What we perceive as “pain” is an interaction between several chemicals in the brain and spinal cord. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters conduct nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another, and on to the brain. They do this by stimulating receptors found on the surface of nerve and brain cells, which function somewhat like gates, opening and closing to allow messages to pass from one nerve cell to the next. Many pain-relieving drugs work by acting on these receptors.
Pain can be roughly divided in to two types: Acute pain, and chronic pain. Pain is described as acute when it basically doesn’t last very long – it is usually caused by an injury, illness, or surgery, and subsides as your body heals.
Chronic pain is usually said to persist for at least 6 months after your body has healed from the illness or injury that first caused the pain in question. There are forms of chronic pain that defy diagnosis. This usually adds to the emotional lows, rage, and self esteem problems that can already arise from experiencing the chronic pain in the first place. Many patients who experience chronic pain can also find that it interferes with the day to day activities of their lives.
Up to one-third of the entire population of the United States is affected by acute or chronic pain during the course of a year. (1)
Given the passage of a significant amount of time, all of these problems, compounded with anxiety, can lead to poor response to treatment, and set up a vicious cycle of unending discomfort.
You can, but, take steps to reclaim your life, and break the hold that pain can have over you!
Find, and Bond With Your Doctor
If you, like many other people, have had care from many different physicians, you may want to pick one, and stick with them. In addition to your family physician, you may want to consider also seeing a specialist, if you know what is causing your symptoms. If you don’t, you may want to consider a pain management specialist. Bear in mind that you will still need to have a primary care physician to coordinate care and manage your general health. This is especially vital in avoiding harmful drug interactions or conflicts in therapy.
When you’re choosing a doctor, you’ll want to make sure that, besides being someone that you feel you can trust, they are also knowledgeable about chronic pain issues. Beyond that, they should encourage and allow you to question questions, and even to disagree with them. You should have a positive, proactive outlook on the road ahead, and your doctor should also share that.
Tell Your Doctor Everything
Your doctor can only help you if you give him or her as much information about your pain as possible. You should clarify to your doctor the nature of your pain, where it is, how terrible it is, and how often it occurs. If there are triggers that cause your pain, clarify them also. Also, tell your doctor if anything makes the pain better. Don’t forget to reckon about other, external factors that may not be readily apparent. Changes in your day-to-day schedule or even activities within the course of your day may be affecting you without your knowledge.
Your doctor will want to also go over other health problems with you. Besides directly affecting your pain, they may also affect his or her choice of treatment for you.
All of this will also help in what is traditionally the first step in treating chronic pain: assessing the cause.
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe various combinations of different therapies and medications to treat your pain. Generally, treatment can take the form of physical, behavioral, or occupational therapy, combined with various pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatories.
Physical therapy can include walking, biking, etc, according to your situation, while behavioral therapy can teach you other pain control methods, such as meditation. Occupational therapy involves teaching you to more safely and efficiently accomplish everyday tasks, to minimize the risk of injury.
A small about drugs:
There are many pain-relieving drugs being used today. Opioid drugs block pain by locking onto opioid receptors in the brain. Other drugs control pain outside the brain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, inhibit hormones called prostaglandins, which stimulate nerves at the site of injury and cause inflammation and fever. Newer NSAIDs, including Celebrex (celecoxib) and Vioxx (rofecoxib) for rheumatoid arthritis, primarily block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2. Known as COX-2 inhibitors, these drugs may be less likely to cause the stomach problems associated with older NSAIDs, but their long-term effects are still being evaluated Up to one-third of the entire population of the United States is affected by acute or chronic pain during the course of a year.(2)
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can be invaluable in the treatment of chronic pain. If you smoke, or drink alcohol honestly frequently, you may want to modify your behavior. Quit smoking and drinking, or at the very least, cut back drastically.
A healthy diet will help not only directly, but indirectly, by reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system, and reducing stress.
Using recreational drugs can also impact your health in a myriad of ways that you could not possibly foresee.
Again, communication with your doctor is paramount. You and your primary care physician can map out all the things that you can do to try to reduce pain, and, if they work, you can modify your treatment accordingly. The key is to identify goals and obstacles to reducing pain, and tackling those goals and obstacles one at a time; then you can go on to the next challenge. Don’t set unrealistic goals, because this will only lead to failure and frustration.
