Exercises to Relieve TMJ - Finding TMJ Pain Relief Through Natural Treatments

TMJ is a difficult condition to deal with and with no known causes or official treatments it can feel as if you are dealing with something that has no end, but you don't have to feel helpless there are exercises to relieve TMJ that can bring you some form of relief from the painful symptoms you are experiencing. Since there is no known cause or treatments many people turn to alternative treatments or exercises for TMJ. They are all easy to do and can make all the difference in the world when you are suffering. One exercise to use is to press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and open your jaw as wide as you can while taking deep breaths. This can help to realign or relocated your jaw and relieve some of the pressure and pain you are experiencing.

You can also place your fist underneath your jaw and balance the weight of your jaw securely on your fist. This can also help you put your jaw back into alignment and relieve some of the pain. The last way to do this is to place one finger on each side of your jaw joint and press firmly, but gently, and move your jaw around enough to feel it lose the pain and discomfort you were experiencing. When you are dealing with pain and discomfort in one of the main joints you use every day, it can be a hard thing to deal with especially when it comes to eating.

Exercises to relieve TMJ symptoms have been known to work with many patients and they could work for you as well, though you will need to make sure you are doing them right in order for them to be effective. You also should talk with your doctor before starting any new treatment for your TMJ in case there are other underlying causes to the condition that your doctor may be helping you with. Work with someone who's experienced with TMJ symptoms and treatments to try and find a way for you to avoid the painful symptoms and find a way to feel better.

Pain Between Shoulder Blades Explained

The shoulder blades are triangular in shape and are located at the back of the shoulder. The medical name is known as the scapula. It forms the shoulder joint along with the humerus (arm bone) and clavicle (collar bone). The muscles attached to the scapula are involved with neck and shoulder movement as well as mobility in the back.

Often times, people will experience pain and discomfort between the shoulder blades without having any prior injury. This may leave them wondering as to what could be the cause of their pain. Since there are many factors which can produce pain between the shoulder blades, this article will examine the possible factors involved.

Here is a list of causes for pain between shoulder blades:

Injury or Trauma: Injuries such as auto, sports, work, lifting or even falling down can affect the spinal column and the surrounding soft tissues. This can lead to weakness and injury to the ligaments and muscles that attach to the scapula and spine. In some cases, x-rays and MRI may not be able to visualize the exact cause of spinal and soft tissue injuries.

Posture: If you work long hours in front of a computer, you may have noticed pain and tension in your neck, around the shoulders and along the upper back. Often times, the cause of this pain is from poor posture and improper positioning of your hands, arms and feet. Basically, the human body is a kinetic chain, in which one area of your body can affect another region. For instance, slouching in your chair forces the neck and shoulders to lean forward. Maintaining this position for prolonged periods can generate stress and tension on the musculature of your neck, trapezius muscles, shoulders, upper back and pain between shoulder blades. It is in your best interest to practice proper ergonomics when working on the computer for long durations.

Gallstones: In general, gallstones may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, when a gallstone becomes lodged in a duct and creates a blockage, symptoms may result which include pain between shoulder blades, right shoulder pain and abdominal pain.

Disc Degeneration: When the disc substance degenerates, the spacing between the vertebrae shrinks, which can cause inflammation to the surrounding joint structures and soft tissue. This can manifest as an achy or dull pain between shoulder blades. Factors that can cause disc degeneration include injury, trauma, aging, infection and disease.

Disc Herniation: There are 4 different stages of disc herniation, which include disc degeneration, disc prolapse, disc extrusion and sequestered disc. In any of these stages, it is possible to experience localized or radiating pain between shoulder blades. In addition, inflammation can occur to the surrounding soft tissue and joint, which can also cause pain. Disc herniation can develop from injury, trauma, infection and disease.

Overuse: It's possible that if your work involves constant use of lifting objects over your head, this type of activity can cause fatigue and spasms. Consequently, this may cause pain between shoulder blades. In addition, activities such as rowing or shoulder motions that are similar to rowing can also cause discomfort between shoulder blades.

Kyphosis: This is a spinal condition in which the region between the scapula has an abnormal curve. This disorder affects children and adults and can cause a deformity known as "hunchback" or "humpback." This condition can result in pain between shoulder blades. The causes for a kyphotic spine include: neuromuscular disorders, congenital (being born with it), Scheuermann's disease, trauma, tumor, infection and arthritis.

Natural Pain Relief - Supplements For Arthritis, Inflammation and Joint Conditions

Pain Relief Complex has the important natural pain relief ingredients of Boswellia and Safflower extracts to promote joint and muscle healing, particularly after exertion.

o Boswellia, from the frankincense family, is one of the oldest and most venerated herbal extracts in ayurvedic medicine used in India and Asia. It has been shown to provide natural pain relief through potent anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic activity with virtually no side effects. Laboratory studies have shown that natural phytoacids from the Boswellia plant can deactivate triggers for inflammation and pain. Hormonal mechanisms may stimulate the growth of cartilage, increase blood flow to joints and encourage the repair of blood vessels damaged by inflammation. The natural pain relief properties of Boswellia make it an ideal supplement for those experience chronic joint pain as well as for the "weekend warrior" type of person who is likely to experience overexertion of both muscles and joints.

o Safflower has been used in Asia for its health benefits for many years but is just now being recognized in the western world. Safflower is high in Vitamin E which has anti-inflammatory properties by its ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent tissue oxidation. This property makes it a healing vitamin. Safflower oil is also high in oleic and Linoleic acids which are thought to provide joint lubrication and aid in the formation of healthy cartilage tissue and other cells such as muscle and skin cells. Safflower extract is able to lower the production and increase the clearance of lactic acid. Lactic acid is a primary cause of post workout pain and lowering its formation and presence can easily provide natural pain relief.

Joint Health Complex is a supplement designed to support the cartilage and proper functioning of the joints with Glucosamine, Cat's Claw and trace elements.

o Glucosamine is well known for its ability to protect cartilage in the joints and increase formation of new cartilage. It has been well studied and is so effective at limiting joint damage and actually reversing cartilage loss that even the traditional medical system has accepted its use. Glucosamine HCl is the most concentrated form of the natural substance and contains no sodium, making it ideal for the older patient who may often need to limit sodium intake.

o Cat's Claw, also known as Una de Gato has been used in South America for centuries to treat and prevent a variety of health conditions including arthritis, inflammatory conditions, bowel disorders and in some cases, cancer and HIV. The addition of Cat's Claw extract dramatically increases the natural pain relief properties of Glucosamine It is anti-inflammatory in nature, having been shown to have a number of naturally occurring plant sterols which closely resemble anti-inflammatory steroids. Clinical studies have shown that it may reduce swelling by up to 50 percent.

o Trace Elements including Boron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese are all necessary for maintenance and production of cartilage and the synovial fluid that provides joint lubrication and cushioning. They are also important building blocks to anti-inflammatory agents and enzymes necessary to maintain joint health.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

7 Ways to Tackle Arthritis Joint Pain

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but they all have one symptom in common: pain. Arthritis joint pain can be debilitating, and it can keep you sidelined from the fun side of life. If you have arthritis and are looking for solutions to ease the pain, here are seven ways to tackle arthritis joint pain.

1. Watch your weight. The more you weigh, the more stress and strain you're putting on your joints. Your back, hips, knees and feet have to support that extra weight. Be kind to your joints and lose excess weight. Bernard Rubin, DO, director of the rheumatology fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas, says, "Losing 10 pounds will take 30 pounds off your joints." In essence, losing a little will help a lot.

2. Get moving. In order to lose the weight and feel great, start by walking. There's no reason to go over the top with an exercise routine you won't stick with. Start by taking short walks and gradually increase them to 30 minutes a day. Make small changes at first, like switching from full-sugar soda to diet soda. Drink more water. Cut back on calories and fat and you'll drop the pounds. Exercise has an added benefit; it strengthens the muscles surrounding your joints. This will prevent the cartilage from wearing away.

3. Don't work through the pain. Pain is a warning sign. If you feel pain, stop. Forget the "no pain, no gain" mantra. Pain is a sign that you've overstressed your joints.

4. Protect smaller joints by using bigger joints. You've probably heard that you should lift with your knees, not your back. Whenever you lift, use the bigger joints to protect your back and smaller joints.

5. Pace yourself. There's no need to be a workout warrior. Putting too much stress on your joints will only exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. Add periods of rest to your workout routine to give your joints a break.

6. Practice good posture. Good posture protects your back, your neck and your knees. Stand a little straighter and you'll feel instant relief.

7. Use CFA supplements. Cetylated Fatty Acids (CFAs) provide fast and long-lasting relief to individuals who suffer from the pain and inflammation of arthritic joints. CFA supplements lubricate joints and deep muscle tissue to add a cushion of relief to painful, stiff and swollen joints. Available in a topical cream or oral supplements, Cetylated Fatty Acids have no side effects and are available without a prescription.

Don't give into arthritic joint pain. There's no need to be a victim. You can tackle the symptoms of arthritis by staying active and adding natural supplements to your daily routine. Get moving, lose weight, and use CFA supplements to cushion your joints and relieve inflammation. Before long, your arthritic pain will be a vague memory, and you can get back into the action again.

Joint Supplementation - Why Glucosamine and Chondroitin Are Overrated Joint Supplements

Joint Supplements - The Inside Scoop

Let's take a brief look at the current science of supplementation for joint pain, including my own clinical experience, and then we'll go over the bigger picture of body inflammation, hydration, and some neuro-structural considerations. Of course, this information is not a substitute for seeing your healthcare practitioner, but will help you make more informed decisions in choosing with joint supplementation for joint pain.

