Controlling Arthritis, Inflammation And Pain

Most of us by now know that it is important to eat fish and to take our fish oils to keep our memory sound and our joints lubricated. However what do we do when despite our best efforts our body is beginning to seize up and we have pain in our joints and cramps and we have arthritis?

Inflammation is often directly responsible for joint pain and tissue damage in Arthritis. It is important to choose foods that decrease inflammation such as avoiding refined, processed and manufactured foods since these contain inflammatory fats, preservatives and carbohydrates.

It is possible to increase inflammation with Omega 6 fatty acids. They are found in soybean oil which is often used in biscuits and biscuit snacks. Another problem is corn syrup which is often used as sweetener. It is a carbohydrate that we digest quickly but disturbs the metabolism leading to the body making inflammation in some instances.

On the other hand extra-virgin olive oil has the antioxidant (polyphenol) which helps protect tissues from inflammation. Omega 3 (oily fish such as salmon, sardines and herring) will help reduce inflammation. We need to eat fish three times a week but as we all know fish oil supplements are essential for people with arthritis.

It is also important to distinguish good carbohydrates from bad by understanding the glycemic index and how they affect the blood sugar. Controlling blood sugar lowers inflammation so replace high-glycemic foods made with sugar and flour with lower type foods such as whole grains, sweet potatoes, beans and squash. If you must eat pasta then do so but not too often. It is better than bread and potatoes. You also need less animal protein, especially red meat and chicken as these contain an amino acid which may cause inflammation. Instead eat more vegetable protein such as beans and soy. It is also important to check if you have wheat and yeast sensitivities as these can add to your problems for all your cells in your body.

Fruit and vegetables are a must on your list. Choose three from each colour daily and add ginger and turmeric, both which have anti-inflammatory effects. Green tea also makes for a good anti-inflammatory drink.

From the list of supplements which will help Celery is essential for arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. It is detoxifying, helps the kidneys dispose of waste products and is good for the digestion. It is useful with bio-flavanoids for rheumatism and gout.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is another supplement which may regenerate cartilage and synovial fluid. It is important that you take it at the same time each day and 2 capsules a day. You will not see the effects until after about 3-6 weeks and do not take it if you are allergic to seafood. Sometimes is can upset your stomach a bit and give you loose bowel motions but this only happens in a few people. It is only a temporary measure and you need to tell your doctor if you are a diabetic or are on certain medications.

Another product in the glucosamine group is Glucosamine Sulphate which is a natural constituent of our bodies formed from glucose. It is important in making cartilage and synovial fluid that helps cushion the joints. As we age our ability to make this decreases and it has been found to stop the pain of Osteoarthritis in some cases. It may also be used as a preventative. It is good for knee Osteoarthritis and sometimes better than ibuprofen. It helps athletes and sports people reduce risk of training injuries. Arthritis sufferers should take 1500mg for acute pain followed by 500-1000mg for general maintenance. It does not act as quickly as medication and should be taken at least 6 weeks.

Since everyone is different if you do not have success with the above try Devils Claw which is yet another herbal remedy to reduce inflammation and pain. Take 1-2ml of the tincture three times a day.

If you have had success with homeopathic remedies then try some Bryonia which can help in rheumatism and arthritis, chest conditions and headaches. Get it from a homeopath. It often assists with swollen, intensely painful joints in rheumatism.

If you prefer something more in the line of teas, try some Cats Claw which is a woody vine grown in rainforests of Peru. Traditionally the Indians used it to treat Arthritis. It has immune stimulating, anti viral, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory effects and has some anti-tumour and anti-microbial properties. It also comes in capsules.

Remember also that your digestion is important as it is important to have a good digestion to actually absorb the supplements you are taking and your nutrition from your food. Otherwise you are loading up with pills and they are just going straight through you with hardly any beneficial effects. Ginger has warming properties, is good for the digestion, circulation, helps with the inflammation and lowers blood pressure. It also helps reduce the pain. Studies in Copenhagen have found it is as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but without their side effects. However it is slower to work and takes about three weeks to ease symptoms. 500mg daily is a good preventative or for long-term ailments.