It is most vital for you to take a long, hard look at your life, and how your pain has affected the way you live it. Then, take the necessary steps to “take your life back’ – to change your behavior to reflect that you will no longer allow yourself to be controlled by pain.
References
1. NIDA Research Monograph, No. 36 (1986)
2. FDA Consumer Magazine, March/April 2004. Pub No. FDA 04-1336C
Lupus is a chronic inflammtory disease which affects both women and men,(especially women) and usually occurs on different parts of the body, such as skin, blood, joints. As we know, the body systems produces antibodies which have the role to fight against bacteria and viruses. In addition, lupus appears when the body system stops to work properly and produces antibodies known as auto-antibodies causing inflammation and pain. Much more there are two forms of lupus: one of them is called erythematosus (SLE) and usually affects the skin, muscles, joints, lungs and even heart, causing in most cases muscle and joint pain. Another common form of lupus is known as discoid lupus, which appears on the skin, producing rash on the head, scalp and neck.
First of all, lupus symptoms don’t occur to all people in the same measure. For instance some people can face an simple form of lupus and on the other hand other people may show severe symptoms that can easily lead to complications. Some of the most common lupus symptoms are: muscle and/or joint pains, swelling and redness of other parts of the body, severe headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to light, fever, weight and hair loss, swelling of the feet or legs and others.
Lupus is an affection that has been known for more than 100 years and it shows its presence through different forms still. It is vital to know that people can find out if they suffer from lupus only by visiting a doctor. So, after a special examination of the symptoms and various tests, the physician can easily settle a proper diagnosis. Even though, lupus can cause severe complications and needs specific treatments and even hospitalization, it is not considered a fatal disease and patients can have a normal life if they follow the medical instructions.
Furthermore, lupus like any other disease needs a special treatment and it depends on how severe or not is the affection. By asking medical help, people who are diagnosed with lupus should fallow a treatment which usually includes non-steroidal anti-imflammatory, drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. Moreover, these drugs have the role in diminishing discomfort and symptoms that lupus produces by reducing pain and sweeling in the affected areas. But, NSAIDs have a negative part too, taking more medicines than is necessary may lead to other complications such as ulcers or bleeding. During the years has been learned different methods to heal lupus, methods which are sub-classes of NSAIDs. Some of theses are frequently prescriebed and are known as Cox-2 inhibitors, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib and meloxicam. Moreover other prescribed medicines for treating lupus are Acetaminophen which are pain killers; Corticosteroids, used in diminishing swelling and inflammation, balancing the immune system too; Anti-Malarials medications usually help in removing, skin rashed, the fatigue and joint pain and not in the last place a medicine which has the role in improving the quality of life and it is known as Nutricol.
In spite of the long term experience gained in more than 100 years of practice, diagnosing acute appendicitis is still a tough and doubtful charge. This is why surgeons often choose to risk removing a healthy appendix instead of gambling other complications like perforation or gangrene of the organ. The pain in appendicitis is most assembling to aches caused by other major abdominal pathology; cases of negative appendicectomy are found in about 20% of the situations.
Although sometimes negative appendicectomy might seem common and without risks, there are studies confirming high rates of complications and mortality in such mistakes; much higher than in well diagnosed appendicectomy.
The use of scoring system Alvarado has proved to decrease at about 0-5% the risk of negative appendicectomy. A closer and more objective or specialized expertise of the case can highly lower the further explorations until making them unnecessary. Replacing clinical skills of the surgeon by newest domain technology can have, in spite of the expectations, high risks.
In a study comparing patients suspected of acute appendicitis diagnosed by clinical exams and patients investigated through ultrasound technology, scientists have proven no major differences between the two methods. Patients undergoing ultrasound examination got earlier to the operation room as the others but the rate of negative appendicectomy remained high. No major changes were learned although the operation was restricted to the patients with an Alvarado score of 4-8.
Other clinical studies proved no vital differences. Concluding, we can assert that the Para clinical such as ultrasonography is highly dependent on the physician executing it.
The most helpful radiological investigation in avoiding negative appendicectomy seems to be computerized tomography. It reveals differential diagnosis and other possible abdominal pathology and offers more clear images of the explored area. More recent studies have verified the hypothesis that CT-scan reduces the risk of a fake appendicitis diagnosis.
Despite of the major benefits of the computerized tomography this type of new technology isn’t always available to the clinician in emergency cases when suspecting appendicitis.
