What Is Good For Arthritis Back Pain

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Serious Problem

Very rarely back pain or pain that travels down the leg is a sign of a serious problem.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention:

• difficulty controlling or passing urine
• loss of control of your bowels
• numbness around your back passage or your genitals
• serious weakness in your legs so you find standing really difficult
• severe and ongoing back pain that gets worse over several weeks.

The above symptoms could potentially be linked to a rare but serious condition that needs urgent medical attention.

You may be sent for tests if:

• youve had an injury to your back, for example a bad fall
• your doctor suspects that there may be an underlying cause for your pain
• the pain has lasted for an unusually long time.

In this case a magnetic resonance imaging scan or computerised tomography scan may be needed.

X-rays are much less commonly used because back pain is often caused by problems with soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscles, which cant be seen on x-rays.

Changes to the spine as a result of spondylosis can show up on x-rays. These common changes that happen to us all can appear on x-rays without people having any pain or problems. Because of this, x-rays arent particularly helpful.

Remember that sometimes even after a thorough investigation it might not be possible to say for certain what is causing back pain.

Can Knee Pain Heal On Its Own

Some knee pain can improve and heal on its own. When you have overexerted yourself doing something that youre not used to, maybe climbed a full height of stadium steps for the first time all year, or tried a workout with a lot of squats and lunges. This can bring on a condition called delayed-onset- muscle -soreness . You will feel this pain in the overworked muscle, not the joint itself, and this type of pain will go away after a few days of rest/ modified activity.

When you develop pain in the knee joint, or right around the knee. Its unlikely this will go away on its own. This type of pain is typically due to abnormal strain or stress on the joint, rest and medication will help temporarily, but if you want to get better- then you need to figure out what is causing this extra stress and strain.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Arthritis

Symptoms of spinal arthritis may differ from person to person. In general, they may include:

• Back and neck pain, especially in the lower back

• Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine, such as being unable to straighten your back or turn your neck

• Swelling and tenderness over the affected vertebrae

• Feeling of grinding when moving the spine

• Pain, swelling and stiffness in other areas of the body

• Whole-body weakness and fatigue

• Pain and numbness in your arms or legs if the nerves are affected

• Headaches

Although back pain is a common symptom, not all people have it, even those with advanced spinal arthritis. On the other hand, some may experience pain even before arthritis can be seen on an X-ray.

In certain types of spondyloarthritis, eye inflammation may occur, causing pain, watery eyes and blurred vision.

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What Is Arthritis Back Pain

Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints and it affects every single joint in the human body. Once diagnosed with arthritis, a person can only slow down the effect and reduce the symptoms. This situation cant be cured.

Almost 28% of the US adults are affected by this condition. Arthritis causes immobilization and reduces flexibility.

Depending upon the body part affected, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, Polymyalgia rheumatic, fibromyalgia, Enteropathic arthritis, Cervical spondylosis that affect various parts of the body.

One of the common arthritis is spinal arthritis that specifically affects the spine. One of the common symptoms is an intense back pain.

Other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, neck arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause back pain. So, it is important to properly diagnose your symptoms before taking treatment.

Spinal Arthritis Causes And Risk Factors

The causes of arthritis in the back or neck vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Besides normal wear and tear and autoimmune triggers, in many cases the exact cause remains unknown. Genetic components have been identified in connection with some forms of spinal arthritis, meaning that it may be hereditary.

Other spinal arthritis risk factors include:

• Excess weight/obesity

• Presence of certain conditions such as diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Lyme disease

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The 10 Best Foods To Eat If You Have Arthritis

If you have arthritis, you know just how devastating this condition can be.

Arthritis is a term for a class of diseases that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.

There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one type, which develops in joints with overuse. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your joints (

Fortunately, there are many foods that can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.

In fact, one survey found that 24% of those with rheumatoid arthritis reported that their diet had an impact on the severity of their symptoms (

This article will look at 10 of the best foods to eat if you have arthritis.

Who Gets Back Pain

Anyone can have back pain. You may be more likely to have back pain because of the following:

• Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are out of shape. You may also get back pain if you exercise too hard after not being active for a while.
• Obesity: If you are overweight or obese, it can put stress on the back and cause pain.
• Job-related risk factors: Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you slouch or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
• Age: You may have more back pain as you get older, particularly after you turn 45.
• Family history: Your genes play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.