Joint Supplement Science

There are a handful of controlled, double-blind studies on glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Boswellia. The problem is that the vast majority are for osteoarthritis, which is a very advanced and difficult to treat form of joint damage. They also never exclude NSAID use (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and NSAIDs inhibit cartilage repair.

With any sort of inflammatory disorder, the supplement with the greatest quantity and quality of science behind it, by far, is fish oil. EVERYONE should supplement with fish oil.

Joint Pain Supplementation - Clinical Observations- Joint Supplement Reviews:

I have about twenty-five years of clinical experience with the various supplementation schemes for joint issues. Here are my observations:

Chondroitin and Glucosamine: These popular sulfur-bearing, biological polymer building-blocks rarely give good results and I have seen allergic reactions to them all too often. This is likely due to their high sulfite content, and the fact that most are derived from shellfish. I never recommend these as a joint supplement anymore.

Boswellia: Derived from an east Indian tree yielding a resin used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, this joint supplement works well for some people, but is definitely hard on the gut. Many people experience an intolerance in the gut when taking Boswellia. This joint supplement is a less strong cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and seems to have a similar action as do the NSAIDs, that is, it's an anti-inflammatory but doesn't seem to help joint-rebuilding directly.

Kaprex^TM: An extract of hops, rosemary and olive leaf that works well for some people but not others. I believe this to be due to variations in the underlying cause. If your joint problems are due to an underlying pro - inflammatory state, then Kaprex works great. I have not seen any gut problems with Kaprex, but it is an expensive joint supplement.

Aloe Vera: The allantoin in Aloe has been shown to increase cell turnover. This can be helpful to speed up cartilage repair, and Aloe has a long clinical history of use as a joint supplement.

Runner's Edge^TM: An antioxidant enzyme supplement that will clear "grit" out of joint fluid if you give it time.

Wobenzyme^TM: The original proteolytic enzyme anti- inflammatory joint supplement with a lot of science behind it. The proteolytic enzymes break down the protein signaling molecules to mitigate the inflammatory cascade process.

Acute^TM: A very effective proteolytic enzyme joint supplement. This one also has other ingredients besides the enzymes to promote effective healing. A great alternative to NSAIDS without any liver or kidney toxicity, and in my experience, more effective than Wobenzyme. This effective joint enhancer also contains natural vitamin C, Zinc, Manganese, and Copper; known essential nutrients for collagen repair and the best vitamins for joint repair.

Vitamin D: Best from the sun, essential for normal immune function, can be very helpful to reduce immune over-activity.

Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls moisture into the tissues. Best from food, including most whole fruits and vegetables, especially starchy root vegetables, help the body to retain moisture and assist the body in its own lubrication; like- wise, stock prepared from bones and joints of wild or humanely-raised animals. This is also good taken as a supplement.

Methy Sulfonyl Methane (MSM): This is basically a highly-bioavailable form of sulfur- and my favorite supplement for joint pain. About 80% of people who use it notice a positive improvement. Easy to use-just buy it in bulk and mix it with water. Inexpensive too, but don't bother with the Chinese-sourced stuff; it's not worth it. If you aren't low in sulfur, MSM may not help. People who respond to chondroitin/glucosamine typically respond even better to MSM by itself. If you are low in bioavailable sulfur, it will soften up and hydrate scarred- up and thickened connective tissue and improve cartilage repair rates, providing increased flexibility and effective relief.

The Pro-inflammatory State and Joint Pain

Sometimes the joint is just where the inflammation is being expressed. Whether you have elbow joint pain, hand joint pain, or hip joint pain, this may indicate that you have pro-inflammatory metabolic state in your body. A diet high in Omega-6 fatty acids and refined carbohydrates and/or excessive calories are all associated with a pro-inflammatory balance. Spicy food can increase inflammation as well. Some other factors that promote inflammation in the body include food allergies, impaired metabolic detoxification pathways, acidity (from high-acid foods and beverages, stress, and inactivity), and chronic infections.

Hydration

You need both general hydration (drinking and absorbing water) and local hydration, that is, getting fluids inside the cartilage itself. There are two known ways to accomplish this. One is through hyaluronic acid since it pulls moisture into the tissues. As mentioned, the best food-source known for hyaluronic acid is any soup stock made from bones (also available as a supplement). The second factor is the mechanical action of the joint.

Hyaline Cartilage

Joint cartilage, known as Hyaline cartilage is like a very smooth and slippery sponge. Like all connective tissue it consists of living cells within a non-living matrix.

If you look through a microscope, the cartilage-building cells (called chondrocytes) in this matrix have a little space like a pool that they live in called lacunae. It's important to note that hyaline cartilage contains no blood vessels! The only way those cells get the oxygen, blood sugar and nutrients they need to survive and thrive is to absorb the joint fluid directly through movement.

This is called imbibition-the direct drinking in of water. When you put weight on your knee, it compresses the cartilage "sponge" and squeezes water and waste mate- rial out. When you pick up your leg, it de-compresses the "sponge" allowing it to absorb water and nutrients again. This is essential for the normal nightly burst of cartilage repair in the body essential for healthy joint function.

Neuro-Structural Integrity

If your knee is misaligned, it can be compressed in one area and not another. This spot will have accelerated cartilage wear, and reduced repair, because it is not decompressing and getting the imbibition it needs.

Often knee alignment is secondary to hip and low-back alignment, which is secondary to neck alignment. If your neck is missing its natural curve, that puts tensile stretching forces on the spinal cord, which increases nerve tension throughout the body. Since nerves cross joints and the spinal cord contains more important tissue than a knee, the body will compress the knee trying to reduce the pulling on the spinal cord. In this case, the entire knee may not effectively decompress at all. If this is the case, a joint supplement will have little effect.

It may sound strange that having a good chiropractor work on your neck and spine can improve your knee pain, but time and time again I hear my clients tell me how much better their knees feel after a few sessions.

So if you have aching joints, experiment with the above joint supplements with the assistance of your practitioner, and be aware of other factors, like the overall tendency to inflammation in the body. Drink plenty of water and take a close look at the possibility of any loss of neuro-structural integrity. So what is the best joint supplement? The joint supplement that works best for you!

Can Extended Computer Use Be a Cause of TMJ?

Researchers are now finding a link between TMJ and computer use. The link is most closely associated with the way we posture our bodies while sitting at the computer. Most often we have a tendency to sit slouched forward, collapsed within ourselves, or in an unbalanced position for extended periods of time: all contributing factors to the connection between TMJ and computer use.

The TM joints are located on each side of a person's lower jaw, a complex of tendons and muscles that allow us to open and close our mouths. When one or both of those joints sustain injury, or are compromised in any way, the result is TMJ.

Can TMJ Be Prevented if You Work at a Computer All Day?

Since many of us work at a computer for more than 40 hours per week, there are some things we can do to prevent TMJ caused or exacerbated by computer use:

• Be aware of how you are sitting at the computer. If you're slouched, tilted, or off-balance, reposition yourself, or take a short break from the computer to realign your body.


• Avoid a leaning head posture whereby your ears are past your shoulders. This posture puts undue strain on the neck, jaw and facial muscles. Be sure to position your ears above your shoulders when sitting at the computer.


• Adjust your work station to suit your body's needs. This includes your chair height, lumbar position, and the angle of your computer monitor.

The link between TMJ and computer use can be remedied by following these and other posture guidelines to keep your body aligned and your weight evenly distributed through your spine.

Not sure if you have TMJ? Most common TMJ symptoms can include:

• Pain, usually associated with chewing and jaw movement


• Headaches


• Sore jaw muscles


• Neck tension


• Incidents of suddenly limited jaw opening and locking


• Ear symptoms, such as ringing, humming or buzzing

Of course, there are other contributing factors to what causes TMJ, including trauma to the area in a collision, stress, or a number of other psychological factors. But the importance of posture awareness can aid in reducing the discomfort of TMJ caused by computer use.

Note: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often erroneously interchanged with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) a condition which leads to pain and, in some cases, limited jaw function. In this article, we'll refer to TMD as TMJ, which is the term that most people associate with this condition.

Hand Arthritis - The 3 Different Types Of The Disease

Arthritis of the hand is one of the more common forms of arthritis. Because the hand contains many joints, the risk of having hand arthritis is higher than in other parts of the body. It is composed of two bones on each forearm, and nineteen bones on the hand excluding another additional eight smaller bones.

The most common kinds of hand arthritis are: post-traumatic (arthritis which occurs as a result of someone having an accident), rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Post-Traumatic Hand Arthritis

Post-traumatic is usually associated with pain as the hand went through possible pressure that caused inflammation. This usually goes away after a while as the swelling subsides, although in some cases where the trauma was severe therapy or even hand surgery may be required.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hand is another type which becomes more likely to happen as old age nears. People 40 years old and above are the most common victims of hand osteoarthritis. Some studies suggest low levels of Vitamin K as a probable cause of osteoarthritis.

This is a degenerative condition, and years after diagnosis it may often deform the hand making movement more difficult, making simple chores using the hand more complicated.

The joint called carpal-metacarpal, found in the thumb is frequently the part people with osteoarthritic hands complain of. The small bones between each finger with cartilages covering the bone become irregular.

Rheumatoid

Another kind of hand arthritis is the more complex rheumatoid arthritis. Here the synovial tissues of the hand affect the bone that is enclosed by a cartilage. The inflammation in the tissue hampers what is normally a fluid movement of the joint.

Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis of the hand usually also endure arthritis in different parts of the body. Like osteoarthritis it is also more common to people with old age as this comes from exertion of joints accumulated through the years.