When fall and winter arrive, does it seem like you always get sick? Don’t dread the changing seasons anymore – there is help. One of the most effective way to reduce the frequency of colds is by washing your hands on a regular basis. Studies have suggested that by washing your hands can reduce your chances of getting a cold by 50%. (1,2) Other ways of protecting your body from the dreaded yearly cold or flu is by taking an herb called echinacea.
Echinacea (pronounced eck-in-AY-sha) is a safe and effective herb to help the body fight off colds or prevent them entirely. When Echinacea is combined with other herbs that boost the immune system, you will get even greater cold and flu protection. (3,4)
You might be wondering what the difference is between having a cold and having the flu. Both have similar symptoms but very in severity. If you have a cold, you may experience sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and runny nose. These symptoms usually last a week or so and make life miserable for a small time. With the flu, symptoms start out like a cold but taking a turn for the worst and escalating rapidly. Symptoms can consist of fever, chills, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, severe fatigue, weakness, body aches, and muscle pain. The fever, muscle pain, and aches may go away in a few days with the flu, but the tiredness and fatigue can last weeks.
There are over 200 different viruses known to cause the flu. (1) Influenza viruses are classified by types. Type A, B, or C, each type is capable of causing the flu. People tend to catch a cold when the weather is cool and wet. When it is cold and wet outside, people tend to stay indoors more and more close contact with others pass the flu virus from person to person.
You might wonder why there is not a cure for the common cold or flu. The flu virus continually mutates and changes each year making it hard to fight. With the increased use of antibiotics these viruses have managed to build up an immunity making it harder to fight every year. Research has developed over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help treat the common cold or flu, but consuming such medicines might prolong the length of the disease and increase the length of the misery. There are also potential side effects of using OTC cold and flu medications. (5,6)
There are a variety of OTC medications available today such as decongestants to dry up the runny nose and relieve sneezing and watery eyes. For those aches and pains there is acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen can help bring down a fever. Both of these fever reducing products come at a cost, they can cause gastrointestinal upset. (7,8) Also, aspirin should not be given to children because it has been linked to the development of Reye’s syndrome, a rare and possibly fatal illness. (1,2)
Acetaminophen used over a long period of time can cause liver and kidney failure. Daily doses of no more than 4000 mgs should be taken to prevent any kind of complications with acetaminophen. Decongestants can cause all sorts of problems such as high blood pressure, accelerated heart beat, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, and insomnia. Decongestants can increase the length of nasal congestion so use should be limited if possible. (9,10) The common cold or flu can leave you suffering if left untreated, but nobody wants to prolong the symptoms. Lucky for us there is another answer, echinacea, cedar leaf, and wild indigo root are natural remedies that can help reduce the severity and length of the common cold.
Contrary to the medical establishment’s belief, herbal extracts are really effective for colds and flu. Echinacea is one of the most effective remedies on the market today. This plant has a gorgeous purple cone flower in the summer and helps treat common cold symptoms along with reducing infections after being exposed to them. (11)
Back when settlers came to America, they had distress the first winter and the Native Americans inhabiting the land showed them echinacea to treat illnesses and injuries. Knowledge of herbs was passed down to settlers who learned its ability to treat the common cold and flu. In 1920, doctors were prescribing echinacea and other herbs to help heal the body, but in the 1930s sulfa drugs came out and herbal remedies were quickly forgotten. Echinacea gave way to antibiotics to treat colds and flu in America, but over in Europe herbs are still used regularly. Scientists in Germany continued to study echinacea and its properties, now there are over 280 commercial preparations containing echinacea in Germany. (12) Also, in Germany a discovery was made by combining white cedar leaf and wild indigo root with echinacea, combined to increase immune system health which helps one fight off the common cold and flu.
Herbal extracts gained more interest in the early 1960’s where echinacea gained a loyal following ever since. To date echinacea continues to be and impressive herb against colds and flu. There are three varieties of echinacea available in your health food store. These well loved varieties are echinacea angustifolia, echinacea purpurea, and echinacea pallida. Most studies done on echinacea were the purpurea and pallida variety.
