Women & Joint Pain

The top five health concerns of women are breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus in which the body attacks itself. Although the most common cause of disability for women in the United States is arthritic disease.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes damage to the joints of the body. There are different forms of arthritis and each has a different cause; however, the most common form is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) that results when a joint is injured or becomes infected. While its origin is uncertain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful autoimmune disorder that leads to chronic inflammation at the joints. Osteoarthritis is a more common illness caused by a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Any form of arthritis typically worsens with age, but ironically, almost two-thirds of people with arthritis are under age 65, and more than 60 percent are women.

Who Is At Risk?

Arthritic disease affects 46 million Americans, or more than 21 percent of the adult population. The disease affects Caucasians and African-Americans equally. That number and the costs associated with treating the disease is expected to rise even higher as baby boomers age. Currently, arthritis treatment costs Americans more than $128 billion a year in lost earnings and medical care. Those who are overweight are especially prone to having arthritis due to the extra stress that obesity places on the joints.

How can holistic therapy help women with common arthritis?
Experts advise staying active and keeping your weight under control to help prevent or treat arthritis.  If you lose as little as ten pounds, you can decrease pain in the knees and hips by 50 percent. With exercise, you can decrease the progression of the disease. Chiropractic care has similar positive effects. If you suffer with low back pain or neck pain you may benefit from gentle spinal care to facilitate mobility and reduce stress.  Related conditions such as fibromyalgia, lupus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rheumatic/giant cell arteritis may also be helped with chiropractic care.

Most people do not know that arthritic pain symptoms often appear as a result of food allergies. Food sensitivities often manifest in a delayed matter, which means that something you ate in the previous 24 to 48 hours may be the culprit. Keeping a food diary or having a ALCAT (food and chemical sensitivity/intolerance test) will help you determine a cause. The most common foods that trigger arthritis pain are:

Beans      
Beef         
Corn      
Nightshades  (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggplant) 
Nuts       
Salicylates  (naturally-occurring chemicals found in some fruits and vegetables)
Soy            
Wheat       
Yeast       

By avoiding foods the body is allergic or sensitive to, arthritic symptoms may be eliminated. Even if there is wear and tear of the joints, pain is dramatically reduced.  During my 17 years of treating people with food allergies, I have seen arthritic symptoms disappear through natural holistic therapy.  While the joints may appear the same, the pain is relieved. My hope is that you find help to relieve your joint pain.

What Are The Definitive Shingles Symptoms I Can Expect?

Shingles symptoms often begin with a mild but persistent headache, sensitivity to light and flu-like sensations. Soon after, a rash begins to develop that can be accompanied by extreme pain in the rash area. Tingling and dizziness may be present.

As the pain intensifies, bright red lesions develop, which gradually fill with fluid. As soon as a crust forms over the blisters, the person is no longer contagious. These lesions most commonly develop over the torso and face, and usually confine themselves to one half of the body. Other symptoms that may be present are a feeling of general unhealthiness, lymphatic swelling, joint pain, hearing loss, abdominal pains or genital lesions.

Shingles treatment often involves treating the symptoms and letting the lesions clear up on their own, which they will do in two to three weeks with a very small chance of recurrence. Since the pain is sometimes very intense, it is often necessary to treat it with painkillers during a shingles episode. Sometimes steroids are prescribed for this end, but these have been linked to impairing the immune system and their helpfulness in shingles treatment has never been proven.

Calamine lotion is sometimes said to reduce the pain that is one of shingles symptoms. Vitamins C and E are also said to help relieve pain and speed the healing process; either a topical cream or an oral supplement may be helpful. Cool dressings on the affected area can also be incredibly effective shingles treatment. A topical ointment made out of two crushed aspirins and two tablespoons of chloroform has routinely been found to alleviate pain and speed healing by many people with shingles. Lysine cream is an amino acid which impairs the growth of the herpes virus which causes a shingles outbreak; application of a lysine cream once or twice daily may help your body heal faster.

