Tag: Pain Relief

Chiropractic Care versus Pain Medication

Do you suffer from mild to severe to unbearable pain? Regardless of its cause, you may turn to pain relievers. These are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Did you know they are not your only alternative? In fact, they are one of the worst. A better option is to seek chiropractic care.

As nice as it is to hear that chiropractic care is better than pain pills, you may be wondering why. What proof is there? Continue reading on for a detailed comparison. In the end, you will see why chiropractic care is better.

Fixing the Problem

Pain medication does not fix a problem. Yes, it does provide relief, but only short-term relief. Pain medication only masks the problem. It is still there. As soon as your pain pills wear off, the pain is likely to return. If you suffer from recurring headaches, it may be another day before the next headache returns, but it will.

Chiropractors fix the problem. Yes, they want to treat your pain. They just go about it differently. They dont want to mask the problem. Instead, they treat it and by going directly to the source. For many, this is the spine and connecting joints. By treating the problem at the source, you will get relief, but that relief should be long-lasting, if not permanent.

Side Effects

Pain relievers are full of side effects. This is particularly true with prescription pain relievers. Takers can experience upset stomachs, drowsiness, nausea, and more. Even the smallest side effects can negatively affect our lives. How can you work if your pain pills make you drowsy? It will be difficult, if not impossible. Pain relief should improve your life, not create a whole new set of problems to deal with.

Chiropractic care is all natural. It involves manual therapy. This is therapy of the hands. Temporary relief is sought with ongoing therapeutic massages. Overtime, they can lead to long-term relief. Another form of long-term relief is chiropractic adjustments or realignments. For example, a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can get less pain and improved movement with finger joint adjustments.

Safety

As previously stated, most pain relievers, even over-the-counter pills, have side effects. If it wasnt bad enough, there are many other additional risks. Certain medications can result in stomach ulcers and bleeding. This is common with continued and prolonged use. Some medications interact with others. Pain medications are risky for children, the elderly, and pregnant or nursing mothers. Still, people use them and doctors prescribe them. That however, does not mean they are safe.

Chiropractic care, as stated above, is natural. There is no medication given. The hands provide therapy. Since there is no medication and no invasive medical procedures, it is safe. In fact, chiropractic care is safe for individuals of all ages. The old, young, and even pregnant and nursing women can seek relief through this natural form of healthcare. All should, as it is safer.

Costs

With pain reliever, think long-term. They only mask the problem, so it is likely to return. This results in the consumption of more medication. Not only is this risky, but very costly. Even with insurance covering the cost of most prescription pain relievers, their costs add up over a period of time.

Many fear the cost of chiropractors. For starters, insurance does cover the cost of most treatment. Next, continued care is not required in all cases. Your chiropractor may perform a neck adjustment, have you comeback for a follow-up appointment, and return again to show you helpful at-home techniques to reduce pain. After that, you may be done. Three appointments with a chiropractor, even if you pay out-of-pocket, are cheaper than years worth of pain pills.

In short, chiropractic care is not only safer, but cheaper, less invasive, and long-lasting. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for pain relievers to treat you pain and discomfort, please stop. Make an appointment with a local chiropractor. You may be surprised how easy it is to seek long-lasting or permanent relief.

PPPPP

Word Count 671

Arthritis Pain: Daily Tips to Gain Control

If you suffer from arthritis, you may not only experience joint pain and swelling, but difficulty functioning from day-to-day. Arthritis is not a walk in the park. Whether you are prone to spurts of pain or experience it all the time, going about a normal day may seem like an impossible task, but it doesnt have to be. What can you do?

Make it easy to get around your home. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, feet, hips, or knees, it is difficult to move. Walking from one room in your home to the next, may trigger pain. Make it as easy as possible to move around. Is your home an obstacle course with furniture in the way? Enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. Rearrange your furniture to create a straight path. The less turns and steps you have to make, the better.

Make sure all needed items are within easy reach. Regardless of what joints hurt, it can be difficult to reach for and grip. So, dont. Do you find it too difficult to reach to the high shelf in your kitchen cupboard? If so, dont use it. Place all foods and dishes on lower shelves or utilize your countertop. Do you find it too difficult to grasp dresser drawer handles? Instead, use your closet to hang clothes. With one simple tug, many fall right off the hanger. Learning to prevent and manage the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis includes making your life at home easier.