The knuckles and the wrist are the common victims of this pain. Tendon fissure may also be amassed after a while of living with its symptoms. This may also deform the hand if inflammation spreads through the ligaments around the tissue.

Rheumatoid arthritis differs among patients. Others suffer from this only for short periods of time and then lose all symptoms altogether while others go through with its consequent pain endlessly with the pain flaring at times. Some subsequently develop into permanent damage that disables them forever.

Symptoms Of Hand Arthitis

Nagging pain in the hand is the first symptom of hand arthritis. Swelling is also an accompaniment together with difficult movement. Mundane tasks such as grabbing or pinching becomes difficult. A squeaking sound may also be noticed and the misshapen hand becomes apparent.

A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic doctor that will assess the severity of the hand should be established. The physician usually subjects the patient to an x-ray and blood test if soreness is evident.

Possible Cures For Hand Arthritis

There is no single cure for hand arthritis that ultimately could eliminate the disease and prevent it from re-occurring. The most frequent solution is pain relievers prescribed by doctors to ease the suffering of the patient. There are those that require anti-inflammatory medications often already present in those pain killers. Steroids taken orally can also be another form while others require injections of corticortisone of the area affected by arthritis.

There are also specialists called rheumatologists who can closely monitor your medication and therapy to give you instructions on the proper management of your arthritis. This could be great as he can cater directly to what drugs or exercise your arthritis pain is most comfortable with.

Another way to deal with arthritis is through surgery. This is recommended for those who suffer from advanced stages of arthritis. There are different kinds of surgery for different types of arthritic problems.

Hand surgeons fix tendon fissures through grafting or through transferring tendons to the damaged area. Joint lining extraction, synthesis, replacements may be performed. In extreme cases bone removal may be needed. This just goes to show that hand arthritis is a serious condition, so if you suspect that you may have it, you should take action as soon as possible.

Arthritis Pain Relief - Can Topical Creams Really Help?

Topical remedies tackle mild arthritis pain.

If your arthritis pain is mild and you don't take oral pain medication every day, rubbing a topical pain reliever on the bothersome area can be a good alternative. Following are the most widely used topicals.

Counterirritants mask arthritis pain by stimulating the nerves to produce a slightly uncomfortable warm or cool sensation. That distractts you from the more intense joint pain. These products may contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, or oil of winter green. Brand names include Icy Hot Chill Stick, Ben Gay, and ArthriCare. These products cause a temporary redness of the skin and work best on joints near the surface, such as fingers, elbows, and knees.

Topical NSAID's contain salicylates, chemical cousins of aspirin, and relieve pain the same way oral NSAID's do. Their effects, however are restricted to the surface and avoid some of the problems associated with oral NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDs include Aspercreme, Sportscreme, and Myoflex. People who are allergic to aspirin or who take medications that interact adversely with aspirin shouldn't use a topical NSAID because a bit of it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Capsaicin. The topical pain relievers Zostrix and Capzacin-P contain capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their bite. Capsaicin lowers levels of substance P, which relays pain impulses to the brain and is involved in inflammation. Capsaicin-based products must be applied three or four times a day for up to several weeks before their benefits are noticeable. Burning, stinging, and redness often occur in the first days of treatment, but then subside.

Do's and don'ts of topicals: Be sure to wash your hands after applying any topical pain reliever. Avoid contact with broken or irritated skin and the eyes, nose, and mouth. If severe irritation develops, stop using the product immediately. Some products warn users not to apply a bandage or heat to the treated area. Don't use a topical medication just before a workout, as perspiration can cause the skin to absorb too much of it.

Neck Pain

Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb flexion

Patients with neck pain and discomfort may complain of pain in the thumb region with difficulties in moving the painful thumb muscles.

Pain at the base of the thumb may be due to arthritis at the joint between the wrist bone and the knuckle bone known as the carpometacarpal joint. Arthritis at this joint is very common. Arthritic pain of this joint at the base of the thumb is made worse when there is nerve related pain and spasm in the muscles that cross the carpometacarpal joint (joint between the thumb wrist bone and the thumb knuckle bone).
Treatment of thumb pain must involve treating all muscles that participate in moving the thumb in all its many capable movements of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and opposition.

The many complex movements of the thumb are essential in producing fine manipulation such as writing, picking up small objects, turning the key, stitching, knitting cutting up food, turning the doorknob, etc.

Thumb flexion consists of moving the thumb along the plane of the palm.

Muscles responsible for performing this motion include:

- flexor pollicis brevis (superficial head supplied by the median nerve and the deep head supplied by the ulnar nerve). This muscle is supplied by the C8 and T1 nerve roots.

- extensor pollicis longus supplied by the radial nerve (C7, C8).
When the flexor pollicis brevis is not functioning, the supplementary action of the extensor pollicis longus muscle together with that of the flexor pollicis longus supplied by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve by causing simultaneous flexion of the tip of the thumb will be able to flex the thumb along the plane of the palm.

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb flexion

Muscle pain - neck pain - thumb adduction

Patients with nerve related muscle pain leading to neck pain/discomfort often complain of pain in the region of the thumb.

Thumb pain can be due to pain and spasm in muscles that perform movements of the thumb.

If the thumb is held at right angles to the plane of the palm with the palm facing up, adduction is the movement of the thumb down toward the plane of the palm.
Muscles that perform adduction of the thumb are:

- adductor pollicis supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

This adduction movement has to be assisted by the following muscles:

- extensor pollicis longus supplied by the posterior interosseous nerve of the radial nerve (C7, C8)

- opponens pollicis supplied by the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor pollicis longus supplied by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor pollicis brevis supplied by the median nerve to the superficial head and the ulnar nerve to the deep head. Both the superficial and deep heads of the flexor pollicis brevis is supplied by the C8 and T1 nerve roots.

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com Muscle pain| neck pain| thumb adduction

Muscle pain - neck pain - wrist palmar flexion

Patients with neck pain may present with muscle pain and pain in the wrist area. They may have difficulty with making a fist and picking the wrist up so that the front (palm aspect) of the wrist is toward the face. This may be related to pain, spasm or tightness of the muscles that perform this movement.

Although it is the wrist flexors that seemingly have a problem, it is usually the tightness of the wrist dorsiflexors that initiate muscle pain in the wrist flexors. In treating problems with the wrist flexors, the entire upper limb evaluation should be done including the neck for muscle strength and range of motion.

Treatments must first begin with the large and powerful muscles that must perform lengthening contractions to stabilize the joints of the shoulder, elbow and wrist.

The main muscles that perform wrist flexion (palmar flexion) are:

- flexor carpi radialis supplied by the median nerve (C6, C7)

- flexor carpi ulnaris supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

- abductor pollicis longus supplied by the radial nerve (C7, C8)

- flexor digitorum superficialis supplied by the median nerve (C8, T1)

- flexor digitorum profundus supplied by the ulnar nerve (C8, T1)

- palmaris longus supplied by the median nerve (C6, C7)

© 2007 copyright all rights reserved http://www.stopmusclepain.com muscle pain - neck pain - wrist palmar flexion

Natural Arthritis Pain Relief - What Foods Can Stop Back Pain Naturally?

What you eat every day has a direct effect on your health. Since we have millions of choices when it comes to food, what we eat decides how healthy we are, or unhealthy. Of course this choice can make us live in pain if we don't know what to choose.

There are some specific types of food which can help you in the long run in the struggle against arthritis pain relief. If you eat healthy food, your joints will be healthy. I will list three best foods which will help you get rid of that nasty back pain.

Glucosamine

It has a very long history in combating arthritis pain. Every person has a small amount of glucosamine in the body. As we get older, the body produces less glucosamine and this leads to born spurs and cartilage hardening.

This natural compound made by our body uses a combination of glutamine and sugar making an amino acid. If your body is getting old, you have 2 choices in order to have more glucosamine in your body: you eat food rich in glucosamine or you take some supplement with this amino acid in it. It can be found in shrimps, lobsters and crabs.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 acids can be found in sea food, especially fishes (sardines, salmon) but as well in borage oil, walnuts and in flax seeds. They reduce the tendency of cartilage cells to have inflammations and is a good guard against cartilages progressive deterioration.

Studies have revealed that people who took omega 3 supplements compared to people who didn't take have less arthritis pain. So our advice is to eat as many walnuts, sea food as you can in order to protect you from arthritis pain.

Tart Cherries

Who would have thought that the compound which gives the red color to tart cherries is very effective against arthritis pain? Now everybody can benefit from this red cherries in their struggle with arthritis pain.

This compound also helps slow the pace of the natural deterioration of the body which isn't bad at all for a small bright cherry. You can eat tart cherries in all the forms you may encounter: canned ones, tablets, frozen, concentrates or freeze dried.

I recommend you stick with the natural food in your fight with the arthritis pain for at least 6 months in order to see some major improvements. If you consider that these 3 types of foods are rather cheap to buy, it's a very good diet that will improve your health.

Do Dog Supplements Really Work?

As an employee of a dog supply and nutraceutical company, I am often asked by friends if dog supplements really work or if they are just a gimmick. And, while I want to shout out loudly, "Yes, of course", I am forced to shake my head and say - "it depends".

Pet supplements are under the same attack as many human supplements with outrageous, unproven claims of benefits from "trace levels" of ingredients you can't pronounce. In addition, the pet supplement business is not regulated by the FDA, which means that many supplements do not contain the adequate levels of ingredients they state on the label and/or the quality of those ingredients are subpar. And, it seems there are individual supplements for every organ and tissue in a dog's body. Seriously, have you been to a pet store, lately? The aisle is confusing, at best. Here is the truth: many of these supplements are not needed in a dog's body. Dogs have an incredible ability to heal themselves. So, unfortunately, it is true that many supplements are more hype than anything.