Symptoms of shingles are often a sign that the body has been weakened by age, stress or other infection. Therefore, keeping your body healthy can reduce the risk of a shingles outbreak or speed up recovery. If you have been exposed to the chickenpox virus (through a vaccine or by coming down with chickenpox) then you are a host of the virus that causes shingle symptoms. It stays dormant in the body and may never impair you, until your immune system falters due to cancer treatment, fatigue or any other extreme stresses. It is then that it can flare up and reactivate, leading to an outbreak of shingles.

Eating a lot of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables can help keep you immune system strong enough to prevent reactivation of the virus, and consuming raw fruits and veggies during a shingles episode may speed the recovery process. Reducing stress and exercising regularly are also good ways to keep you immune system working hard for you and minimizing the likelihood of an outbreak and shingles symptoms.

If you think you have developed any symptoms of shingles, you should be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment.

Erasing Joint Pain: Energy Clearing

Wouldn't it be nice if you could take an eraser and rub out your pain?

Like a pencil mark on a paper, pain is very noticeable. But once you erase that mark, you can forget about it completely. It no longer grabs your attention. And when a pain goes away, we easily forget it was ever there.

But how can you erase a pain?

One way, which is probably the most popular one, is to mask the pain with drugs. But that does not really solve the problem.

Another, which is our subject here, is to remove the cause of the pain and then the pain must vanish.

The Cause of Joint Pain

In order to remove the cause of the pain, you must know the cause of the pain. And this is where it gets interesting!

You may think of the cause of your joint pain as an athletic injury or the repeated stress and microtrauma of sitting at a computer or standing for long hours. You may say you cannot undo the injury and you cannot go back and undo all your years of typing or working on your job. And you can't even stop now or you would lose your job. So how can you remove the cause of the pain?

The Hidden Cause

While you may not be able to stop or reverse the mechanical cause of your pain, there is another approach that can help. There is another cause of pain which usually goes undetected and unaddressed. It is a more subtle cause and so it requires a more subtle technique. But the results are often as dramatic as taking a painkiller.

This hidden cause of much of your pain is conflicted energy. Like static on a radio or a virus on a computer, energy conflict within a system causes that system to fail. It simply cannot function properly. But once you tune in that radio station or clean up those computer files, everything can go back to optimal functioning.

A Viable Alternative

There are many energy workers using a variety of techniques that can help you with your joint pain. They can open the way for true healing in your joints. Find someone who inspires confidence. You will probably do best when you work with someone with whom you resonate well. Once the dynamic life force flows through you in an unconflicted way, you may very well notice an instant diminishment of your pain. In time it can completely disappear. For some, this process is very fast. For others it can take an extended period of time.

Erasing the Pain

The joints of the body create the most exquisite movements of human expression. But when they hurt they can cause some of the most excruciating moments in your life.

When you seek out an energy worker to help you with your joints, you are not masking the pain. You are erasing the pain by correcting the cause. And when you're dancing again, you probably won't even remember the pain at all.

Understanding Endometriosis Hip Joint Pain

Millions of women in America, and all over the world, as much as 5 to 10% of the female population, suffer endometriosis and hip joint pain can be one of the symptoms. So it is important to be aware of endometriosis signs and symptoms and the various treatment options that can help alleviate endometriosis hip joint pain.

While some women may have endometriosis and feel no different than their peers, most women with endometriosis suffer progressively worsening pain in line with their monthly periods.
The common symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic tenderness, heightened pre-menstrual syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (pain before and during periods), painful urination, and pain during sexual intercourse, chronic fatigue and cramping among many others.
Hip pain or pain that radiates from the buttock and down the leg are common in women where endometriosis has effected the sciatic nerve. Also, endometriosis in the groin area can feel like hip pain.

On occasion endometrial adhesions can restrict the hip ligaments, causing pain and limping. Hip joint pain that worsens in a cyclical fashion in line with the menstrual cycle will usually be caused by endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized when endometrium cells, similar to the tissue that lines the womb or uterus, attaches itself to other organs found in the abdomen and around the hip joint. The reason behind this is still not entirely understood.