Keep pain relievers handy. All arthritis patients suffer from pain. Depending on the type of arthritis, this pain may be constant or it may come and go. Either way, pain relievers are a lifesaver. They typically provide relief in as little as 15 minutes. Some over-the-counter arthritis creams provide pain relief as soon as contact is made with the skin. Since they do work, keep them on hand. Keep some pills and creams in your home, car, and purse. There are many ways to reduce the risk of arthritis pain, but there are no guarantees. Anything can trigger pain, so always be prepared.

Rely on walking aids. If you suffer from arthritis of the toes, feet, hips, or knees, walking can be difficult and painful. With each step you take, pressure is applied to your already painful joints. What can you do is lessen the pressure with walking aids. These may include knee braces, crutches, or canes. Remember, the less pressure you apply to your joints, the less pain you should feel.

Ask for help. Arthritis patients experience times when they feel helpless. This is often when they cannot open a jar of spaghetti sauce, walk to the mailbox without experiencing pain, or lift a heavy box. It is very frustrating to be unable to handle daily tasks without pain. Yes, you are encouraged to try, but not it if will bring on pain. Although it can be hard, dont be afraid to ask for help. Ask your neighbor to deliver your mail to your home and save a heavy box until a family member can help you.

Keep a journal. One of the many problems arthritis patients face is difficulty managing their pain. Talking about the difficulties you face can help. For most, the worst thing to do is to keep these emotions bottled up in side. Are you mad that you are suffering from arthritis, get that anger out of you. Deal with ease issues or complication as they arise, dont keep things bottled up inside. When they do come out, it will be huge. It is best to talk to someone at home or join an arthritis support group. If you opt not to, keep a journal instead. Write down all feelings, including the good and the bad.

In short, there are many ways to treat and manage arthritis pain. Over-the-counter products are a lifesaver for many arthritis patients, but they are not you only option. The first step should be focusing on day-to-day tasks. When these seem easier and less painful, the rest will simply just fall into place.

PPPPP

Word Count 688

Arthritis Pain: Can Supplements Help?

Do you suffer from arthritis? Are you tired of suffering? Do you want it to end and now? Immediate pain relief is possible with over-the-counter pain medications. Unfortunately, the pain returns as soon as the medication wears off. What can you do? You can try herbal and dietary supplements. Many have little to no risks. In fact, most have additional health benefits.

So, what dietary supplements can help you treat, manage, or relieve the pain of arthritis?

Note: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve most of these supplements. We all know that this approval is important, but lack of approval does not mean a thing. Perform a standard internet search with the supplements highlighted below and you will hear first-hand that they do work.

Ginger. This supplement comes from the root of a ginger plant. Depending on the form, it comes from either fresh or dried root. What is ideal about this supplement is your options. You can choose from capsules, powder, extract, and oils. Up to two grams a day are recommended. The extract can be added to tea for taste.

According the popular Arthritis Today magazine, ginger extract helps with inflammation. It has the ability to slow down the chemicals that cause inflammation, including COX-2. In addition to aiding in arthritis pain, this supplement is an ideal cure for motion sickness, as it not only subsides pain, but nausea and vomiting too.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables, otherwise known as ASU. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) not only provides pain relief, but it lessens joint swelling and inflammation too. Various studies, since 2002, have shown that ASU did stop inflammation. Not only that, it slows the break down of cartilage and in some instances worked to repair prior damage.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables is available in capsule format. It can be found for sale at most health and nutrition stores. Read all labels before taking, but most call for two capsules a day.

Fish Oil. Fish oil has long been known for its health benefits. Fish oil comes from cold-water fish. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends up to two three-ounce servings of fish a week. For those unable to stomach the taste and smell, capsules and tablets are available. This supplement is affordable and available for sale at most retail locations, including department stores, nutrition stores, drug stores, and grocery stores.

As previously state, it has long been known that fish oil is a healthy supplement. It helps to promote healthy blood circulation. Due to its ability to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease, you cannot go wrong with this supplement. The reduction of inflammation in your joints and decreased pain are only the beginning.