Because echinacea works so well, there has been quite a bit of research done to learn why it helps so well with colds and flu. Antibiotics kill the disease that causes sickness, echinacea on the other hand boosts the immune system, to be specific echinacea boosts the production of macrophage an aspect of the immune system that engulfs bacteria and viruses killing them. Macrophage is the body’s first defense against invading bacteria and viruses. Echinacea also helps enhance the function of monocytes, blood cells that mature into macrophage. Echinacea boosts the number of natural killer (NK) cells and those cells activity in the body. NK cells are programmed to seek out and kill invading bodies such as viruses.
Echinacea also boosts the production of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferons. Along with echinacea, white cedar leaf and wild indigo both boost the production of TNF, macrophage and interferon production in the body.
Safety might be a concern to those who are considering echinacea, white cedar leaf and wild indigo as a remedy. The German Commission E recommends (GCE) the use of these herbs only if you do not have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, HIV, or AIDS. Because these herbs boost the immune system, one with the above autoimmune diseases would not want over activation of their immune system which might progress the disease. Allergic reaction may occur in some who are allergic to rag weed or plants in the sunflower family. The GCE also recommends small term use of echinacea no more than 6 weeks. Wild indigo and white cedar leaf do not have this limitation and can be taken year round.
The amount of echinacea consumed by an individual should be measured by the age of an individual. For adults and children over 12, one should consume 7.5mg of standardized echinacea 3 times a day to fight a cold. White cedar leaf should be taken in 2 mg doses 3 times a day and wild indigo should be taken in 10 mg doses 3 times a day as well.
If you are around someone who has a cold, remember to wash your hands on a regular basis and the dosing of herbs mentioned above can be followed to help fight off a cold before it starts. Echinacea is used more often then any other herb in the United States this is because it works. Do not worry if you have not gotten a flu shot, there is hope in herbs such as echinacea, white cedar leaf and wild indigo root that can help boost your immune system to keep you strong and healthy throughout the cold season. These and many other wonderful herbs can be found at your local health food store.
References:
1. The Common Cold. National Institutes of Health Web site. Available at: www. niaid. nih. gov/factsheets/cold.htm. Accessed on April 30, 2001.
2. Flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: wwwcdc. gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluinfo.htm. Accessed April 30, 2001.
3. Wustenberg R, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Kohler G, Stammwitz U. Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar. Adv Ther. 1999;16:51-70.
4. Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, Kohnen R, Kohler G, Wustenberg P. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Op. 1999;15:214-227.
5. Karch AM, Karch FE. Let the user beware. OTC drugs aren’t necessarily ’safe when taken as directed.’ Am J Nurs. 2001;101:25.
6. Ornato JP. Over-the-counter stroke? Health News. 2000;6:3.
7. Hirschowitz BI, Hawkey CJ. Questions regarding future research on aspirin and the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Med. 2001;110(Suppl):S74-S78.
8. Hunt RH, Bowen B, Mortensen ER, et al. A randomized trial measuring fecal blood loss after treatment with rofecoxib, ibuprofen, or placebo in healthy subjects. Am J. Med. 2000;109:201-206.
9. Graf P. Adverse effects of benzalkonium chloride on the nasal mucosa: allergic rhinitis and rhinitis medicamentosa. Clin Ther. 1999;21:1749-1755.
10. Graf P. Rhinitis medicamentosa: aspects of pathophysiology and treatment. Allergy. 1997;52:28-34.
11. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Echinacea. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press; 1999: 253-257
12. Foster S, Tyler VE. Echinacea. In: The Honest Herbal. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press; 1999:143-145.
Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality herbs like Echinacea Extract from Now Foods. Please link to this site when using this article.
Osteoarthritis is perhaps the fastest growing form of arthritis in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one third of all adult Americans have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. Last year over 7 million visits to the doctor were osteoarthritis related which is second to cardiovascular disease in America. As we age this number is going to increase unless we take steps to stop arthritis. Over the years researchers have developed medications to help relieve pain but none have really addressed the underlying cause of joint destruction. In this article we will take a look at the characteristics of osteoarthritis and the current treatments available. Also, we will look at natural alternatives that can help improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves certain bones and joints in the body. A joint is where two bones are connected and made up of cartilage which is surrounded by muscles and tendons. Some joints have a limited range of motion such as a rib in the rib cage and others have a much wider range of movement like hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and thumbs. The wider ranges of motion joints are called synovial joints. (1) Synovial joints have a unique structure. The bones that are connected to synovial joints are cover in a tough fibrous tissue call cartilage. This tough cartilage tissue between the bones is called the joint capsule. The joint capsule has an inner cavity which is lined with an inner membrane called the synovial membrane. With in this membrane there is fluid called synovial fluid which is a thick, slippery fluid that fills the small places in between and around the two bones connecting. The fluid is filled with a substance that lubricates the joints and eases movement. (1,2)
This joint cartilage serves two purposes. First, it allows for a smooth surface to bear heavy weight and ease joint movement when in motion. Secondly, the joint cartilage absorbs shock and distributes the forces and mechanical stresses out to the bones connected to the joint.