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Why Do I Have Ra

What is causing your joint pain? RA is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders result from your immune system mistaking your normal cells for foreign cells and attacking/destroying them. When your immune system attacks the lining of the membrane surrounding your joints , inflammation occurs. The constant inflammation of the synovium thickens the membrane lining and wears away the cartilage and bone in your joints, causing the physical pain you experience.

The tricky thing about RA is that doctors are still unsure of what the underlying cause is. While genetics seem to be a contributing factor, the baffling mystery is that the majority of people suffering from RA have no family history of it.

Herbs To Fight Arthritis Pain

There are different types of arthritis, but they can all cause pain. Some natural remedies may help you manage mild symptoms, particularly if you use them alongside other treatment options.

Certain herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis .

Still, theres a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of many of these options, and some may have negative effects.

Before opting for natural remedies for arthritis, be sure to talk to a doctor first, as some options may interact with existing medications.

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What Is Back Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any joint. Simplified, it just means that the joint has inflammation or degeneration .

The disease can keep you from enjoying life to the fullest.

Arthritis of the back or neck is called spinal osteoarthritis. It is estimated that more than 45% of the population will experience back arthritis in their lifetime. If you have it, you are certainly not alone.

While you cant reverse your arthritis, you can improve your symptoms with treatment.

• Weakness or fatigue affected your whole body
• Numbness or nerve pain

Make A Ginger Poultice

Applying crushed ginger to a painful join works along the same lines as capsaicinelements in the plant can deplete the bodys stores of substance P, a brain chemical that carries pain messages to your central nervous system. One study of 56 people found that ginger eased symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis and 74 percent of those with RA. To treat yourself, peel and finely mince a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger. Mix it with just enough olive oil to form a paste, then apply it to the painful joint. Depending on where the pain is, you may need to wrap the paste in place with a gauze or a length of ace bandage. Leave in place for 10-15 minutes to allow the ginger to penetrate.

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How Will I Know If I Have Lumbar Arthritis

If youre experiencing lumbar arthritis, you may have already been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. In most cases of psoriatic arthritis, a diagnosis of psoriasis will precede any arthritis symptoms that occur.

If youre experiencing stiffness, creaking, and lost range of motion in your lower back and have never been diagnosed by a doctor with arthritis, see your doctor. They will perform a physical exam to check for inflammation and swelling at the site of your pain.

If your doctor suspects that you have arthritis, you will probably need to have an X-ray. X-rays can show any issues with bone density, cartilage loss, and bone spurs that may be causing your pain.

X-rays can also be useful in tracking your arthritis and assessing whether your recommended treatment is preventing further damage to your joints.

Your doctor will also order a blood test to determine what kind of arthritis you have.

You may be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in joint pain, for further testing.

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Common Ingredients In Arthritis Pain Supplements

The default ingredient list of many arthritis pain supplements includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. However, manufacturers are not restricted to these ingredients. Here is a list of potential ingredients which should be clearly displayed on product packaging.

GlucosamineGlucosamine is a natural substance produced by the human body. It is usually found in joint fluids, bone marrow, and shellfish. It helps with the repair of cartilage damaged by inflammation. It can raise blood sugar levels in diabetics but is generally considered safe. There is no established therapeutic dose.

ChondroitinChondroitin is similar on a molecular level to glucosamine and is also found naturally in human joint tissue. Several reputable studies link the use of chondroitin with significant relief from osteoarthritis pain. It has some blood-thinning properties, so users taking blood-thinning medications or certain cancer drugs should caution.

MSMMSM is naturally found in green plants, but it is also produced in the human body. It is often touted as a miracle supplement that can help with a wide variety of medical conditions. The primary function of MSM in arthritis pain supplements is to deliver beneficial sulfur to damaged tissues.

TurmericTurmeric is a spice with a number of claimed health benefits. It is commonly found in prepared mustards and Indian food. As a supplement, turmeric is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties.

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Natural Remedies For Arthritis Pain

Arthritis pain doesnt just cause discomfort, pain, and disability, its expensive. But there is hope, and life doesnt have to be about waiting for the next bout of pain to pass. These home remedies for arthritis can help you beat the pain.

Heat

Keeping the joints warm when youre experiencing pain can help alleviate the symptoms. Use a heating pad or wrap the joint with a scarf to keep warm.