At first, it was hypothesized that endometriosis occurs due to a condition called retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backwards into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. This has largely been discounted however, as it has been found that most women experience retrograde menstruation without necessarily developing endometriosis.

More recent research has shown that the condition may possibly be an immune response towards the spreading of endometrial cells. Some studies have also discovered genetic links with regards to endometriosis. However all studies have been inconclusive regarding the actual cause of the disease. Further research is still being conducted to find its etiology.

Because the extent of endometriosis varies very widely among its sufferers, treatment options are also varied. The effectiveness and safety of these treatments should be subject to careful evaluation as a lot of them have side effects that you should be aware of.

Some sufferers may be given medical treatment, however these can cause premature menopause or can stop ovulation. Some women may just opt to relieve the hip and pelvic pain caused by endometriosis using pain killers either taking over-the-counter drugs or stronger prescription pain medicine.

Conservative surgery is also an option. This type of treatment aims to surgically destroy or remove endometriosis and return the effected organ systems to their original state as much as possible.

This is done in hope of relieving the hip joint paint associated with the condition as well as the infertility that can result from it. Most surgeries, especially those in the U.S., are done using a laparoscope, making the procedure minimally invasive.

Alternative treatments have also shown a lot of promise and anecdotally have been successful for a number of women. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments can provide relief. Also, acupressure and aromatherapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. Even you diet can make a big difference to your symptoms.

Keep reading to sign up to our free Endometriosis newsletter where you can discover more about the natural ways of treating endometriosis symptoms.

Endometriosis hip joint pain is not a laughing matter. If you experience some of the symptoms that you've learned about here, it's best to consult with your gynecologist to address the matter immediately. It is also wise to go to your doctor periodically to keep your reproductive health in check.

The Complications Of Diabetes That Affect Your Muscles, Bones and Joints

Diabetes is an overwhelming disease. You'd think it only affects your major organs such as your heart, kidneys and eyes. But it damages the integrity of other parts of your poor body particularly your muscles, bones and joints. Over time, damage to your skeletal and muscle system and their surrounding connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons cause frailty, deformities and disability.

Nerve damage as a consequence of diabetic neuropathy with concomitant arterial disease and obesity contribute to the increased risk of different bone, muscle and joint disorders.

Here are some muscle, joint and bone complications of diabetes.

1. Charcot (shahr-KO) Joint
Have you felt a tingling sensation in your foot? There's even a total loss of sensation. The joint weakens because the nerve supplying it is damaged due to high levels of blood sugar. Charcot joint affects the feet most of the time. The joint becomes swollen, unstable and deformed.

This easily progresses into deformity and instability. When this happens, you'll need to have your joints supported using braces. Worse, it will limit your mobility and you'll need a cane or a walker to move about. However, when this is detected early, you don't need to end up disabled. To prevent this from happening, you should limit weight bearing activities and use orthotic devices such as braces to support the affected joint and its surrounding structures. Lose excess weight if you're heavy. Most importantly, be vigilant in controlling your blood glucose levels.

2. Cheiroarthropathy
Another diabetic complication affects the skin and the muscles of the hand termed diabetic hand syndrome or cheiroarthropathy. You'll experience the skin on your hands gradually thicken and look waxy. Then your fingers would contract and movement would be limited. You may feel that you can't extend your fingers and press your palms together flat.

Anti-inflammatory medications can help. Physical therapy such as stretching exercises can slow the progression of this complication. It is not clear what causes this diabetic complication. Since this is all too common among people with a long standing history of diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar, it is imperative to control your blood glucose levels.

3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis results in bone weakness. The bones turn brittle and they easily fracture. Surprisingly, this bone disease is seen more among type 1 diabetics. Early symptoms are mild as to be discernible and over time the disorder results into a stooped posture when the spinal column is affected plus frequent bone fractures and loss of height.

Exercise is very important to prevent osteoporosis including a well balance diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Soak up the sun for your vitamin D requirements. When the sun is shy you can get Vitamin D from supplements. Calcium can be taken as a supplement too. However, cardiovascular diseases are increased with calcium supplements. You can source out calcium from vegetables and low fat dairy.

