Hip Pain and Some Common Causes For It

For all too many of us out there trying to get through our daily lives, we have to deal with daily, chronic pain. Hip pain is one of the most common complaints, especially as our population ages. Taking care of hip pain can be especially challenging because there can be so many reasons behind the pain. Doctors do recognize that there are some more common causes for hip pain and often look to these first.

Arthritis is by far the most common cause of hip pain. Of course, arthritis just means that the hip joint is inflamed. This can be a chronic or passing problem. There is a lot of research currently underway looking to address arthritis and joint pain. Fortunately, there are some promising results. One product that is growing in popularity is made from CFA's (cetylated fatty acids). They appear to be able to reduce inflammation in the joints while having no adverse side effects. Hips are rejoicing everywhere!

Another heavy hitter is tendonitis. Tendonitis can be found anywhere on the body sporting tendons, so this is not a very limited issue. The tendon in the hip area with the largest number of complications is the IT band, or the iliotbial band. Hip pain is a common symptom of tendonitis found in this area. CFA's may help to reduce hip pain with tendonitis simply by helping to cut down on the amount of inflammation found in the joint.

Fractures involving the hip joint are seen all too often as our bodies age. No one who has been around for the last couple decades and watches television at all can forget the whole "I've fallen and I can't get up" ad campaign. It is sad, but true, that many older adults will have hip problems due to a fall. The fracture issue comes in when the fallen person is dealing with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, when a hip is broken surgery is usually the only option to repair it and get the patient back on his or her feet. There are many different options available when it comes to surgery, depending on the fracture and the health of the patient.

Stress fractures are also a common issue causing hip pain. This type of fracture has nothing to do with age and everything to do with the level of activity and stress placed on the hip joint. There are limited options when it comes to relieving pain caused by a stress fracture. The only treatment that is going to be effective is to rest the joint and avoid the high-impact activity that caused the fracture in the first place.

If you are experiencing hip pain, a trip to your primary-care physician is probably a great place to start looking for relief. Those who have been diagnosed with issues such as arthritis or tendonitis may want to give products such as CFA's a shot...you have nothing to lose but pain in your hip!

Medical Conditions Associated With Temple Headache

True enough the temple area is usually affected by headache pain. The affected area is dependent from the headache's underlying cause. There are people who complain of pain in both temples while there are others who happen to feel pain on only one side. Aside from location, the quality and severity of temple headache varies as well.

Headaches are usually not life threatening and can go away on its own, but there are cases of temple headaches that serve as warning signs for a more serious medical condition.

So what causes temple headaches? As mentioned before, the underlying cause of temple headaches do differ. It is important that we understand the different factors that causes pain in the temple region in order to treat the symptoms fast and effectively. Tension headaches, TMJ dysfunction and temporal Arteritis are some of medical conditions that are associated with temple headaches. Let us discuss each one.

1. Tension headaches - Stress is inevitable. It can occur to each and every one of us. Just by looking at your monthly billing statement can be very stressful. Stress do varies for each person. When repeated unresolved stresses occurs contraction of muscles can occur. As a result of chronic muscle tension, inflammation in the area takes place. Inflammation can be a bit painful. When the neckline and skull are pain can extend to both temples. Besides stress, poor body posture, hormonal changes and unhealthy diet can also contribute to the development of tension headaches.

2. TMJ dysfunction - Characteristically, women between the ages of 20 to 40 years old are affected by TMJ dysfunction syndrome. Unrelieved TMJ dysfunction can move the cartilage that causes extension of the connected soft tissues and sensory nerves. When the cartilage is displaced, you are predisposed to jaw locked up. Aside from the ticking of the jaw, people who suffer from TMJ dysfunction can also experience facial pain as a result of inflammation. Other symptoms associated with TMJ are ear pain, ear fullness and temple headaches. Moreover, temple headache in point of fact id pain that starts off from the jaws and which eventually branch out to the temple area. Again, this type of headache is known as a tension type of headache. The pain can extend to the neckline, shoulders and back regions.

3. Temporal Arteritis - As a person gets older the more susceptible one becomes to the development of Temporal Arteritis. When the arteries become inflamed the blood supply is disrupted, leading to a wide array of symptoms including temple headaches. According to one medical resource, women are more predisposed as compared to men. People who suffer from temporal arteritis are often diagnosed with giant cell arteritis. This type of disorder can cause episodes of pain due to the interrupted blood flow.

Certainly, temple headaches are caused by varying factors. Talk to your health care provider if you are still unsure of what causes your temple headaches.