So, you've got unproven claims, an unregulated market, and a confusing array of products from which to choose (most, of which are not necessary). Oh yeah, and a dog that would rather have his anal glands cleaned than swallow one of those horse-sized pills. It's enough to make you want to want to stop reading and let Fido's body do its own thing, right?

Don't!

Despite all of the negatives surrounding pet supplements, I have seen some absolutely amazing results for dogs who take quality pet supplements for specific reasons. In fact, it is the main reason I decided to get into the business. If your dog is in need of certain nutrients and you can provide him with a high quality supplement, it could change both your life and his. You just need to be armed with a good understanding of when and why to use a product.

Here are some points to help you get started:

1. Know the points in your dog's life when he/she is most vulnerable - Like people, there are a few times in a dog's life when supplements are more important - growing puppies, pregnant females, injured, and senior dogs. In my research, I have found that supplements can make the most noticeable differences for dogs suffering with inflammation and pain - typically injured, aging, or arthritic dogs.

2. As in most cases, "you get what you pay for" - Many companies believe that there is a cap on the amount of money an owner is willing to spend on his/her dog. This belief, coupled with an unregulated market, has led to poor quality supplements that are at such low standards they likely add no benefit at all. And, do not be fooled by big brands and manufacturers. A recent human vitamin study found that over 80% of vitamins sold in mass market retailers were inadequate. I have not seen a study for pet supplements, but my guess would be that this number could be even higher. So, whether you are faced with a major brand or a small independent manufacturer, your risks are similar. Stay away from the cheap products and look for companies who put an emphasis on quality - not price. If you use a quality, more expensive supplement, you will likely save money in the long run because it should result in fewer vet visits or more costly pharmaceutical drugs.

3. Look for supplements with proven ingredients for your dog's particular problem - Some companies, in an attempt to have a more robust ingredient list, will add cheaper ingredients that add no value for the specific problem the product is supposed to address. The internet is a powerful tool in this arena. Ingredients that have been proven to work for a particular condition rise to the top. I will share what I know on ingredients proven to help with joint issues at the end of this article.

4. Ensure the product has been made in a GMP-certified, FDA approved manufacturing facility. - "GMP-certified" means that the manufacturer has passed a third party audit to ensure their products have the purest ingredients in the proper amounts. FDA-approved does not mean that the products themselves are FDA approved (this is an unregulated industry). However, it can give you piece of mind that the facility is meeting FDA standards. Manufacturers that meet these requirements are often very proud and will list this on their website and/or the package.

5. Look for powder or liquid supplements - Obviously, if your dog does not take pills, there is a huge benefit to this because the powder/liquid can be mixed in dog food. However, there is a more important reason for this. Research has proven that powders and liquids are absorbed faster into the body than tablets. So, that means the benefits are typically seen faster. For dogs taking supplements with anti-inflammatory benefits, this can lead to faster pain relief.

6. Talk to your Vet - If your dog has any allergies or suffers from any other medical issues you should share the ingredients with your vet to ensure that there will be no adverse reactions.
So, there you have it. I hope this provides some insight on how and when to give your dog supplements.

I wish you and your dog the best.

________________________________________________________________________________

Bonus Information: Nutritional Supplements Proven to Help with Dog's Bones, Joints & Cartilage

Glucosamine - an amino sugar naturally produced in your dog's body from glucose, which is your dog's blood sugar, and the Amino Acid, Glutamine. It helps the cartilage between the joints retain water so the cartilage can act like a cushion to absorb shock and withstand compression. Glucosamine is vital to protecting the health and integrity of your dog's bones, joints and cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate - Chondroitin sulfate has been proven to assist by drawing nutrients into the cartilage. It also protects existing cartilage from premature degeneration by blocking "bad" enzymes that destroy cartilage.

Hyaluronic Acid - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid are all related molecules; glucosamine and chondroitin are used in the repair and rebuilding of the tissue in the cartilage, etc. Hyaluronic Acid works on the joint fluid itself.

Manganese - Manganese is a mineral that enhances the effectiveness of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates and synthesizes the production of healthy cartilage. It also aids in the production of mucopolysaccharides, which are critical for maintaining healthy joints.

Perna Canaliculus (green lipped mussel) - contains natural anti-inflammatory agents and many essential building blocks needed to rebuild the necessary components in joints. It also is reported to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis and improve joint mobility.

Methyl-sulfonylmethane (MSM) - MSM has been promoted as having powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties, blocking the pain perception in certain nerve fibers before the pain impulse reaches the brain.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) mobilizes the body's self-defense mechanisms to assist in overcoming disease. It is also a powerful antioxidant required to produce collagen, which is the main supportive protein in cartilage, tendon, and connective tissue.

Fatty Acids, such as Omega 3 & Omega 6 - Fatty Acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as provide therapeutic effects in your dog for arthritis, lupus, Inflammatory bowel disease, cancer therapy, kidney disorders

Yucca schidegera - this root is rich in saponins that elevate your pet's ability to produce "natural" cortisone. Yucca is reported to help block the release of toxins from the intestines that inhibit the normal function of cartilage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Boswellin - Studies indicate that Boswellic acids may open up collateral blood circulation to provide a more adequate blood supply to the joints. Boswellin also serves to reduce swelling and improve mobility where individuals experience stiffness in the joints.

Bromelain - Bromelain helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds which reduces pain and swelling.

To get more information regarding dog spine, hip, and joint issues, go to http://www.caninespinehipjoint.com.

How Joint Injections Help Athletes

Joint injections are common procedures in medicine where medications are injected into the joint space. This procedure is uncommon in younger athletes, due to their normal and healthy joint functions. However, this is one of the most reliable methods of managing degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis in many older athletes.

Benefits of joint injections

The procedure is given to treat inflammatory joint issues such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis and sometimes osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids are used for this medical procedure because of its anti-inflammatory capability as well as its ability to slow down the build-up of cells which causes the inflammation in the joint space. If present, joint fluid will be aspirated or removed prior to joint injection. This also eases the pain and swelling of the join and helps in the diagnosis of joint pathology.

While corticosteroids may successfully relieve osteoarthritis, the mode of action as to whether this will aggravate or alleviate the issue is unclear. In many knee-joint injection procedures, Hyanluronic acid, a viscous lubricating substance, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

What Comprises Joint Injection Medications

The anti-inflammatory medication corticosteroid is mostly utilized in this procedure. Cortisone is a kind of steroid that it naturally produced by the body and released when you are under stress. Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and it's a close derivative of the natural cortisone. Unlike natural cortisone, corticosteroids are injected to specific inflamed areas instead of being released into the bloodstream. This synthetic cortisone is also more potent and provides relief for a long period of time.

Apart from synthetic cortisone, a lubricant such as hyaluronic acid injections works to lessen the inflammation and lubricate the affected joint. It helps the joint lining to produce substances to feed the joint cartilage. This actually helps in early arthritis can is effective up to 6 months. Patients are given joint injections once a week for the next three to five weeks and this process maybe repeated after six months if needed.

Which joints are injected?

The most commonly injected joints are the ankle, knee, shoulders, elbows, wrists as well as the small joints of the hands and feet. You may need an x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide hip-joint injections.

Unlike oral steroids which are mostly abused and misused by athletes, joint injections using corticosteroids can lessen healing time and help lessen pain and inflammation. This procedure is mainly used to treat inflammation of the joints in sports injuries and aging athletes with their arthritis. Despite its many benefits, injection and these steroids also have corresponding side effects depending on the amount and location of the joint injection as well as the condition of the patient.

Natural Supplementation Offers Relief to Pets Suffering Joint Pain

Millions of pets in the United States suffer from debilitating joint pain. Whether it's hypertrophic ostodystrophy, hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis, pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating - effectively crippling the most active of animals. 

Perhaps your pet isn't moving quite as quickly as he once did or takes a bit longer to get up from his/her bed in the morning. If you've noticed a change in behavior, particularly as it relates to activity, chances are your pet may have joint disease.

For most owners, the first stop is their local veterinarian's office. One of the primary treatments many veterinarians prescribe is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Whether given by prescription or over-the-counter, these medications work to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from joint pain.

Unfortunately, the top NSAIDs prescribed for animal joint pain - as with those prescribed for humans - are also associated with serious side effects. Gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weight loss and renal failure are only the beginning. Certainly, not all animals will suffer these side effects, but few pet owners want to take that chance.

For those who want relief for their pet, without dangerous side effects, one option stands out from the rest - natural supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation does more that relieve pain and decrease inflammation - it provides the raw materials needed to repair and replenish the cartilage in damaged joints. In an arthritic joint, these two precious substances are in short supply. Supplementation ensures that the joint has what it needs to heal. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation is so effective, in fact, that it is among the most popular products for arthritis management in animals today!

The choices abound when it comes to choosing a glucosamine supplement. Powders, pills and potions line the shelves of your local pet mart, all promising pain relief. What these labels don't tell you, however, is that their method of delivery is ineffective. The active ingredients - glucosamine and chondroitin - are processed, compressed and combined with fillers, binders and flavored coatings to make the medicine easier to take for the animal. This does nothing more than ensure the majority of the supplement is left in a pile on the grass during Fido's next walk... if he takes it all. As many pet owners know, hiding a pill in tasty kibble isn't always effective!