Joint function is under continual mechanical stress while in motion and the joints ability to resist the stress reflects its health. If the mechanical stress becomes to much for the joint, some physical changes occur in the joint cartilage covering the bones. (1,2)
Cartilage is tough and some what elastic in nature comprised of water, collagen and complex proteins called proteoglycans. (3) When osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in a patient, the cartilage has started to weaken and become frayed. Over time the cartilage breaks down exposing the two bones of the joint. When two bones rub together all sorts of hurt can happen. Bits of bone and cartilage break off and float around in the joint space. When the joint is bent, one usually experiences a gritty grinding feeling which is painful. Over time tiny bone spurs can grow into the cartilage and surrounding tissue causing a fantastic deal of pain and decrease range of motion in the joint. As the arthritis progresses, the pain and discomfort will increase making sleepless nights and miserable days.
Even though the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, researchers do know that it is not age related. Researchers have observed the disease having the same destructive changes in younger patients diagnosed which haven’t been observed in older individuals who don’t have the disease. (2,4,5) Researchers have observed that certain conditions do seem to trigger the disease or make it worse.
Families who have frequent occurrences of osteoarthritis tend to lean on the thought that it could be a genetic factor. Osteoarthritis of the hands is often seen as genetic. (2) People who are extremely active or have physically demanding jobs have a higher occurrence of developing osteoarthritis. Also, individuals who have certain bone disorders are prone to osteoarthritis as well. Individuals who are over weight are at risk. Because of the excess pounds, these individuals usually develop osteoarthritis in the knees and feet. Over weight individuals usually have denser bones which do not absorb as much shock as thinner bones might causing more hurt to joint cartilage.
Currently there is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but slowing the progression may help with some lifestyle changes. The arthritis foundation suggests individuals who are prone to osteoarthritis should maintain a healthy weight and loose weight if needed. They also suggest that these individuals should exercise on a regular basis as a preventative measure. (4) Consumption of Calcium and other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, and E can help as well. (6-8)
Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually focused around reducing or relieving the pain an individual experiences and maintain or improve the movement so to reduce any permanent disability. (2) Your Medical practitioner normally prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen which is only effective in pain management. Sadly these NSAIDs have side effects which can be serious. NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. Long term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract which product heartburn and abdominal pain. NSAIDs can interfere with blood clotting and even cause kidney hurt. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is some times prescribed for pain relief, but acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation and have the same side effects as NSAIDs plus in large doses can cause liver hurt. (9)
Newer medications released to the public are called COX-2 inhibitors which provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects with out the side effects of other NSAIDs. (11,12) In some cases, COX-2 inhibitors can cause stomach hurt and bleeding. (13,14) All of these medications may help with the pain but does nothing to slow down or stop the osteoarthritis. This medication has no effect on the disease itself. (10)
After reviewing all the side effects from the medications available, some believe that Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate are better for osteoarthritis because Glucosamine and Chondroitin really improve synovial joint health without any life threatening side effects. (3)
Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate work so well as treatment for osteoarthritis that even physicians routinely recommend it. Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring compounds found in human joints. (15,16) When consumed in the right combination can really reverse the hurt in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in synovial fluid and is the basic building block of proteoglycans, one of the compounds in synovial cartilage. Europeans have been using Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate for more than 10 years to help ease joint pain. Only in the past few years have researchers from American and Europe worked together to figure out how this works. Researchers learned that Glucosamine sulfate reduces synovial joint inflammation which clarifies why people feel better after taking the supplement.