To add to the above there are 12 Biochemic tissue salts which help to create a balance back to the body. Ferr Phos (phosphate of iron) is used in acute attacks with fever, inflammation of joints which are swollen and red or painful when aggravated by motion. Nat Phos (sodium phosphate) is useful when there are acid conditions and alternate it with Nat Sulph (Sodium sulphate) Nat Mur (Sodium chloride - which is ordinary salt) when there is creaking of the joints, Mag Phos (magnesium phosphate) alternated with Calc Phos (calcium phosphate) for pain relief in Osteo-arthritis. Sometimes it is good to combine Ferr Phos, Nat Phos, Nat Sulph and Silica and this was a remedy called Zief developed way back in 1964 for pain. It is important to get the chewable, biochemic salts as these are usually more effective.

The above is a long list and I cannot emphasise enough that different things work well for different people however It is possible to control Arthritis with proper diet, alkalising your system and proper supplements. Consult your natural practitioner for a balanced health plan. It is important to not 'self-medicate' so to speak and a 10 minute chat with a practitioner at a health food store does not suffice. You need a proper, in-depth assessment by a Naturopath or Nutritionist who will make a plan to specifically suit your needs and take into account other illnesses and symptoms also.

What Treatments Are Available for Flat Head Syndrome in Babies?

If your child has recently been diagnosed with flat head syndrome, you may be wondering how or if to seek treatment, and what options are available. In this article, we will discuss common treatment strategies such as repositioning, physical therapy, and helmeting and banding. We will also briefly discuss surgery and why it is generally not advised for children with this condition.

In most cases, your child's physician or medical professional will suggest that you try repositioning or physical therapy following a diagnosis of plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly. These treatment strategies involve helping your baby learn to rotate and lift his or her head at will, and to sit independently. These skills decrease the amount of time your little one will spend with pressure applied to one part of the skull, in turn reducing the likelihood that the condition will progress. In minor cases, even without targeted treatment, parents and physicians may notice a complete or partial reversal of positional cephalic disorders with the acquisition of sitting and head lifting skills.

Helmeting and banding are more targeted techniques which help your child's skull to develop a normal shape by restricting growth in one direction and encouraging it in another. When helmeting or banding is used, results can be seen within a few months, and may demonstrate significant improvement in skull shape. These techniques are significantly more expensive than physical therapy, involve frequent doctor's visits, and may lead to self-esteem issues later in life for the child undergoing treatment - although there is much debate as to the likelihood of a child's emotional health being affected by helmet or band use, and customizable or clear options exist to reduce the likelihood further. Helmeting and banding are normally used for more severe cases of plagiocephaly, brachycephaly and scaphocephaly and generally insurance companies and physicians will encourage that parents use physical therapy, tummy time, and repositioning before proceeding to this type of treatment.

The need for treatment of positional cephalic disorders is a subject of much debate in the medical community. Long term complications of these conditions are still unknown, although some doctors suspect that the deformities may be self-correcting. Others, however, suggest that severe developmental delays may result if the conditions go untreated or if they are severe and treated too late. The complications theorized to be associated with positional cranial deformities include motor skills delays, physical deformity, TMJ (tempromandibular joint dysfunction), increased cranial pressure, blindness, seizures, and many other significant problems. Figuratively speaking, the jury is still out and for many parents the risks of long term health problems and disfigurement are too great to forego treatment. That said, a study of the satisfaction of parents who chose to not treat their child's positional cephalic disorder revealed that in the majority of cases, they were content with their baby's head shape and developmental progress even years later.

Surgery is not recommended for positional cranial deformities, partially as a result of the lack of data regarding the lasting consequences of the condition. Additionally, in order to surgically remedy these deformities, complex procedures that involve the removal or resection of skull bone in areas that may lead to heavy bleeding makes surgery a dangerous option. If your doctor or treating physician suggests surgery for the treatment of a cephalic disorder in your baby, seek a second opinion before proceeding with treatment. The risks of surgery outweigh the potential benefits in the vast majority of cases, and the strain of major surgery on your child at such a young age is not usually advised unless his or her life is in danger.

Arthritis Pain Relief with Aromatherapy

Arthritis pain relief is felt the most when aromatherapy is used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, including massage and occupational therapy. An advantage with using aromatherapy for arthritis pain relief is that unlike drug medications, aromatherapy is generally safe, all-natural, and produces very little or no side effects.

If you have arthritis, the pain from achy joints, swollen muscles, and overall stiffness can get you down. This is especially so that you find the pain so bad that even simple tasks such as dressing yourself up is not easy to accomplish on your own.

Aromatherapy uses plant and flower derived scents for treatment of health ailments. As a therapy that induces relaxation and overall well-being, it should not be scoffed at for the purposes of pain management. In fact, aromatherapy for arthritis pain relief has been shown to provide substantial therapeutic benefits for those that have tried it.