Stenosis of the Spine - Spinal Stenosis, A Huge Spinal Problem

The spine is perhaps one of the most important groups of bones in the body, considering that it houses and protects the spinal cord, which is essential for any person to live a normal life. Any injury that may happen to the spine can have serious repercussions, such as severe back pain, which may extend from the neck, lower back, and down to the legs, weakness and a tingling sensation both often occurring in the lower extremities, permanent paralysis, and even death. One often serious problem with the spine and the spinal cord is the stenosis of the spine.

Spinal stenosis is basically the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in the impingement of various nerve roots and even the spinal cord, by bony spurs from fractures or other soft tissues, such as in the case of a herniated disc. Though spinal stenosis may occur anywhere in the spine, the lumbar or lower back area is the most vulnerable to spinal stenosis, which is known as lumbar spinal stenosis.

In general, spinal stenosis occurs due to a number of factors, though it is commonly caused by degenerative arthritis. Similar to the arthritis of other joints in the body, degenerative arthritis manifests as we grow older. This can lead to the loss of cartilage in the joints, formation of bone spurs, occurrence of degenerative disc disease, which is the deterioration of the spinal discs, and overgrowth of the ligamentous structures. Each of these can cause the narrowing of the spinal canal, which in turn can cause the impingement of the nerves. Other less common factors that can cause spinal stenosis are tumors, infections, and various metabolic bone disorders.

Lower back pain and weakness, numbness, pain, and loss of sensation of the lower extremities can often be experienced with spinal stenosis. In many cases, the severity of pain increases while standing or walking and diminishes when at rest, leaning forward, or lying down. Awkward positions like bending backwards can make the situation even worse. Over time, especially when caused by degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis worsens, considering that degenerative arthritis is a progressive disease. When left untreated, the nerve impingement can lead to the Caude Equina Syndrome, which is exhibited by weakness or loss of function of the legs, as well as loss of bowel and bladder control, and loss of sexual function.

When it comes to spinal stenosis treatment, there are many readily available medications, exercises, and procedures that can improve or fix the situation. In most cases, physicians would recommend the use of various conservative treatments, such as medications for the reduction of inflammation, short courses of oral cortisone medication, and various pain medications. Some medications that are primarily used for nerve pain can also help with spinal stenosis, such as gabapentin and pregabalin. Steroid injections may even be injected directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve tissue.

For a more drastic measure, spinal stenosis surgery may be recommended by the physician, especially when conservative treatments do not provide any relief. Basically, common surgical procedures done for spinal stenosis are laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy, which focus on removing the cause of the nerve impingement. In some cases, spinal and lumbar fusion may also be done together with the above mentioned procedures. However, many patients and physicians treat surgery as a last resort because of the many complications that may arise during and after the surgery and the long recovery period.

One of the most popular treatments for the stenosis of the spine is natural or home remedies, such as stretching exercises, physical therapy, and the use of the spinal decompression machine. Through various stretching and back strengthening movements, nerve impingement can be relieved. Spinal decompression therapy with a decompression machine can also help improve the situation by using traction on the affected area.

Does Ankle Pain Have You Down? What You Need to Know About Gout

Pain in the joints and muscles is common as we grow older. The ligaments and tendons do not support our knees, elbows and ankles as they once did when we were younger. In addition, inflammation caused by overuse or age related disease increases our risk of chronic joint pain. Ankle Joint pain can be cause mobility issues at home and work.

One common ailment that can strike in the middle of the night is called gout. Without notice, you can awake with sharp pains in your big toe, finger or other joints like ankles and knees. Although the pain may last for several days and go away, the condition can re-surface at any time in the future.

Over 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from gout and most often afflicts men more than women. Gout usually develops in men after 30 and women after they have gone through menopause. Men are more likely to suffer from gout if they are overweight and have issues with high blood pressure.

Gout is in the family of arthritis based diseases. The body tries to compensate from crystal deposits in the joints which cause inflammation and intense pain in the ankles, knees and other areas. If you suffer from gout or other pain in your extremities, diet may be one factor that can help you stay fit and less prone to this type of condition.

In summary, your ankle joint pain can be more of an issue than you thought. A healthy lifestyle and diet could be a major factor in reducing the risk of chronic joint pain. Exercise is also a factor in strengthening your joints and muscles, reducing high blood pressure to combat age related diseases like gout. Low impact exercise can be used in the beginning and as your joints become more limber and stronger, more physical activities can be pursued.

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.

Learn About Joint Pain Relief For Dogs

Joints normally become sore when dogs are old and they develop arthritis. It is almost a given that at some point in your dogs life it will suffer from some kind of joint pain, especially larger and overweight dogs. The most common form of arthritis they will develop is osteoarthritis. There are various methods for joint pain relief for dogs. They can be subcategorized into natural and artificial methods. Here we will focus more on the more natural methods.

Some natural relief methods may include Homeopathic pain reliever for pets. This is made from blends of medicinal herbs. The side effects are minimal or non-existent and they relieve the pain and reduce swelling in the joints.

Acupuncture has also been known to relieve pain for centuries and is also useful for animals. Many people think this method is strictly for animals but this is not correct and it can be used with people. In recent years acupuncture has been used to effectively treat ailments in pets.

Low impact exercises such as swimming are also encouraged as a simple way to gradually relieve pain in the joints. Running and jumping is great exercise for dogs but it puts stress on the dog's joints. For dog's that are experiencing pain these activities should be eased in to and not rushed. This can be thought off as kind of lifting weights were you gradually increase the weight as the muscle becomes stronger. This is important as your dog needs to maintain an ideal weight. Dogs that are a little bit skinnier are healthier in the long run as there tends to be less pressure on their joints. Since osteoarthritis cannot be cured your dog will experience less pain in the long run, although the levels of pain can be reduced.

The heat technique is a method that is used to increase blood circulation and allows for faster healing. It is also used with massage therapy to flush out deposits, reduce swelling and promote healing.

Old dogs would like a comfortable and warm place to sleep. They should not sleep on hard concrete floors and should not be forced to sleep in a cold room or a cold place.

If your dog has been suffering from joint pain and is used to jumping up and down from a high place like a bed, you may want to buy a set of steps or a ramp for the dog to use. This is to make sure they do not further strain their joints and make the arthritis worse. Concerning other activities it is easy for a dog to become too excited during play time and end up inadvertently straining its joints. If your dog suffers from a joint pain ailment it is your duty as the dog owner to watch out for them and make sure they do not engage in an activity that may worsen the problem.

Many dog owners supply their dogs with a supplementation product. One of these products is 100 percent glucosamine. The effects are not immediate but can be observed over a period of a couple of weeks.

Joint pain is something that almost every dog will have to go through in life. These joint pain relief methods for dogs should be given a chance along with medication.

Statins And Joint Pain - Is It Possible That Statins Are Causing Your Joint Pain?

Before I begin, I must first make it known that I am not a doctor. I do however have a fascination for natural cures and homeopathic treatments, although I am also not totally against western medicine. I just feel that if a natural remedy can effectively treat a particular ailment, then there is no reason why I should take pharmaceutical drugs.

I know countless people who are nearing retirement, and several of them are taking statins because they have high cholesterol. When I discuss this with them, I can clearly see they are under the impression that statins are harmless drugs. Many of them also believe they would more than likely have died already if their doctors had not put them on statins.

When I asked about possible side effects, I was told about things like headaches, upset tummies, and etc. Not one of them even mentioned joint pain, despite the fact that quite a few of them do suffer with aching joints. It seems apparent to me that their doctors never mentioned the link between statins and joint pain.

A quick Google search will soon reveal just how many people start experiencing severe joint pain as a direct result of statins. They stop taking their statins for a little while, and their joint pain goes. They start on the statins again, and the pain returns.

One of the most ironic things of all is that way back in 1985 researchers discovered a fail proof way to lower cholesterol without the use of any pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, statins only appeared on the scene a short while later, and as is to be expected, they became the primary form of treatment for high cholesterol. The natural cure I am referring to is none other than ascorbic acid.

Of course the giant pharmaceutical companies do not want people to know they can lower their cholesterol without statins. They would lose billions of dollars annually, and that is not what business is about. Now, if you have high cholesterol, you will almost certainly be reluctant to believe that something as simple as ascorbic acid can effectively lower your cholesterol. However, I would like to recommend that you read all about it on the JBC (Journal of Biological Chemistry) website.

As you no doubt already know, ascorbic acid is simply vitamin C. Not only can vitamin C lower your cholesterol, but it can and will benefit your health in many other ways as well. Vitamin C is such an important micro-nutrient, that most living creatures are able to produce their own. Only a very small number of species cannot, and unfortunately humans are one of them. Good luck with your research.

Is My Pain From My Hip Joint Or From a Low Back Spine Problem?

Pain that is in or around one's hip joint may or may not be present secondary to a hip issue. The pain can also be coming from a low back spinal problem.

The potential generators of the pain can be:

1) Hip joint arthritis or a soft tissue problem inside the hip joint (labrum)

2) Intervertebral disc herniation

3) Spinal Stenosis

4) Soft tissue problem around the hip

5) Fracture in the spine

6) Hip Fracture

Hip arthritis pain or a labral tear may cause significant pain in the groin area on the affected side. Physical examination and x-rays will typically confirm the culprit as degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the hip. If the patient receives a hip injection as treatment and the pain is eliminated even for an hour, one can be certain the hip is in fact the problem with further treatments confined to the hip.

Groin pain can also be a result of a disc herniation. It's not something typically seen in a textbook and it is an atypical presentation, but an L5-S1 disc herniation can in fact cause groin pain on the affected side. So if the exam and radiologic studies of the hip are not definitive for a hip problem, potentially obtain and MRI of the lumbar spine for the answer.