Scientific studies have learned that Glucosamine sulfate can help stimulate cartilage cell growth, inhibit proteoglycans breakdown, and rebuild the hurt done by osteoarthritis. (17,18) Glucosamine Sulfate not only helps your feel better but also repairs the hurt that’s all ready done. The only Glucosamine used in all the studies was Glucosamine sulfate. When the body digests Glucosamine sulfate the sulfate separates and forms a ion salt called a sulfate ion. This sulfate ion is critical for the body to synthesize proteoglycans. (17)
Researchers believe that Chondroitin sulfate works in a similar way to Glucosamine sulfate and should be consumed along with Glucosamine sulfate. Several studies investigated the action of Chondroitin sulfate and determined for best results one should take them both together. But, if your health care practitioner suggests taking only one or the other it is best that you follow your practitioners advice.
Other vitamins and minerals are beneficial to individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Suck as, folic acid and B12 may increase joint mobility and vitamins A, C, D, and E may prevent the progression of the disease as well as prevent osteoarthritis all together. (8,19,20) Several clinical studies used the herb Boswellia serrata which help with swelling and yielded excellent results as well. Cayenne or capsaicin ointment can help elevate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Cayenne pepper depletes the nerves of a neurotransmitter called substance P. This substance P transmits pain messages to the brain, so cayenne is very effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain.
Along with supplements, exercise is an vital to help keeps joints mobile and healthy. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, water aerobics might be an option because it is low impact and gives one the ability to flex their joints with out applying much weight on the joints.
It is simple for those who don’t feel well to self diagnose. If you suspect that you have a joint health issue, get evaluated by a licensed health care provider before taking any steps to get better on your own. Some of these same symptoms can be related to other illnesses which require different treatment. Only a health care provider can be certain one has osteoarthritis. With proper exercise and supplements one can reduce the constant stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis and this can lead to a healthier pain free life. All the supplements mentioned can be found at your local or internet health food store.
References:
1. Siedel HM, Ball JW, Dains JE, Benedict GW. Classification of joints. In: Mosby’s Guide to Physical Examination. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 1999: 695.
2. Bancroft DA, Pigg JS. Osteoarthritis syndromes. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 1133-1138.
3. McCarty MF. Enhanced synovial production of hyaluronic acid may clarify rapid clinical response to high-dose glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Medical Hypotheses 1998;50,507-510.
4. Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .arthritis .org/answers/diseasecenter/oa. Accessed June 26, 2001.
5. National Institutes of Health. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .nih .gov/niams/healthinfo/osteoarthritis /osteohandout_breaks.html. Accessed July 3, 2001.
6. Tiku ML, Shah R, Allison GT. Evidence linking chondrocyte lipid peroxidation to cartilage matrix protein degradation. Possible role in cartilage aging and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. J Biol Chem. 2000;275:20069-20076.
7. Sowers M, Lachance L. Vitamins and arthritis. The roles of vitamins A, C, D, and E. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999;25:315-332.
8. McAlindon TE, Jacques P, Zhang Y, et al. Do antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum. 1996;39:648-656.
9. Graumlich JF. Preventing gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs. Risk factors, recent advances, and latest strategies. Postgrad Med 2001 May;109(5):117-20, 123-8. Complete article available online at: www .postgradmed .com/issues/2001/05_01/graumlich.htm.
11. Ballinger A, Smith G. COX-2 inhibitors vs. NSAIDs in gastrointestinal hurt and prevention. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001;2:31-40.
12. Goldstein JL, Correa P, Zhao WW, et al. Reduced incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers with celecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, compared to naproxen in patients with arthritis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96:1019-1027.
13. Colville-Nash PR, Gilroy DW. Potential adverse effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition: evidence from animal models of inflammation. BioDrugs. 2001;15:1-9.
14. Laudanno OM, Cesolari JA, Esnarriaga J, et al. Gastrointestinal hurt induced by celcecoxib and rofecoxib in rats. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46:779-784.
15. Uebelhart D, Thonar EJ, Zhang J, Williams JM. Protective effect of exogenous chondrotin 4,6-sulfate in the acute degradation of articular cartilage in the rabbit. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998;6:6-13.
16. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, Smolen JS. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:205-211.
17. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999 May;25(2): 379-95.
18. Glucosamine sulfate. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4:193-195.
19. Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, et al. Analysis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate content in marketed products and the Caco-2 permeability of chondroitin sulfate raw materials. JAMA. 2000;3:37-44.
20. Crolle G. D’Este E. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical investigation. Curr Med Res Opin. 1980;7:104-109.
Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Please link to this site when using this article.
Read the First Comment 