Arthritis: How to reduce pain and lead an active life

Millions of people suffer from arthritis every year.   According to the CDC, arthritis and rheumatic conditions cost the U.S. economy $128 billion annually and result in 44 million out patient visits and 9,367 deaths each year.  That's ALOT of $$$$!!

So are we doomed?  Do we have to live in pain?  I think NOT.

First of all, the word arthritis actually means joint inflammation.  Arthro = joint, itis = meaning inflammation.  I tell my patients all the time.... get rid of the inflammation and get rid of the arthritis!  Simple right?!!  Well, not really.

What are our options to control arthritis without the use of medications? 

Pain medication when taken properly can be quite safe, however, none are risk free and the risk of serious side effects climbs when you take higher doses.  Most people who suffer from arthritis take a shockingly high dosage of these medications.  In addition to stomach and bleeding risks, recent studies have shown that NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) carry some cardiovascular risks. 

Based on limited studies, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and the aspirin related drugs appear to be in an intermediate group for heart risk.  Ibuprofen may be somewhat of a higher risk.  On the high risk are the COX 2 inhibitors (Celebrex) which you should avoid if you have ANY cardiovascular risks.  

 Remember Vioxx?  Vioxx, a COX 2 inhibitor, blocked the production of some prostaglandins.  Some of these prostaglandins helped decrease pain, and unfortunately some interfered with the function of the heart. So while pain was being reduced, so was the function of the heart, ie HEART ATTACKS.  Not good.    

If you drink alcohol or smoke, I would not recommend any of the above.  

Well, what can we do?  First of all, MOVEMENT is one of the best treatments for arthritis.  I am always saying, MOVEMENT IS THE KEY TO LIFE.  We must move, all parts of us.  And as chiropractors, we MOVE the joints!! What better way to keep the joints mobile than through chiropractic adjustments.  Chiropractic adjustments will SLOW DOWN the progression of degeneration and arthritis.  

Next, exercise.  And yes, every day.  I don't care if its for 20 minutes, but get some type of movement every single day.  If you are concerned about what type of activity works for you, CALL ME.  I would be more than happy to get you started on some type of exercise program.  

Diet.  There is such thing as an anti-inflammatory diet. The 3 bad boys are SUGAR, DIARY, and WHEAT.  Total Health Solutions has extensive information on these diets.  Lists, shopping lists, natural supplments, spice lists etc to help you remove the inflammation from your body.  

Inflammation will kill you.  Simply put.  It causes heart disease, cancers, diabetes, arthritis etc.  So the key is to get rid of the inflammation.  

Take responsibility for your health TODAY.

Dr. Courtney Conley

Chiropractor Golden, CO

Chiropractor Idaho Springs, CO