Pain that is around the hip joint may be coming from the spine. It is called radiating pain if it emanates from a spinal problem and then travels down into the buttock area or hip region. One such problem is called spinal stenosis, which represents nerve root compression at one or multiple levels from an arthritic process.

Spinal stenosis typically occurs in older individuals that may also be experiencing pain in the hip from arthritis. So the hip pain can be a combination of radiating pain from spinal stenosis along with the direct pain from the DJD in the hip. How is the diagnosis then made.

The combination of a good history, physical examination, and imaging studies often elucidates the source of the pain. If there's still a question mark, injections can give the answer. Here's an example. Betty is 74 years old and experiences pain on the outside and front of her right hip area on a daily basis. Activity makes it worse, and at times it wakes her up at night. Also it radiates down the front of her thigh a bit.

She is convinced the pain is coming from her hip since she has no back pain at all. On physical examination while moving her right hip all over the place, however, she has minimal provocation of her pain. X-rays show moderate arthritis in her right hip, with the same degenerative joint disease existing on her left side as well.

The physician orders x-rays and an MRI of Betty's lumbar spine which shows numerous nerve roots being compressed as they are trying to get out from the spine on the right side. So she has spinal stenosis.

As a diagnostic test, the physician performs a right hip injection under x-ray guidance. Betty's pain only decreased 20% over the next three days. So the physician sent Betty to a pain doctor the following week who performed an interventional pain management procedure called an epidural injection.

And you know what happened? Betty's pain decreased another 50% after the first injection and another 20% with the second injection, adding up to a 90% pain reduction with the epidural injections. Both the spinal injections and the hip injection therefore served both a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose.

It is important to keep in mind that pain in and around the hip may in fact be coming either partly or completely from a problem in the spine. This can be the difference between a frustrated patient still in pain versus one who shows dramatic improvement.

Eight Tips For Arthritis Pain To Make Life Easy

Over the years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people afflicted with arthritis. It is a fairly common disease among the aged. According to a survey, as many as 1 in 5 adults in the United States presently suffer from chronic joint pains or arthritis.

This widespread prevalence has led to the search for effective pain relief measures to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of the ailment. There are eight tips for arthritis pain relief. Arthritis isn't just a single ailment; it is a compound disorder that consists of more than 100 different conditions and can affect people of any age group.

The two most widespread forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The eight tips for arthritis pain are applicable to these two forms of arthritis also.

Both these forms have completely separate root causes, risk factors and results on the body, but they both share a common symptom, namely, unrelenting joint pain.

In addition to joint pain felt in other parts of the body, pain in the hips, knees, wrists and hands are the most common symptoms of arthritis.

If you spend many sleepless nights suffering from joint pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints, chances are you're suffering from arthritis. Arthritis pain can be subdivided into two general categories - acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain lasts for a short-term.

It can last for a few fleeting seconds or longer, but it eventually fades away as the healing process takes place.

Chronic pain ranges from mild to intense, and can last for weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. The eight tips for arthritis pain help reduce the pain and allow for a more comfortable way of living.

Eight Different Ways To Help Ease Your Arthritis Pain

With the increase in the number of patients suffering from arthritis, the options for arthritis pain relief have also expanded.

There are various alternatives to help bring relief from intense arthritis pains.

These eight tips for arthritis pain are:

Homeopathy

Warm water therapy

Heat or steam therapy

Exercises

Massage therapy

Meditation, hypnosis, hypnotherapy

Magnet therapy

Prescription drugs

Natural treatment therapies can go a long way

* Water Therapy

Water therapy has become a very popular option for pain relief. It is also known as water aerobics, and it involves performing various types of aerobic exercises in a pool.

The main advantage of this kind of treatment is that there is virtually no pressure on your joints while doing the exercises, which is a boon for arthritics beset with excruciating pain.

For most cases of arthritis, moving the joint constantly is recommended. Water therapy is the best for this because you feel buoyant and weightless in water.

Hence, water therapy is not only an easier option, but an effective one as well. Another alternative for relieving arthritis pain is using heat.

Arthritis is especially painful in the cold weather, when stiffness and soreness increase considerably. When this happens, heat is a good choice for pain relief. However, heat only relieves temporarily.

Nevertheless, if you are experiencing mild pain, using heat could prove sufficient in relieving your pain. This is a better alternative if you prefer natural treatments instead of using drugs.

* Massage

Massage is a fairly common method of treatment for joint pains.

However, the extent of relief depends on several factors like the type of massage, the kind of arthritis, and the skill or expertise of the masseuse or therapist.

The type of massage that is reported to be of considerable help to people suffering from arthritis is Swedish or "Classic" massage.

The techniques involve stroking, kneading, rubbing and vibrating, which help by increasing the blood circulation and relieving the joints and muscles from aches and pains.

* Other Sources of Relief

Nowadays, over the counter medication is widely available to help bring relief to arthritis patients.

These drugs can be very helpful provided the pain is moderately mild. In case you suffer from severe pain, you will have to discuss pain relief alternatives with your doctor.

Initially, the only requirement could be a painkiller. Visiting your doctor frequently is highly recommended so that he/she can keep you informed about your arthritis pain relief plan.

If you follow these instructions, you will be able to live an active and pain free life.

Glucosamine For Dogs

Osteoarthritis in dogs is a common and difficult disorder to manage. It includes an entire family of disorders including hip dysplasia. Up to 30 percent of dogs and cats are affected by arthritis. A dog suffering from arthritis shows signs like difficulty in walking and playing, lethargy, limping, difficulty in getting up when lying down, pain when touched and aversion to any contacts.

Animals usually have a very high pain threshold. When the pain becomes excruciating they exhibit signs of discomfort. Treatment must then be given without delay. A large number of dogs respond well to glucosamine, especially larger dog breeds. It soothes the affected joints of a dog and makes it active once again. Glucosamine is also used as a preventive measure to ensure that your dog has healthy bone joints.

Glucosamine that is normally present in the cartilage and synovial fluid is a normal constituent of the dog's glycosaminoglycans that is a part of the connective tissues in its body. Recent studies have shown that glucosamine when swallowed by your pet has several benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and has joint regeneration properties. It is especially used to treat hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

It is also very important to give the right kind of drug to your dog to make it active and lively. There are six key points to remember before you purchase any glucosamine product for your dog. They are: type of glucosamine (sulfate, chloride or 2KCL), quality of the ingredients, method of delivery (pills or liquid), amount of glucosamine needed per day, additional ingredients besides glucosamine and cost. A suitable dosage for your dog would be 750mg of hydrochloride or sulfate per 50 pounds of weight. Don't choose 2KCl and NaCl forms of glucosamine as they are not so effective. A liquid dosage is always better to use than pills.

Rub On Pain Relief Cream Or Medication - 3 Tips To Find The Best Back Pain Product

The best way to cure back pain is to use rub on pain relief cream or medication. If you suffer from any sort of pain, it makes it hard for you to get on with your daily activities. It wouldn't help at all for those who have to spend eight hours at the work desk. Your concentration level will be affected greatly and your efficiency at work will reduce. Therefore, it is essential you discover the best back pain product which can help you to get rid of the problem.

Before getting treatment for your backache, here are important reasons why pain rubs are more popular among backache sufferers when compared to taking medication.

External Use

Pain rubs are easy to use. It does not involve the need for you to swallow medication which has side effects on various parts of your body. The ingredients in the pain rub bypasses your digestive system and vital organs which means it works on eliminating the pain you are experiencing without additional burden on your body.

Natural Ingredients

While there is a list of side effects that go with back pain medications, rub on pain relief cream made from chemicals can also release dangerous toxins into the body. These toxins can cause a wide range of illness, from hormonal imbalance to other serious chronic illness like kidney failure, paralysis, cancer and more. It is essential you always check the ingredients of the back pain product and that it is made from natural ingredients which are safe for your body.

Think Long Term

Some back pain can take time before it goes away. This is especially true for those who cannot fully rest their back because of work and other routines in life. However, do not give up getting rid of your back pain because of these constraints. With a bit of research, you can get yourself some rub on pain relief cream made from natural ingredients that is proven to work. Applying natural pain rub on your back while you get on with your daily activities can provide a soothing effect without the need to worry about the possible side effects it can produce from its long-term use.

You will be surprised to find yourself pain-free over a period of time just like other back pain sufferers around the world who have successfully eliminated their back pain forever using a well-known rub on pain relief cream.

TMJ Relief - Tips That Work Quick

If you suffer from the pain of TMJ you are not alone, according to a recent survey there are over 10 million people in the US alone who suffer from this condition. Symptoms can range from a mild headache and pain in the jaw muscles to pain that is severe enough to prevent you from being unable to eat or talk properly. Most sufferers are looking for quick tips that offer TMJ relief so that they can get on with their lives. In most cases the symptoms of TMJ will do away within a couple of weeks with the proper care and treatment.

There are several simple therapies you can use at home that can give you TMJ relief that will last long enough for the muscles to relax and give you more permanent relief. While some of these tips may seem rather simplistic they will offer you the kind of quick relief you need to be able to function normally and pain free.

One of the fastest ways to get temporary relief from TMJ symptoms is to use one of the common analgesics that you can get in almost any store. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or plain aspirin. Each of these drugs is designed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This will give the affected TMJ muscles a chance to heal, which is all they may need to stop causing you pain and allow you to return to a normal life.

