problem, joint or spinal injury. With tai chi you can find three or four of your favorite movements and stick to them or gradually add to your routine. If you join a group at the park, there is usually a leader to take you through your steps and you can learn a new routine to practice. You also get out of the house and make new friends. Your body will begin to feel better gradually and have more tone and strength. You will enjoy more vitality. When you are faced with a stressful moment you can shut your eyes and pretend to go through your paces before handling the situation. You will learn new breathing techniques to enhance your movements and benefit even more. Tai chi is also great for the arthritic as it is low impact, very low key movements and no stressful techniques to be learned. Besides stress relief, research is acknowledging that tai chi offers many other benefits to the human body: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Reduces anxiety and depression Improves upon balance and coordination Reduced number of falls and broken bones Improved restful sleep Slowing osteoporosis in women after menopause Lowers blood pressure Improved cardiovascular fitness Relieves chronic pain

Lumbar Pain and Treatment

Lower lumbar pain which affects the lower spine into the sacroiliac can become so debilitating that further help is required other than lotions, pills or exercise. In fact you cannot even attempt minimal exercise or walk for the pain. It is hard to roll over, sit up or stand, sit back down or lie on one side or another. Work is prohibitive because you cannot even get dressed or into a car. Family life is crashing down and no one can understand the gnawing agony in your back. Call in the doctor and his needle. In my lifetime I have had two or three cortisone shots which have lasted a week or two when I could not recover from a bent over position. It is not funny when you walk all bent over in your nightgown into emergency. So now you can have Epidural Steroid Injections, which have been around since the 1950s. It is basically a shot for pain relief of the sciatica and low back. Possibly then you could try simple low-impact exercises, stretches or yoga. Once you get the shot, and only three per year are allowed, you should not race out and try to play a round of tennis. Your back has just received some medication and it needs to rest, lying down and it needs time to heal. The muscle groups around the affected area have to regroup and get new positions. If it is a slipped or herniated disc, it might require further investigation. I recently had cortisone injected into both knees and they are now relatively pain free. How one rests is another good topic which I will address in another article. But I can promise you the needle does not relieve your arthritis or any other back pain or joint pain. You have received a temporary moratorium from pain, just as a mother has during labor, and it does wear off. Now is the time to put your game plan into play. Ask your doctor for an anti-inflammatory which in combination with a strong pain medication will keep you in the right vein for a while. Do not get used to this but take a regular routine of anti-inflammatory to help the muscles relax and regroup. Then wean yourself off the steady amount when you and your doctor agree that it is time. If you revert back to the pain and agony, return to the pill regimen. Try a very light bed exercise such as lifting your legs one at a time and making circular movements. Bend one leg so that your knee reaches almost to your chin. Very small steps but keep the back and legs moving. The leg muscles and your back muscles must be exercised. Do it in bed on a firm mattress so that if you do overstrain yourself, you can stay put and rest.

Hip and Knee Problems

Most arthritics will tell you that hip and knee arthritis is the worst of all pain. I used to tell my chiropractor that the pain was in the middle of my buttocks and he would shake his head and say there were no joints in that area. Then it spread into my pelvic region and everything seized right up, the same for the groin for men. It can go down the front bundle of nerves on the thigh to the knee and I had no idea what was happening. I know I had lower lumbar pain, osteoarthritis. Then my knees went berserk on me and my left knee had to have arthroscopy. My right knee is now showing the same business, as it cannot bend or rotate or do much without me wincing. Both knees have recently had cortisone shots to help relieve the pain. If the pain was in my lower back and referred down the back bundle of nerves in my legs then it would most likely be a pinched nerve. Accompanied by numbness or tingling it would be very disconcerting, but guess what? I have had both sets of symptoms. So now I am undergoing more tests to determine if it is my hips or my lower back or what? I feel like a pin cushion. If you have hip disease you might have a limp because one leg might be shorter than the other. Your gait is slightly off because you walk with a limp and you might need the assistance of a cane to help you get around. Because of the pelvic or groin pain you will not be able to walk very far and it will get worse. You will have to cut back on golfing or other activities with walking or bending because of the hip pain. Your doctor will start you off on NSAIDS and you might also get anti-inflammatory medication. That is fine because this pain does not go away willingly. Bed rest, heat treatments and heating pads are your best friends. Take the time to rest and do stay home from work for a while. *R RQ VLFN OHDYH ZLWK WKH GRFWRUV QRWH EHFDXVH \RX KDYH QR idea how long this is going to take. Regarding the awkward gait, I am a retired teacher. On staff we had a lovely ESL teacher from Egypt who had a very noticeable gait problem and for years she was in pain. She finally had the hip replacement surgery and is walking like a teenager now. But her GDXJKWHU LQ KHU ODWH V KDV WKH H[DFW VDPH SUREOHP WKH XS DQG GRZQ JDLW DQG VKH LV LQ GLUH SDLQ 6KH FDQW KDYH WKH KLS UHSODFHPHQW VXUJHU\ XQWLO VKH LV LQ KHU V EHFDXVH LW LV offered only once.