Holistic Approach to Pain Relief

The holistic approach to pain relief focuses on natural remedies. These natural remedies are supported by holistic health research. These natural remedies include herbal products and energy-related therapies.

All pain involves inflammation. Natural anti-inflammation supplements are important to counter inflammation. The primary anti-inflammation supplements include fish oil, flaxseed oil and turmeric. Turmeric can be taken orally. Turmeric can also be applied topically on the skin. Spinkle turmeric on a wet cloth or paper towel and apply it to the area in pain.

For back pain and joint pain, including arthritis pain, try curcumin supplements. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a great natural anti-inflammation agent.

For muscle and other pain, consider valerian root, holy basil and St. John's wort supplements along with b complex vitamins, magnesium and fresh ginger. These natural supplements help relax the muscles and body and reduce pain.

Holistic research also indicates the benefits of devil's claw supplements, white willow bark supplements, Cayenne pepper, ginseng and capsaicin supplements. Bromelain and boswellia are also good anti inflammation supplements for pain relief.

For arthritis and joint pain, holistic research indicates the benefits of a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (msm) and dimethyl sulfoxide(dmso) along with valerian root supplements. For the relief of muscle and joint pain, holistic research indicates the benefits of castor oil, turmeric and sea salt applied topically with a wet wash cloth or towel.

For fibromyalgia and the emotional pain of depression, in addition to the supplements mentioned above, holistic research also indicates the benefits of Sam-e, 5-htp and D-3. Also, with fibromyalgia and depression, it is important to eat a high nutrient diet, i.e. a diet that consists primarily of whole fresh vegetables. It is important to eliminate or greatly reduce your consumption of processed foods and refined sugar and starches (gluten) along with saturated fats and trans-fats and GMO.

For fibromyalgia and depression, it is also important to take good sized doses of natural vitamins (a, b complex, c, d3, e, k1 and k2) along with liquid, colloidal trace minerals supplements, co -q 10 and astagalus. Also, try colloidal gold or silver for depression.

For the pain of neuropathy, it is also important to take good sized doses of alpha lipoic acid, natural b complex (especially b1 and b12) and d3 vitamins, magnesium and an amino acid supplement along with cinnamon and turmeric and fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements.

Additional remedies for pain relief include massage, chiropractic care, Reiki and energy therapy and acupuncture. It is also important to exercise and stretch to get energy to flow freely to the location of the pain. Also, take salt baths with lavender essential oil and use relaxing essential oils such as vanilla, rose and floral. Also, use spearmint and peppermint essential oils for pain.

Reduce stress and meditate. Stay heart centered and be in the moment, stop negative and stressful thoughts and thoughts about your pain. Do deep breathing exercises in which you breathe directly into the heart and abdomen and focus on each breath.

Pain is low vibration energy. To help reduce pain, it is important to cultivate inner peace and peace of mind and raise your vibrations. You do this by being in the moment, being happy, having fun, focused on enjoying life and the positive details of work and errands and doing things that make you happy. Here is a visualization exercise that you can do to raise your vibrations to shake of the low vibrations of pain:

Sit or lie down. Get comfortable. Relax. Do some deep breathing. Focus only on your breath. Close your eyes. Hold high vibration crystals in your hand (citrine, amethyst, orgone, clear quartz). Clasp your hands together. Using your applied will, visualize that you push out your energy in front of your torso about 3 to 6 inches from your torso. Do this with the intent to raise your vibrations.

Meditation helps with pain relief. So, will anything you do to distract you from thinking about the pain - i.e., being fully engaged in the moment. Also, look into massage, chiropractors and acupuncture for pain relief.

Headaches can be stress related or migraines. With respect to stress headaches, try natural remedies that help relieve stress such as vitamin B12 and valerian root supplements along with chamolile and passion-flower. Try relaxing scents from essential oils such as vanilla, rose and other floral scents. Try deep breathing exercises and meditation. Have someone send you long distance Reiki. For headache pain also try anti-inflammation supplements discussed above along with fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is also recommended as a remedy for stomach pain.

For chronic headaches and migranes, get cranio-sacral energy healing from a Reiki practitioner. This is hands on energy healing that focuses on the head, sinuses and neck. Cranio-sacral energy healing releases trapped energy in the head and sinuses that result in headaches and helps relieve tension in the neck. The Reiki practitioner will pull trapped energy in your head, through your body and out your feet.