You may need to make some immediate changes to your diet. Foods that are hard to chew such as tough meats, crunchy vegetables and fruits make your jaw muscles work overtime. Instead you should switch to soft foods that are easy to chew; this will give your jaw muscles a chance to rest and repair. You will notice the difference within as little as a few days and will be able to return to your normal diet in just a few weeks.

Heat and moisture are your best friends, like any other muscle that has been overextended you can gain immediate relief from the pain by applying hot moist towels to the sore muscles. To further help speed the healing process you can exercise the muscles gently several times each day. You should gently lower and raise your jaw and then move it from side to side 5 to 10 times each session. This will not only help to stretch the muscles, but will also serve to strengthen the muscles so that the chances of a recurrence of these symptoms does not reoccur giving you long lasting TMJ relief.

Bruxism And TMJ Cure - How To Treat Bruxism And Stop Teeth Grinding

Do you grind your teeth when you sleep or unconsciously when you are awake? Do you know this is a disorder? Do you also know that this disorder can lead to several other disorders? One of the resulting disorders is Temporomandibular Joint disorder, simply known as TMJ. This condition is so painful and uncomfortable for the sufferer, and it can also disturbing for those that are around the sufferer because of the grinding noise it makes. There are now TMJ cures that are cost-effective and natural in nature.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to a number of secondary conditions such as broken tooth, headache, depression, eating disorders etc. These symptoms can be sometimes unbearable and may need an immediate medical intervention to relief the pains but luckily you can treat bruxism by putting into practice some natural methods that can be used at home.

Most people think teeth grinding is an unconscious act but researchers have been able to prove that it is a habit that can be developed unconsciously over time. It can therefore be treated just has you would take care of any other habitual behavior.

The functioning of the natural methods of TMJ cures is based on the source of the illness. Bruxism can be caused by anxiety and digestive disorders. Although, the disorder is not directly linked to these causes but those who are into the habit of teeth grinding have a source which must be the target of any treatment.

Unfortunately, most of the TMJ cures available are not based on the treatment of the source of the disorder itself but it only tries to solve the disorder directly. The use of mouth splint is one of the most common ways of treating bruxism. It prevents the upper and lower sets of teeth from making contact so that grinding of the teeth may not be possible. The disadvantage of this method is that splints can be very uncomfortable to use because it is not a natural part of the mouth. Through constant use, these mouth guards will deteriorate and there will be cause for you to replace it. This will cost you several dollars. The best way to stop teeth grinding is then through natural ways that will cost you little or nothing.

One very simple and natural way to prevent grinding of the teeth is by consciously putting a stop to it. Another very potent way for TMJ cure is by changing your diet to foods that can solve this problem from its root.

TMJ Disorder? Pain Relief Treatment Tips

Anyone who suffers from TMJ syndrome knows how excruciating the pain can be. It is also frustrating because the mouth is unable to open fully, thus making eating, talking and even yawning painful. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ pain occurs when this joint becomes inflamed.

Many people experience TMJ pain at some point in their lives. In many cases, it is due to excessive pressure to the jaw and will go away with rest. Some people are prone to outbursts. For anyone with TMJ symptoms, there are 5 main things you can do to treat it and get relief.

First of all there are TMJ exercises. While sitting in a high back chair, rest your head against the chair. Place the web of your hand (between your thumb and forefinger) Using your chin, gently press your head back and feel your lower jaw move back slightly. Let your mouth open slightly with the movement. Return to the starting position and repeat 5 times. Do this a few times each day.

Another exercise is to start with the same position as the first exercise. This time, lightly press your jaw against your hand and hold for 5 seconds. Return to the start and repeat a few times. Next, with a relaxed jaw, move your lower jaw a few times from side to side.

Improvement to your posture is the next approach you can use. Believe it or not, poor posture can have a negative effect on the TMJ. A body that is improperly aligned can actually suffer back, neck and shoulder pains as well as TMJ syndrome. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms hanging at your sides. Does one arm look longer than the other? Are your shoulders the same height? Does your head tilt slightly to one side?

Any of these seemingly minor maladjustments can create a problem. Make a conscious effort to straighten you back and keep your chin up. Your TMJ related pain may be reduced as your posture get better. Yoga is also a good way to improve posture.

Another thing that can irritate your TMJ is stress. You may have noticed that in stressful situations you tend to clench your teeth. This puts undue stress on your jaw and your TMJ. Whenever you feel stress coming on, try to be aware of the pressure exerted on your jaw and make a conscious decision to relax those muscles. Getting rid of stress in your life is the ideal solution. Stress management classes are available to help people cope with day to day anxieties.

Gum chewers and people who eat a lot of chewy or hard foods also tend to suffer from TMJ disorder. It is a good idea to stay away from foods that cause strain while chewing and to stop chewing gum if you are prone to sessions of this.

A final thing to consider is acupressure on your jaw. The whole body is connected and each body part has pressure points. One of the points that affect the jaw is between the thumb and index finger. Hold one hand in your other hand and press firmly in this area for one minute by using your other thumb. Another area to apply pressure is the jaw itself, where the upper and lower jaws meet at the earlobes. For about one minute pressure should be applied to this area.

Work and Shoulder Problems: Why the Shoulders Are at Risk of Injury on the Job

Depending on the job, every part of the body is at risk for work-related injury and dysfunction. Occupations that involve manual material handling and other physical labor obviously pose more risk to body damage than do desk jobs. However, when it comes to the neck and shoulder, whose functions are integrated into almost every work activity, the pool of jobs that can bring about pain is very large. Looking at the shoulder specifically, it can be difficult to connect pain to work tasks. The shoulder works so closely with the neck and arms that problems in the shoulders can show up as pain elsewhere. Since the shoulder is taxed during daily activities outside of work, it can be hard to miss the relationship between pain caused by the shoulder and work tasks. Extensive research has shown, however, that in cases of chronic pain and pain that limits activity, the relationship between work activity and shoulder symptoms are too strong to ignore. The shoulder is a versatile and complex joint that is easily affected by several activities.?

The shoulder is comprised of 4 separate boney and musculotendinous joints and has the greatest range of motion of all other joints in the body. Muscles acting on the shoulder go far beyond the rotator cuff muscles everyone is familiar with. In addition to moving the shoulder, muscles can be taxed by stabilizing the shoulder. Shoulder stabilization is necessary in a number of activities that can also include neck, arm, and back movement. The complexity of the shoulder joint and its relationship to the rest of the body can create some very frustrating diagnosis issues. Just as problems in the neck can be felt as pain elsewhere, shoulder stress can travel up the neck, down the arms, into the chest, and into the back depending on what part of the shoulder is affected. When a person "protects" a part of his body to minimize the pain, he may actually exacerbate the problem by demanding more damaging action at the source of pain in order to compensate for it.?

In a work setting, the most likely culprits for shoulder dysfunction are repetitive motion and static posture. In an exercise regimen, these forces on the shoulder (or anywhere) can build strength. This is true in the workplace, too, but the difference is after that exercise, the muscles are allowed to rest and often are stretched. Placing the arm at various angles and putting stress on the shoulder at work without allowing the joint to recover can lead to a variety of problems. Some of the most common issues involving the shoulder are: tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, degenerative joint disease, and arthritis.?

Any kind of pain is a signal from the body to stop or change activity. If work is placing too much stress on any part of the body, change needs to happen immediately. The longer pain is ignored and activity continues, the more debilitating an issue can become. This can lead to less efficient work, time loss, mistakes, and medical care - all costly and unwanted by any employee or employer. Minimizing the risk of injury can be accomplished with a number of ergonomic solutions. Some may be as simple as varying work tasks or incorporating more breaks. Others may involve changes to a work station or using a device to eliminate an activity. In any case, it benefits both the health of employees and business to identify possible threats to well-being and eliminate them.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms, What Is a Dysregulation Syndrome?

Do you have chronic fatigue syndrome? If you suffer with fibromyalgia symptoms, then the answer to that question is probably "Yes". CFS or "chronic fatigue syndrome" goes hand-in-hand with fibromyalgia. There are actually several different issues that typically accompany fibromyalgia symptoms... and many in the scientific and medical communities believe that fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome are just different manifestations of the same disease or type of syndrome.

You see, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), and many other conditions form a family of overlapping syndromes. Thanks to the scientific studies done by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, M.D. of the University of Illinois - College of Medicine, these syndromes have been given a name.

Dr. Yunus views fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome as being part of a larger spectrum of conditions, which he calls "Dysregulation Spectrum Syndrome", or DSS. He claims that most patients have more than one of these syndromes. Dr. Yunus uses the term dysregulation to mean bio-physiological abnormalities, possibly in the body's neurological, hormonal and chemical systems... which lead to negative immune (or autoimmune) system responses.

A partial list of the Dysregulation Syndromes that Dr. Yunus sites, are:

• Fibromyalgia Syndrome - FMS


• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - CFS


• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome - MCS


• Myofascial Pain Syndrome - MPS


• Temporomandibular Joint disorder - TMJD


• Tension Headaches


• Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep - PLMS


• Migraines


• Restless Leg Syndrome - RLS


• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS


• Irritable Bladder Syndrome


• Primary Dysmenahorrea

This list could go on for quite some time. Dysregulation syndromes like fibromyalgia symptoms, seem to "run in packs", and for those that suffer from them, life is more than just "impaired". Life can be downright miserable.

But it doesn't have to be. Do you suffer with a dysregulation syndrome like fibromyalgia symptoms? Would you like to know how to rid yourself of this type of debilitating pain and misery permanently? Besides the medications that are currently in use for treatment of these various conditions (with their many side-effects), there is a natural way to treat these illnesses. As a fibromyalgia survivor, I discovered this fact and have been symptom-and medication-free since I started the natural treatment. The answer is simple. It's improved overall health through cellular nutrition.