My Final Say

I have had to cope with osteoarthritis, lower back disc degenerative disease and ILEURP\DOJLD IRU PRVW RI P\ OLIH , FDQW UHPHPEHU D GD\ ZLWKRXW SDLQ , WRRN J\P FODVVHV LQ KLJK VFKRRO DQG IHOO RII WKH XQHYHQ SDUDOOHO EDUV VPDFN RQ P\ EXP Then when my parents and my sisters and I EXLOW DQ LQ-JURXQG SRRO , VOLG RQ WKH FHPHQW JRLQJ GRZQ WR XQSOXJ WKH GUDLQ DQG IHOO VPDFN RQ P\ EXP , FDUULHG WZLQV WR IXOO WHUP VLGH E\ VLGH DQG SXW RXW P\ EDFN WR WKH SRLQW WKDW DW VL[ PRQWKV DIWHU GHOLYHU\ , was in a Toronto hospital and having tests. %XW , KDYH VWrategies to cope with the pain and , NQRZ WKDW WKHUH LV QR FXUH for arthritis VKRUW RI KDYLQJ VXUJHU\ 6R IDU , KDYH QRW EHHQ D FDQGLGDWH DQG , GRQW ZDQW WR EH 6R here are my tips and tactics that have worked for me over the years: 1. /LH RQ WKH IORRU QH[W WR D EHG RU VRID DQG SXW \RXU OHJV RQ WKH VRID 'R QRW XVH D SLOORZ RU DQ\ RWKHU FXVKLRQLQJ *HW DV FORVH WR WKH FRXFK ZLWK \RXU EXWWRFNV as SRVVLEOH DQG MXVW UHOD[ 2. Use a heating pad or hot water bRWWOH ZKHQHYHU \RX JR WR EHG RU DUH UHVWLQJ 3. %XLOG XS D IRUWUHVV RI SLOORZV DOO DURXQG \RX KHDG OHJV DQG ERWK VLGHV 4. /LH RQ \RXU VLGH DV PXFK DV SRVVLEOH WR WDNH WKH ZHLJKW RII \RXU EDFN DQG WKH PDLQ artery which helped when I was pregnant as well. Use the pillows to make a cocoon DURXQG \RX IRU VXSSRUW 5. +DYH DOO RI \RXU HTXLSPHQW ULJKW EHVLGH \RXU EHG VR \RX GRQW KDYH WR JHW XS H[FHSW for the occasional bathroom break 6. %H FDUHIXO JHWWLQJ LQ RU RXW RI D EDWK ,QVWDOO WKH JUDE EDUV DQG XVH WKHP 7. 3XW D SLOORZ EHWZHHQ \RXU NQHHV ZKHQ O\LQJ RQ \RXU VLGH 8. I wrap my whole bottom half in a fleecy blanket or throw before getting into bed to keep my body warm 9. Invest iQ DQ HOHFWULF EHG ZLWK D WHPSXU-pedic mattress if at all possible And here is my piece de resistance- a MDU RI KDQG FUHDP RU IDFH FUHDP 3XW LW ILUPO\ XQGHU WKH VSRW WKDW KXUWV WKH ZRUVW VXFK DV ORZHU VSLQe, hips or back of the neck, DQ\ZKHUH WKDW \RX DUH KDYLQJ WKH ZRUVW SDLQ /LH RQ WRS RI WKDW MDU XQWLO \RX IDOO DVOHHS EXW GRQW PRYH LW ,W ZLOO KXUW IRU WKH ILUVW IHZ PLQXWHV EXW WKH PXVFOHV ZLOO JUDGXDOO\ UHJURXS DQG DFFHSW WKDW LQWUXGHU 7KH SDLQ ZLOO EH JRQH DQG \RX ZLOO GULIW RII WR VOHHS

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