You can also release trapped energy in your head as follows: lie down and focus on deep breaths into your heart. Visualize that you are pulling energy from your head, through your body and legs and out your feet. Hold grounding stones such as boji stones in your left hand while you do this exercise. Also, do the same visualization while you sit up and plant your bare feet on the ground. Visualize that you pull the energy in your head into your body and legs, and push that energy deep into the ground through your feet.

Pain Relief Options for Osteoarthritis

If you are a sufferer of osteoarthritis I don't need to tell you that the major complaint is - the achy stiffness, discomfort, pain and eventual inflammation. As the symptoms progress and cartilage erodes, the pain gets increasingly worse to the point that in many cases pain relief is required to simply function on a daily basis. This is what drives most people to have the offending joint or joints replaced with artificial ones. However, this option is only open to those with hip or knee problems and does nothing for those suffering from osteoarthritis of the hands or spine.. Even for those who choose to attempt to heal their condition through lifestyle changes, nutritional re-balancing, and re-mineralization will have to continue to deal with the discomfort until their body has had time to return to balance. Depending on the progression of the condition the healing process can take some time. So at the end of the day, whether one is awaiting surgery, dealing with the condition in an area of the body without a surgical solution, or is taking the time and effort to heal their condition, dealing with pain is the common primary concern for those with osteoarthritis.

The standard allopathic response to this issue is naturally a pharmaceutical one. Unfortunately the types of drugs commonly prescribed in these situations are associated with many adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially after long term use. The group of drugs to which I am referring are among the most widely used in the developed world. They are called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These are drugs with analgesic (pain-reducing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. One report published in Clinical Cornerstone stated that NSAIDs account for 70 million prescriptions and $30 billion in over-the-counter sales in the United States alone. Whether or not these numbers are accurate, the market is obviously huge. Some common names that you may be familiar with in this category of drugs are ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis KT) and even good old aspirin, to name a few.

The main ADRs associated with prolonged or over-use of NSAIDs are well documented and on the increase. One of the immediate effects is on the gastrointestinal system. The molecular nature of NSAIDs is acidic, which causes irritation of the gastric mucosa. This in turn leads to digestive problems including nausea, gastric ulceration and intestinal bleeding, and even diarrhoea. Another area of concern with overuse of NSAIDs is that of renal interference. They impair the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are vasodilators. This in turn leads to the restriction of blood flow to the kidneys, which can cause fluid retention, sodium-potassium imbalance, as well as potential hypertension (high blood pressure). Of particular interest to OA sufferers are the studies going back as far as the late 70s that also indicated an acceleration of cartilage breakdown. Yes, that's right. When you take these pain medications to relieve headaches, migraines, menstrual pain, postoperative pain, arthritis pain, or any kind of pain, you may be actually accelerating the breakdown of your cartilage. If you are currently using one of these drugs to treat your osteoarthritis, you might want to consider potential alternatives for pain control, especially in the case of long term use.

In this area there are a few options that can be used individually or combined that have been shown to be effective in various studies. Given our acquired metabolic strengths and weaknesses, some experimentation may be required to find out which product or combination of products works best for you. In my experience the efficacy of a supplement is often determined by quality, sourcing, and processing, which will speak to issues of bio-availability. In this regard you usually get what you pay for, so caveat emptor.

One of the oldest and most overlooked treatments for joint pain is sulphur, which tends to occur naturally in many hot springs and is probably why people with arthritis find relief after bathing in them. Elemental sulphur used to be present in our drinking water but has been long lost to our diets through municipal filtration. In supplemental form it is usually found as a compound called methylsulphonylmethane (MSM). To my knowledge the clinical trials are scant and inconclusive; however, the ones I have looked at that show marginal success are dealing with pretty low dose ranges. Dr. Al Sears in a recent newsletter was recommending a daily dose of 850 mg for the treatment of joint pain. What MSM appears to do is to improve the permeability or flow-through of your cellular membranes. If this flow-through is impaired, toxins can build up in the cells, contributing to cellular pressure, inflammation and discomfort. When the flow-through is improved toxins are released, pressure is relieved, and inflammation decreases. This form of sulphur also appears to function as an effective anti-oxidant, which is always a good thing.

I suppose glucosamine sulfate needs to mentioned given that it is the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral supplement purchased by American adults. In the case of glucosamine, clinical studies appear to be all over the map with some showing improvement of symptoms while others show it to be no more effective than a placebo. Anecdotally it would appear that some people do experience significant relief of symptoms but only after many weeks or months of use. This probably has to do with the absorbability of glucosamine, which some studies have indicated may be as low as 15-20% of dose. This would indicate that glucosamine is not likely to be of use in the short term for control of pain.