Medical sources including the American Medical Association, agree. By improving our health, by feeding our bodies at the cellular level... our bodies become able to replace damaged tissues with healthy ones. This rebuilding process takes place mostly while we are asleep, and can greatly reduce or even eliminate and symptoms of virtually any dysregulation syndrome (like fibromyalgia symptoms), or another autoimmune disease.

To learn more about cellular nutrition and the natural treatment of any dysregulation syndrome like fibromyalgia symptoms, contact me now by clicking on one of the links below.

http://www.overcomefibro.com/fibro-symptoms-dysregulation-syndrome.html

How to Manage Hip and Knee Pain

Hip and Knee pain can have many different causes. Sometimes hip pain or stiffness can occur if you have strained your hip while going about your daily activities in your home or workplace. You may not even realize that you have strained your joints until a couple of hours after the incident. Hip pain may also occur if you have bumped into hard surfaces like the edge of a table or other similar objects as this may strain your hip muscle.

The hip and knee pain will initially begin with a gradually increasing pain in your knee. After a few days the sensation of pain will slowly be felt in your hip region also. Mild pain killers and heat treatments will help to alleviate the discomfort in the affected area.

The physiological reasons behind hip knee pain can be as a result of inflammatory arthritis, it is when the affected hip and knee joint become stiff. The person finds difficulty to keep the hip joints mobile and the pain passes on to the knees making it increasingly difficult to walk causing hip and knee pain.

Without lubrication the cartilage becomes inflamed and damaged, limiting movements of the joints. The tendons that connect your hip muscles to your thigh bone and the joints in the pelvic region get inflamed and can often be a source of hip and knee pain.

The remedies to alleviate hip and knee pain come from localized external treatments like ice packs and gentle exercises to powerful prescription drugs (to be ingested over a couple of months) that may be used to tackle the pain in your hip and knee joints.

A physical therapy program is among the treatments that can ease hip and knee pain. This programme helps to keep your hip joints mobile and the use of medicines is resorted to reduce inflammation and to relieve the hip and knee pain. You may get a lot of advantages through regular sessions with a physiotherapist as you will be working on improving the extent to which you can utilize your joints productively.

Exercising the muscles around your hips can also be very useful in managing pain in the knees and hips as it will strengthen the muscle groups and increase or maintain their tone. This will help to give relief to the affected joints. A good diet that gives you all the essential nutrients in recommended doses will help you to maintain the strength of your bones and joints irrespective of your age.

Knee Pain? Maybe It's Your Feet

There are several painful conditions of the knee that may be caused by problems with your feet. The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is a hinge joint, a sliding joint and a rotating joint all at the same time. The proper and pain-free functioning of the knee requires near perfect alignment of the bones, ligaments and tendons that make up the knee joint. Pain in the knee is usually an early warning sign that something is wrong with the alignment. It is important to address these problems early to avoid serious, long term problems such as severe arthritis.

The improper alignment that causes knee pain is often the result of improper alignment of the joints of the foot and ankle. Let me give some examples.

Pain on the inside part of the knee may be caused by bursitis at the location where three of the tendons from the thigh muscles (sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus) come together and insert into the upper/inner part of the tibia (bone of the lower leg). This condition is known as Pes Anserine bursitis. Pes Anserine is Latin for "goose foot". I suppose it is called goose foot because these three tendons coming together look somewhat like a goose's foot. The pain is caused by inflammation of the bursa beneath these three tendons. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that is found where tendons and ligaments rub against bone. The bursa is designed to prevent the bone from irritating and damaging these tendons and ligaments as the rub back and forth over the bone. When these bursa become inflamed this is known as bursitis. Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of the bursa beneath the three tendons that form the goose foot. Pes Anserine bursitis can be caused by excessive pronation of the foot. The excessive pronation (see article on normal foot motion) causes excessive stretching of these tendons which over time results in inflammation. The treatment and prevention of this condition involves an arch support to prevent excessive foot pronation.

Pain on the outside of the knee is sometimes caused by a condition known as iliotibial band syndrome. The iliotibial band runs from the pelvis down the outside of the leg and attaches to the outside part of the knee. Problems with the foot together with overuse (such as running or bicycling) can lead to inflammation where the iliotibial band inserts into the outer knee. There are several different foot problems that can cause this inflammation. If the person is flat-footed (over-pronatnor) this causes the tibia (lower leg bone) to excessively internally rotate. This increases the stretch on the iliotibial band and causes inflammation. On the other hand if someone has a high-arched foot, the foot is in a supinated position (see normal foot motion) and this too can cause excessive stretch on the iliotibial band and inflammation. These two very different types of foot problems result in the same painful condition (iliotibial band syndrome). However the two problems require very different treatments. In order to correct the problem it is essential to determine what exactly is causing the problem.

Knee arthritis can be caused or exacerbated by problems with the foot. Someone that has arthritis pain on the part of knee closest to the midline (medial compartment) may have a supinated foot that contributes to a bow-legged type of stance. Someone with pain in the lateral compartment (the outer part of the knee furthest from the midline) may be flat-footed, a hyper-pronator, which leads to a knock-kneed type of stance. Through the proper use of a foot orthotic I believe that we can, over time, reduce the load on the painful knee compartment, reduce the pain and at least slow down the degeneration of the cartilage.

Pain in the center of the knee is often cause by chondromalacia patella, also known as retropatellar (behind the kneecap) pain syndrome. This is often seen in someone with excessive pronation (flat-feet). As the knee straightens and bends the kneecap is supposed to ride smoothly in a cartilage-lined groove on the lower end of the femur (thigh bone). Someone that is a hyper-pronator has excessive internal rotation of the tibia. This excessive internal rotation changes the angle that the kneecap rides up and down in this groove (known as the Q angle or Quadriceps angle). Over time this leads to irritation behind the kneecap and the retropatellar pain syndrome. An arch support or orthotic can be very helpful in treating this condition.

In conclusion I have discussed a few of the common causes of knee pain that can be relieved or at least improved through the use of a simple foot orthotic. For more information please visit. http://www.Archatomics.com/

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Men

Arthritis is the word used to describe inflammation of the joints. It is often described as an auto-immune disease as it relates to the system within the body which produces antibodies.

In the modem medical approach to arthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs are used which are either steroidal or non-steroidal. Unfortunately joint disease is poorly understood and the treatments have not advanced for a long time. Hopefully more research into the causes and the cure of joint diseases will be done over the next few years.

Naturopathic approaches are certainly worth trying. They may not cure the disease but they can certainly relieve much of the discomfort and slow down the debilitating symptoms. Diet plays a huge role in controlling the symptoms and some plant medicine and nutritional supplements can be very beneficial.

My father, who had severe arthritis in his knees, was always joking about the fact that there was no cure for joint problems, and he was very disturbed that the anti-inflammatories he was prescribed were upsetting his stomach, which is a very common side effect. Just by increasing his intake of water each day (elderly people tend to be dehydrated because they don't consume enough water daily) and including some vitamins helped him.

In all treatment of joint problems, solutions must be looked upon as long-term: a lifestyle change and a commitment to taking the supplements regularly to stop degeneration and further damage to the immune system are essential.

Treatment & prevention program

Follow the diet for health and vitality. This is imperative. All junk food, white sugar and white flour products must be eliminated. Foods that nourish joints are those containing omega 3 and 6 oils, such as deep-sea fish, flaxseed oil, and vitamin E in avocados and wheatgerm oils.

Eat high-quality proteins such as legumes, eggs and white meat, which are more suitable than red meat, as one of the waste products from digestion of red meat is uric acid which can aggravate joints.

Drink celery juice daily as it assists the balance of potassium and sodium being carried to the joints. It can be mixed with carrot juice.

Avoid acidic foods such as rich sauces, white wine, white vinegar, and some fruits such as oranges, strawberries and other berries which can aggravate joint problems. It is best to stay off these foods for six weeks and introduce them back into your diet slowly and see if they affect your level of joint pain in certain quantities.

Drink lots of pure, filtered water.

Encourage mobility of the joints through exercise such as water exercises and walking. Running is very aggravating to any joint, especially on a hard surface.

Supplements

Two omega 3 and 6 oil capsules twice daily. It lubricates joints. Double the dose if in severe pain.

One glass of celery juice daily or two celery tablets daily. For taste and health, mix with carrot juice.

Two tablets of the standardized extract of boswellia twice daily or one tablet daily as a preventative. Boswellia, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, is excellent for arthritis (and also for inflammation of the bowel). There is often a link between inflammation of the bowel and arthritis. You may find this herb mixed with ginger and turmeric (both natural anti-inflammatories).

One or two ginger capsules three times a day. Ginger tablets have relieved many joint problems because they stimulate the circulation. They are especially useful for those in cold countries, to assist mobility. In fact they are very useful when skiing or participating in water sports in cold water.

Glucosamine sulfate one tablet two to three times a day.

I have made many wonderful tonics for arthritis using traditional herbs, and if the client stays on these daily over the winter period, when joints seem to be at their worst, the aches and pains are kept under control without the long-term effects of anti-inflammatories. The following tonic is recommended. Equal parts of celery, dandelion, prickly ash, boswellia (you can also take this herb separately as a tablet for better results), willow bark, devil's claw, liquorice, ginger and astragalus (which helps the immune system in chronic conditions). Take one teaspoon in water twice daily.

A liniment containing the Chinese herbs kadsura, pothos and curcuma, and menthol, camphor and some wintergreen oil. These are available at your health store. Rub on the affected area.