Aromatherapy can also be easily down from the home. You can now find specially blended aromatherapy oils specifically to treat the symptoms of arthritis, including for rheumatoid arthritis.

Most of these specially blended aromatherapy products are combined into a topical vegetable oil, cream, or lotion that can be applied to the skin. Essential oils are very powerful. They must always be blended into some kind of base before they are used. Most aromatherapy blends contain roughly 3 per cent essential oils in a 97 per cent base. Any more than this ratio can cause irritation. When you need to have some arthritis pain relief, simply apply the oil, cream or lotion onto the affected region.

Some of the best essential oils for treating the symptoms of arthritis are eucalyptus, camphor, thyme, lavender, rosemary, ginger, lemon, and angelica root. Try to find aromatherapy blends that contain one or more of these essential oils.

You can also find aromatherapy blends that are for steam inhalation, applied as compresses, or added to bath water for a relaxing and comforting hot bath. When used in hot compress treatment, you can help reduce feelings of inflammation, joint stiffness, and overall muscle tension.

Arthritis pain relief with aromatherapy is an option that you should really consider. Get these specially blended oils at your local health food store or order them through the web. There are several stores and sites that you can obtain your supplies from.

The Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of TMJ

If you suffer from unexplained symptoms and pain associated with your jaw muscles and joints, you may be wondering if you might have TMJ. Somewhere around 12 million people around the world suffer from TMJ everyday. If you suffer from one or more of the symptoms here, the possibility that you have TMJ is quite great.

Here are the Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of TMJ:

1.) Jaw Stiffness & Pain.
People with TMJ often explain that their jaw always feels stiff and sore, as if they had been chewing gum for hours. This can lead to a tired feeling in the jaw, making it very difficult or even painful to chew even soft foods.

2.) Ear Pain.
The discomfort and pain of the jaw can often radiate to the ears. Sometimes this is a sharp pain and other times a dull ache.

3.) Neck and Shoulder Pain.
Tension and pain in the neck is common among those with TMJ syndrome. TMJ puts immense stress and pressure on the surrounding muscles and joints. Poor posture can amplify this symptom.

4.) Jaw Clicking and Popping.
One of the most disturbing symptoms of TMJ yet the most telltale is a clicking or popping of the jaw, especially while yawning, singing, or chewing. This is painful in some cases, and in others it is not.

5.) Lock Jaw.
Lock jaw describes a difficulty opening the jaw properly. In very severe cases the individual may not even be able to open their jaw at all. In that instance, immediate intervention is needed.

Information on a TMJ Cure

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area directly in front of the ear on both areas of the head where the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) meet. The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are multifaceted and are made up of muscles, tendons, and bones.

TMJ is a group of situation that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. The disarray and resulting dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment. Because the disorder transcends the boundaries between several healthcare authorities -in particular, dentistry and neurology-there are a variety of healing methods.

TMJ Treatment

Occlusal Splint - Are called a night guard, it is designed to protect the teeth from further wear. These also will reduce the harshness of grinding at night and permit the muscles to relax.

Jaw Rest - You must relax your jaw for it to mend. The occlusal splint will help but other steps should be taken. You should not chew gum at all, gnaw your nails, grit your teeth together while conscious.

The medication - Pain drug can be prescribed. Often over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen are enough. Sometimes we will prescribe medicine similar to Ibuprofen but a bit stronger. These prescriptions not only relieve pain but reduce swelling as well to aid in the healing process.

Moist Heat - Moist heat is very helpful for the sore muscles of the TMJ. The penetrating moist heat promotes blood circulation in the muscle which helps in curing and relaxation of the muscle

Exercises - Simple jaw and neck exercises will help the muscles stretch. A good time to do some of these is in the warm, damp surroundings of the shower or bath.

Occlusal Adjustment - We evaluate all TMJ patient's bite with the T-Scan computerized bite analyzer. This machine shows exact bite strength on each tooth in the mouth during various motions. It allows conventional, efficient adjustments to be achieved when desired.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapy can help rest the muscles, augment joint elasticity, and the like. We can do some simple stretching treatment in the office.

Stress Management - Emotion and stress plays an important role in TMJ. TMJ may be a sign that the patient is under stress. Anything that helps you relieve stress is helpful. Take a hobby, such as reading, exercising, listening to music.

Recommendation - Specialists may be needed for the best treatment for your case. Judgment and/or treatment may be sought from physicians, oral surgeons, orthodontists, psychotherapists, physical therapists, or Prosthodontists.