Omega 3 oils have been shown to be a worthwhile investment for their many benefits to health in general. Their anti-inflammatory properties as well as the general metabolic need for omega 3s have been well documented and there are now numerous studies showing improved joint mobility. The turning of our collective diets away from saturated fats to seed and corn oils has led to an over abundance of omega 6s and 9s and fewer omega 3s than would have been present in a more traditional or evolved diet. Over abundance of omega 6s and 9s actually contribute to the potential for increased inflammation. When it comes to supplementing with omega 3s, source and processing will I believe determine effectiveness to a large degree. Although fish oil has been popular in the past, they can easily become rancid through oxidation, thereby losing any anti-oxidant effect they would have in the body. Another more contemporary issue with fish oil is the potential for bio-accumulated toxins like mercury and PCBs. This problem will obviously increase the further up the food chain you go for sourcing. For my personal use I have found the best bang for the buck is with a good quality Krill product. Krill is one of the largest biomasses on the planet; in fact, some large species of whales feed on it exclusively. Since it is harvested from relatively cleaner Antarctic waters, as well as being at the bottom of the food chain, bio-accumulated toxins become a relative non issue. Krill also contains the highest levels of a 'super' anti-oxidant called astaxanthin, which protects the omega 3 oils from becoming rancid and improves bio-availability and activity immensely.

From Ayurvedic Eastern traditions we know that turmeric has long been used as another potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. The most active component of turmeric is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric the intense yellow colour. There are now a growing number of studies as well as anecdotal evidence indicating a significant decrease in discomfort and increase of mobility for osteoarthritis sufferers, described by some as equivalent to the effect of NSAID's. Turmeric appears to be another one of those 'super' anti-oxidants that have many beneficial effects throughout the metabolism and seems particularly adept at helping the body deal with chronic low-grade inflammation. I have been using turmeric myself for some time now and can personally attest to its benefits. The turmeric powder which is used in food and medicinally is ground from the root of the plant. As with any supplement, sourcing is everything and you're probably best to find an organic source raised and harvested in the Ayurveda tradition. After all, they've been at it for 5000 years so they should know what they're doing by now.

One last potential alternative I would like to make mention of is something called Pycnoginol, which is a registered trade mark. I came upon this product quite recently while attending a webinar so I'm still in the process of investigation myself. However, given what I've read so far in the research, this product certainly warrants further investigation. Pycnoginol is an extract made from the bark of a maritime pine tree which only grows on the southwest coast of France. The claims of the manufacturer are backed by 280 published scientific studies and reviews as well as data collected from 7000 patients in 98 clinical studies. I'll leave this one simply as a heads up to provide further options in the pursuit of pain relief.

Given the problems inherent with the long term use of NSAID's, I hope this information, if nothing else, has at least provided options that can be used safely and in the end possibly do more to correct your osteoarthritis rather than contributing to its progression.

The 6 Letter Swear Word in Back Pain Relief

I bet you didn't know there was such a thing as a "6 Letter Swear Word", especially relating to back pain relief.

There are many four letter words we won't mention, but the 6 letter word is the worst swear word when it comes to relieving back ache. Now before you switch off or click the back button I had better tell you what it is so you can avoid it at all costs...

The 6 letter swear word is...

A

P

A

T

H

Y

Yes ... APATHY!

Most people will read about all the techniques they "should" do to relieve pain. They will buy certain products and let them sit on the shelf for many months and never do anything.

Unless you actually take action and do something, nothing will actually change. This is not being horrible or even blunt, but most people only use a small amount of time or effort to remove their back ache and then hope...

Hope and wish that pain miraculously disappears... but it won't. Why?

Unless you actually have a plan of attack, you will fail. This is not your fault; most people are only ever taught part of the puzzle that is back pain relief.

There are 4 steps to removing all your pain...

The first is to find the specific cause of your pain, which is not how you sit, lift or bend. It is the distortion patterns that twist your spine and allow muscles and joints to become out of balance.

The next step is balancing your muscles. This means to strengthen those that are weak and stretch those that are tight. Simple enough if you use the most effective ways (in fact all you need is 6 seconds)

Following that you need to balance your joints, especially your pelvis. This is the step that is seldom taught as most people keep well clear of teaching people to adjust their spine. There are a few self adjustive techniques that work well (even better than seeing a practitioner at times).

Finally you need to break the pain cycle and improve your ability to heal. This final step is the killer. Fail in this step and pain will return no matter what you use or try in the preceding steps.

