Easing Joint Pain
Long explained as a by-product of aging, arthritis affects 40 million Americans. Arthritis or joint inflammation is a result of trauma to the joints, improper circulation and poor nutritional habits.
Numerous studies have shown that while arthritis has no cure, there are many options to help you increase joint mobility and decrease the inflammation of arthritis. Here are a few solutions that can lead to decreased pain and a healthier lifestyle.
Chiropractic Spinal or Extremity Manipulation
Each vertebra in our body joins or articulates with other joints around it, to form a moveable joint. Cartilage lines the joints and also forms the disc, which is a wafer of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber for the spine. Cartilage has no direct artery supply, so its nutrients have to be absorbed through a process called “inbibition.” If the joint is subluxated (a mild or minor dislocation), inbibition is decreased and the cartilage goes through a slow process of decay. By getting regular treatments to remove subluxations, inbibition is optimized and the decay of arthritis is slowed down.
Glucosamine
Over 300 double-blind studies have been done on the effectiveness of Glucosamine. Normally produced naturally in the body, Glucosamine has been shown to reduce inflammation of osteoarthritis in about 50% of the population. Studies have shown that the Glucosamine is responsible for reducing pain from arthritis. In fact, the research has proved that Glucosamine relieves pain and improves movement just as effectively as ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), without the side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Since Glucosamine supplements are made from chitin, present in crab, lobster, and shrimp shells, people who are allergic to sulfa should check with their doctor before taking Glucosamine sulfate. If you are allergic, an alternative form that you can take is Glucosamine HCL. Check the label for content.
Not all Glucosamine is the same. High quality Glucosamine will deliver the product faster, is absorbed better, and will help to alleviate pain better. The usual dose is 1500 mg/day.
Omega-3
The research has been astounding as to the benefits of Omega-3. Found primarily in fish oil, omega-3 has been shown to decrease painful arthritis, high cholesterol, heart problems and memory changes, to name a few. When omega-3 is combined with Glucosamine, many people report pain relief in as little as 30 days. To gain the greatest benefit, you should take Glucosamine and omega-3 for at least 90 days to determine the extent of relief you may feel.
Omega-3 is very abundant in Pacific (wild) Salmon and Tilapia. You can also find omega-3 in flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Beware of Omega-6. Omega-6, commonly found in corn oil, has been show to inflame arthritis. Foods fried in corn oil, high amounts of corn and foods such as potato chips can throw your joints into a tizzy.
Chondroiton Sulfate
Cartilage elasticity is dependent upon this naturally produced substance in the body. Although it was hoped that chondroiton sulfate would help to replenish the cartilage, studies have not been as favorable as in Glucosamine. Several studies have shown that as much as 90% of the substance may be excreted out in the urine and not absorbed by the body.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane known as MSM has been found to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and even more significantly in rheumatoid arthritis. MSM occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains, and some herbs. A study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that 3 grams of MSM, twice a day, relieved pain in people with osteoarthritis. Since many people have mixed types of arthritis, you may benefit from a mixture of Glucosamine, chondroiton and MSM.
Before undertaking any regimen of treatment for arthritis, you should check with your chiropractor for your specific needs. Certain supplements should be screened for conditions and drugs that may not be recommended in combination.
Dr. Mario Fucinari DC, CCSP, MCS-P is a chiropractic physician and director of Decatur Back and Neck Center. Contact us for an appointment today. |
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by Dr. Mario Fucinari, DC, CCSP, MCS-P