4. Osteoarthritis
You might be surprised that osteoarthritis is a complication of diabetes too. The joint cartilage wears out and the joint is exposed to each other's bony surfaces. Then, you'll have swollen joints, pain and inflammation, stiffness and limitation of movement. It can affect any joint in the body. It was discovered that type 2 diabetics have a higher risk of osteoarthritis. But health experts say it can be traced more to obesity rather than the diabetes itself. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity. Obesity overloads the joints and damages its cartilages.

Prevent this condition by losing those excess pounds. Anti-inflammatory drugs, resting the affected joint, massage and acupuncture can help ease the pain.

5. Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis or DISH
This complication affects the tendons and ligaments, supporting structures of the skeletal and muscle systems. It is also called Forestier disease. The tendons and ligaments harden. Consequently, pain, stiffness and limitation of movement occur. The ligaments and tendons of the spine are commonly affected and will results into back or neck stiffness. This occurs among type 2 diabetics. It is thought that insulin or insulin-like growth factors of diabetics promote abnormal bone growth.
Pain relievers can ease the pain. If the stiffness is severe, surgery is needed to excise the excess bone that has grown.

5. Dupuytren Contracture
Are your fingers bent toward the palm? It looks like a claw. This happens when connective tissue in the palm of the hands and fingers thickens then scars. As it scars it contracts and pulls the fingers into a claw like position. Consequently, you won't be able to extend your fingers.

Treatment involves corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation. Surgery will cut off the contractures and is done when your fingers can't grasp objects.

6. Frozen Shoulder
Are your shoulder limited by pain and motion? You can't raise your hand above you head and if you do so, there's pain! Thankfully, it affects only one shoulder. The cause is usually unknown. But you're more at risk if you're diabetic.

If seen earlier, aggressive physical therapy can restore mobility plus pain and anti-inflammatory medications. If this doesn't work surgery will be done to cut off the ligaments to improve motion.

Muscle, skeletal and connecting tissues that surround the bones such as ligament and tendons are complications of diabetes. They may seem mild as compared with heart, eye and kidney complications but it results to weakness, frailty and disability; and lose your independence. It is always advised that once you're diagnosed with diabetes watch your blood glucose levels like a hawk. Manage your levels well through compliance with your oral or insulin medications, exercise, losing excess pounds and adapting healthy eating habits. Blood glucose testing helps you to manage your levels. Have your A1C test every 2 to 3 to know your average blood glucose level and see if diabetic management is working.

Joint Pain Stiffness Remedies - Reduce Pain and Inflammation Naturally

Joint pain stiffness is the most common outcome of arthritis, a bone degenerative disease that is mostly associated with aging. This condition is followed by moderate to acute pain with gradual decrease in the normal mobility. Joint pain stiffness is felt at the start of the day when the joints remain immobile due to long hours of sleep and the stiffness reduce gradually with slow movements throughout the day. But in severe cases of arthritis acute joint pains may cause enough sleep disturbances demanding immediate medical attention. In case of inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis, the joint stiffness may last for about 45 minutes and in osteoarthritis stiffness lasts for 30 minutes.

Causes of joint stiffness and pain

Inflammation of the synovium, which is a thin membrane surrounding the joints cause joint stiffness that leads to pain. Many underlying causes are responsible for this inflammation that is very bothering.

1. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain stiffness.
2. Autoimmune disease like Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint stiffness.
3. Gout
4. Chondromalacia
5. Bursitis
6. Injury
7. Infectious diseases
8. Over straining and exertion of the joints.
9. Tendonitis

Treatment

1. Application of cold packs and heat treatment are generally adopted in reducing joint pain and stiffness. The cold pack relaxes the nerves and the hot compress enhances the blood circulation. Applying hot and cold packs alternately every 5 minutes gives best results.

2. Medications include the administration of NSAID's, steroids and narcotic drugs to provide relief from the joint stiffness and pain. Corticosteroids are applied in controlled doses regulated by experienced practitioners that also reduce the joint inflammation along with the pain. Narcotic drugs help in reducing the pain but not the inflammation. Common pain relieving drugs those are used are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Tylenol, morphine etc.