Massage

Light stroking and kneading of muscles may increase blood flow and warm affected joints, temporarily relieving pain. Make sure your massage therapist knows which joints are affected by arthritis.

Weight Loss

Evidence shows losing weight can be hugely beneficial for people with OA. A recent study found patients who shed pounds had less inflammation and pain, better function, faster-walking speed, and a better quality of life.

Acupuncture

This therapy uses fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin to reduce many types of pain, including that caused by some types of arthritis.

Yoga

A review of 17 studies published in the journal Musculoskeletal Care found that yoga reduced osteoarthritis pain. But experts recommend avoiding hot yoga if you have joint problems. The heat may make you feel as if you can stretch more than you should, which can further damage joints.

Exercise

See also: 6 Healthy Habits To Prevent Arthritis.

Epsom Salt

Ginger and Turmeric

Green Tea

Capsaicin Cream

Invest In An Adjustable Bed

There are beds that can change positions, like raising the head and knee area, at the touch of a button. It wasnt cheap but buying an adjustable bed was a gamechanger for me after getting diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my back, says Steven S., 50, of Toronto, Canada. He used to be able to sleep in only one-hour stretches before becoming so uncomfortable it woke him up. Now? I can sleep all night because I dont get those pressure spots on my back and it distributes my weight better, he explains.

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Discuss Your Medication Timing

The timing of when you take your medication could play a role in how you experience back pain at night. If you take corticosteroids too close to bedtime, for example, they could cause insomnia. You may be better off taking these medications in the morning with food to avoid affecting your sleep pattern, according to pharmacist Renee Baiano, PharmD, CSP, clinical program manager on the clinical services team at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime.

What Is The Best Exercise For Knee Bursitis

Theres no specific exercise here, really. But, the best ones are those that strengthen and/or stretch your knee muscles without making your bursitis symptoms worse.

This is especially true during the early parts of your recovery. Of course, you can do these exercises at home. Here are a few examples:

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Hot And Cold Treatments

Many people have found that hot and cold treatments help relieve back pain. You might try both to find out which works better for you. Heat relaxes muscles and soothes painful areas. There are many ways to apply heat. Some people like hot showers or baths, while others prefer using heat lamps, heating pads or warm compresses. If you have arthritis, heating your muscles first might make it easier for you to do back exercises. Be sure not to fall asleep while using heat. Cold has a numbing effect. This often helps relieve pain. You might try one of these methods for applying cold:

• an ice bag
• a large ice cube used to massage the area
• a frozen package of vegetables
• a commercially made cold pack.
• Be sure not to leave ice on after the skin becomes numb. This could lead to localized frostbite. Do not use cold if you are especially sensitive to it or
• have decreased circulation or sensation. Read the pain management article for more information about heat and cold.

Tuck Yourself In With A Heated Blanket

Heated blankets come in many sizes, fabrics, patterns, and heating levels so you can find the right one for you. A smaller pad can be tucked under your low back or a larger one can be wrapped all the way around you. Use a heating pad at the low back for up to 20 minutes before bedtime to allow the body to start to relax, Geromel recommends.

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Nondrug Therapies And Lifestyle Changes To Ease Back Pain

Learn how assistive devices, mind-body therapies and healthy choices can provide back pain relief.

An estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of American adults will experience back pain. Whether because of a traumatic accident, a simple injury or osteoarthritis, there are ways to find relief. If you have a type of inflammatory arthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis, you also need to seek care from a rheumatologist to manage the inflammation that is driving your back pain. But these self-care tips can help to ease back pain.

Is A Stationary Bike Good Exercise For Seniors

One perk of bikes compared with treadmills is that even a high-intensity workout is still low-impact exercise, which may be preferable for seniors or anyone with joint pain or certain other health problems. And the health benefits of regular workoutslike those you can do on an exercise bikeare substantial.

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Make Your Own Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat, is an ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relief ointments. It works by reducing levels of a compound called substance P, which transmits pain signals to your brain. You can whip up your own massage oil by mixing a few dashes of ground cayenne with 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil. Apply it with gauze to unbroken skin on your painful joints several times a day. The first few doses will cause a mild burning sensation on the surface of your skin, but youll become desensitized to that feeling after a week or so. Just be sure to keep it away from your mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, where it will really sting.