The test posed by TMJ disorders span the investigation spectrum, from origin to analysis through curing and deterrence. Researchers throughout the health sciences are working together not only to gain a better understanding of the TMJ and muscle disease process, and to improve quality of life for people have an effect on these disorders.

Pain Management For Arthritis

Joints in the body help us to be ambulatory, so it is important that we keep them healthy. A joint is the location of articulation between two or more bones. The function of a joint is to provide mobility of body parts. Due to overuse or genetics, arthritis may develop. Arthritis is a type of joint disease which includes inflammation. Many types of arthritis have been documented, but the most commonly known are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the synovial membranes of joints are attacked by the body's own immune system. Usually, this disease is bilateral where joints on both sides of the body are affected, for example; either wrists or ankles. Typically, women are affected three times more than men.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) is more common than RA. It is inevitable that as we get older, DJD manifests itself. The joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, are usually affected. This is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilages in the joints which leads to inflammation, stiffness and pain due to the friction and grinding in the joints. Even though age is the prevalent cause of DJD, overuse of the joints, dietary deficiencies, and peculiar body mechanics can bring about DJD. Stretching or yoga should be included in your exercise regime to restore flexibility, which will aid in maximizing range of motion and re-establish alignments.

A substitute to pharmaceuticals for pain is the use of herbs. The effects of the herbs are not as immediate as with medications, but may be a safer option. Two herbs that are suggested for pain management are ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) and Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata). These are usually taken in an extract form.

Another alternative method for pain management is hydrotherapy. A contrast of heat and cold applications may help reduce inflammation, thus the reduction of pain. The protocol is applying heat for three minutes, and then ice for thirty seconds. This should be repeated two to three times per day for one week. Have a healthcare provider assist you in evaluating your pain level.

A topical analgesic that seem to work for many people with arthritis is Biofreeze. Biofreeze can be purchased through many healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, podiatrists, athletic trainers, occupational, physical, and massage therapists. For more information on Biofreeze: www.biofreeze.com.

Fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts should be included in your diet to aid in reducing inflammation. In addition, being overweight causes stress on the weight-bearing joints that can exacerbate joint pain. Nutrients should be ingested by eating whole foods as opposed to taking supplements.

Lastly, massage therapy aids in retaining the range of motion and improves mobility and flexibility. It increases local circulation by delivering nutrients to the tissues for repair. Massages also assist in emotional balance and reduce stress, which helps to boost the immune system for the body to heal itself. Receiving massages on a regular basis will assist in maintaining your health and youth.

Reference
Bond, Pamela Emanoil. "No Pain, More Gain". A Supplement to Alternative Medicine. Fall 2007. www.naturalsolutionsmag.com

Avoid TMJ Disorders With Exercise

Many people don't realize they have this disorder. They seek medical help only when they feel pain along the jaw extending towards the ear of the affected side, or only when they experience discomfort when they open their mouth while chewing, talking and even smiling. This is commonly associated with headache. One may also experience the classic arthritic type of pain especially in the early mornings. The most common early indicator is the sound produced while chewing and opening of the mouth. If this is not treated early and properly, pain may increase and become chronic, which would lead to depression.

Overuse of this joint due to uneven teeth alignment, uneven bite, teeth grinding, excessive biting and gum chewing are the most common causes of this problem. Stress is also a major issue. But once diagnosed early and correctly, treatment is easy. If the problem has something to do with uneven teeth or bite, the orthodontist may prescribe splint or surgery. A night mouth guard is also suggested to avoid further unhelpful effects of habitual teeth grinding while asleep. The most common do-it-yourself treatment is facial massage and exercises.

TMJ physical therapy intervention would include patient education, e.g. a soft diet initially, the avoidance of gum chewing, and avoiding tightening and stressing the jaw. Application of moist heat followed by facial and moderate massage along the temporal area before and after facial exercises is highly recommended to relieve the pain. During facial exercises, use the mirror so you see yourself while moving your jaw. Close and open the mouth as wide as you can, using the hold-relax technique for at least 10 seconds hold for ten repetitions at least twice daily. To increase the range of motion (ROM), bring your lower jaw at the front, and assist your lower jaw out to reach the available ROM and apply minimal resistance and hold for ten seconds. Do this at least five times. Do some gentle stretching by reaching your ear to your shoulder on each side of the neck. Do this for ten repetitions. Always keep in mind to stay away from pain while doing the TMJ facial and jaw exercises.