Devils claw. Although the name sounds frightening, this supplement is an herbal remedy that was and is widely used in South Africa. It is available in powder, liquid, and capsule formats. According to the Arthritis Today magazine, the active ingredient in devils claw is Harpagoside. Many claim it reduces both joint pain and inflammation.

Devils claw is shown to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Unfortunately, there are known risks involved with this supplement. Those who are pregnant, taking blood thinners, antacids, or diabetes medication should not take the devils claw supplement, regardless of the form.

Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo has long been touted as a memory-enhancing supplement. Although medical professionals have yet to agree on this benefit, there is more. For many, it improves blood flow and circulation. This improves the overall health and wellbeing of the body. Some studies have shown that it reduces disease flair ups, including arthritis.

Ginkgo is available for sale in most retail stores. It is available in liquid, extract, or capsules format. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends choosing supplements with 24% flavonol glycosides and up to 7% terpene lactones.

As you can see, many herbal and dietary supplements can reduce the pain associated with arthritis. The good news? These are just a sample of the supplements available for sale. Before trying any supplement, including the ones highlighted above, research or speak to your primary care physician. Some can counteract with common over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

PPPPP

Word Count 697

Arthritis and Driving: Tips for Ease

Those suffering from arthritis may find it difficult to walk to the car and back. However, most do not let arthritis stop them from enjoying their life. So, you may head out of the house and hop into your car. This is great, what if you start experiencing pain? How do you treat it on the road or prevent that pain from coming back the next time?

Keep arthritis pain relievers in the car. In one of your cars compartments, have a few pain relief supplies on hand. This may include over-the-counter pain pills, a tube of arthritis cream, or on-the-go heat patches. Whether you experience pain as soon as you get in your car, or later down the road, rely on these over-the-counter products to seek relief. If you live in an area with cold winters, do not keep these items in your car, as they may freeze. Instead, put them in your purse or fanny pack.

Speaking of over-the-counter products, most retail stores sell on-the-go heating patches. These patches stick to your body and warm with skin contact. ThermaCare is a well-known brand. They are ideal when you cant use an electric or microwaveable heating pad. If in pain before you leave the house, but must still leave, like for a holiday party or a doctors appointment, apply an on-the-go heated patch. Relief will last for up to 12 hours. Since they stick directly to the skin, no adjustments should be needed.

Buy a remote car starter. If you live in the northern United States, it is important to warm your car first. Unfortunately, this may mean an extra trip back and forth. It doesnt have to. Instead, purchase a remote car starter. This device allows you to start and warm your car from inside your home. They also make it easier to unlock car doors. Instead of fumbling with the keys, push the button and your car doors unlock! When buying a remote car starter, look for stores that offer free or discounted installation.

Buy no slip steeling wheel covers. Those who suffer from arthritis of the fingers, dread driving. In fact, some may fear the danger they put themselves and others in. If you find it difficult to grip your cars steering wheel, make a new purchase. That purchase should be an easy grip and non-slipable steeling wheel cover. Ask a store employee, family member, or friend to install the cover for you.

Keep a jar opener in the car. If you have arthritis of the hands, you likely already utilize rubber jar openers at home. They make griping, twisting, and turning easier. Keep one in your car. Use it to unscrew your cars gas cap. You can also find arthritis gas cap wrenches available for sale. They slip over your gas cap, have an extended and easy grip handle. These are nice, but they can be hard to find. For the same price, you could easily buy 20 rubber jar openers, which accomplish the same goal.

Keep your car well gassed. As previously stated, there are tools available to make opening and losing the gas cap easier. Even with these tools, it can still be difficult and painful. To prevent the onset of pain, always have a full tank of gas in your car. You wont be forced to put gas in when you are already in pain or more susceptible to it. If you have a full-service gas station in your area, use it.

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to ease travel and car use. Just because you suffer from arthritis and are prone to pain, it does not mean you need to live your life in fear. Implement the above mentioned steps to reduce pain. If and when it does arrive, turn to your stash of over-the-counter arthritis care products to seek relief.

PPPPP

Word Count 647