This may sound like it will take you an eternity each day to achieve this. These steps can be performed in just a few minutes each day...

But only if you never use the 6 letter swear word. If you don't take action and learn simple ways to remove your back ache, you will remain in pain.

Back pain relief requires you to act and use techniques daily until pain disappears and then continue to break the pain cycle. If not it will return and you will end up with chronic back pain.

Dealing With the Effects of Arthritis and Alternative Treatments

One of the many misconceptions surrounding arthritis is that the joint pain can be minor and that in time, the pain will eventually go away. Some arthritis patients in the early stages of the disease may only feel minor pain. However, arthritis is a degenerative disease. It does not have a cure and it can get worse when left untreated. Arthritis in its most hideous form can in fact lead to permanent joint damage and loss of mobility. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease of the cartilage that cushions our joints and prevents bone on bone contact.

Chronic pain resulting from osteoarthritis and the potential loss of mobility can be hard to live with. People need to consider the fact that as their condition progresses, their way of life may have to change as well. There will be times that they will be unable to perform everyday activities like house chores, walking, or even attending to personal grooming. Arthritis sufferers may need to rely on other people to help with daily routines. Severe osteoarthritis sufferers may have to accept the fact that working may be difficult and their ability to make a living compromised.

Change is always hard to accept and cope with. Having to deal with unbearable chronic pain, and the frustration of not being able to do the simplest things we use to take for granted, can lead to anger, depression and a feeling of uselessness. Severe arthritis can lead to financial problems, deepening the constant worry, feelings of devastation, and hopelessness.

This is why early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Early signs of pain can be a precursor to chronic pain and the change in lifestyle that may come with it. A rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in arthritis, can prescribe various forms of treatments depending on the needs of the patient. Medication typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but in the recent years, more and more rheumatologists are beginning to add supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment. Proven to be effective relieving pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis and other joint disease, these supplements are rapidly being embraced as an alternative, of not primary, therapy of choice. A USA study in 2006 concluded that a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate relieved those suffering moderate to severe joint pain more effective than NSAIDs like Celebrex. These supplements have been available for years and studies like these have doctors and patients reassessing their treatment.

Pain - Shoulder Pain Relief for Injuries & Degeneration Pain

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over four million Americans seek shoulder pain relief from shoulder problems each year?
This number may sound alarming to you, but the fact of the matter is the shoulder is one of the most movable joints in the body, therefore making it one of the most potentially unstable.

The correct shoulder pain relief plan can be determined depending upon what kind of injury or condition you experience. Only your doctor can decide which shoulder pain relief plan is best for you. Most shoulder pain problems are attributed to two things:

1). Injuries and/or Overuse

2). Degeneration of the tendons, joints and tissues

Shoulder Pain Relief for Injuries & Overuse

Many people who injure their shoulders need immediate shoulder pain relief. Injuries, such as a dislocated shoulder and a shoulder separation can be extremely painful.

o Dislocated Shoulder. When the arm is pulled backward and overwhelms the muscles, dislocation and pain can occur. If you dislocate your shoulder, in addition to the pain, you will notice a lot of swelling and bruising. Your shoulder might feel numb and weak, as well. To receive shoulder pain relief from a dislocated shoulder, a doctor must push the ball of the humerus back into the socket of your shoulder joint. Then, you must wear a sling to rest your shoulder to heal and mitigate your pain.

o Shoulder Separation. Shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments that hold the collarbone to the shoulder blade are completely torn. Shoulder pain relief from a separation is simple: your arm among other prescribed treatments must remain in a sling until it heals.

People who suffer from either one of the aforementioned injuries can find immediate shoulder pain relief by applying ice to the wounded shoulder for up to 20 minutes three times a day. Your doctor will more than likely prescribe painkillers in order to receive even more shoulder pain relief. Physical therapy in many cases will also be recommended. One word of advice, keep moving your shoulder ever so slightly or you run the risk of frozen shoulder which is a whole different scenario to deal with.

Shoulder Pain Relief for Degeneration of the Tendons, Joints & Tissues

Many times, people seek shoulder pain relief due to the wear and tear of the tendons, joints and tissues. Tendonitis, arthritis and bursitis are common problems that cause inflammation and great amounts of pain. Most of the time, folks can find shoulder pain relief by taking Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil).

The first step to receive shoulder pain relief is to visit your doctor. Your doctor will lead you in the right direction toward the shoulder pain relief you need.

Click on and Visit the web sites below for more information about shoulder pain relief. And remember, everyday living should not involve shoulder pain or any other pain for that matter.