3. Nothing can match the overall benefits of regular exercising in treating joint pain and stiffness. Exercise strengthens the joints and the muscles, reduces the wear and tear of the bones and cartilage and helps in controlling the body weight.

Alternative Remedies or Treatment

Many people are turning towards alternative medicines and modes of treatment to avoid the serious side effects of pain relieving medications. These medicines which come as natural supplements through daily diet and common ingredients are highly effective and also produce multi benefits in maintaining good health.

1. Massaging the affected joints with herbal oils like eucalyptus and wintergreen helps in reducing the pain.
2. Extracts of Arnica taken in measured doses produces good results in treating this condition.
3. Green tea helps in reducing arthritis pain.
4. Tea from alfalfa seeds also reduces the inflammation and pain.
5. Ginger is also helpful in reducing inflammation.
6. Turmeric is widely used in reducing this pains.

Ten Joint Pain Facts

Joint pain affects so many people in every walk of life that it is becoming a bigger issue every day. As our population grows and ages the number of complaints about pain in general is increasing, with joint pain leading the way. The search for relief, any relief, from joint pain is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. Following are a various facts about joint pain.

1. Carrying excess weight is one contributing factor when it comes to joint pain. Knees and hips take the brunt of the stress excess weight places on our joints. Every pound that gets a body closer to healthy weight can make a huge difference on your joints.


2. Arthritis is one of the major contributors to joint pain. There are many types of arthritis and the majority of sufferers have joint pain ranging from mild to severe.


3. Joint pain can be caused from inflammation due to an injury. This type of joint pain can be long lasting or heal up quickly never to return.


4. Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than three months, joint pain can become lifelong and chronic. People who deal with chronic pain often are very grateful for any type of successful pain relief they can find.


5. Chronic joint pain can have serious psychological and emotional consequences. It is vitally important to treat the whole person and not just the direct cause of the pain. There is help available along various avenues to help sufferers find relief for every symptom they may be dealing with.


6. Currently, there is a movement in the health care industry focusing on more natural ways to improve our overall health and way of life, including joint pain.


7. There are more and more supplements available all the time. Some, including one of the latest, cetylated fatty acids, is showing great potential for many patients experiencing joint pain.


8. Joint pain does not discriminate when it comes to age, race, or gender. Everybody is susceptible! However, the older our bodies get, the more likely we are to have had joint pain issues. It is almost an inevitable part of the aging process.


9. When people find a way to increase the lubrication in their joints they often experience significant pain relief. Many of the more popular regimens for joint pain relief focus on this fact and are successful.


10. Joint pain can often be relieved with exercise and supplements. Many people need to try different things until they find what works for them.

Hopefully, people are able to talk to their doctors and find direction and assistance. There are copious amounts of information available on joint pain. More and more options are becoming available as researchers work toward an answer. Studies are being done and reported on every day. The results are bringing with them new hope for pain relief. The future is looking brighter all the time as we learn about how the body works and how we can work toward a healthier prospect.

Thumb Joint Pain - Diagnosis and Treatment

Understand the causes of thumb joint pain and discover the proper methods to attend to the injury. The opposing thumb is a valuable asset that should not be taken for granted. The thumb sets human beings apart from most of other species on earth. It enables us to grab things and manipulate tools. Therefore, we should pay due attention to any recurring pain on our thumbs and other fingers. Do not neglect the problem and let it deteriorate till you lose your grip.

Thumb join pain can be categorised into three types; pain as a result of strain or injury, arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. An injured thumb shows black and blue discoloration. You may feel pain when you move your thumb side to side. Another common cause for thumb and other fingers pain is prolonged usage of smartphones or tablets. Apply ice wrapped in a towel or submerge the thumb in cold water to ease the pain and swell. Rest the thumb so that to speed up the healing. If the pain is persistent and excruciating, go to see a doctor to seek medical treatment.

Arthritis is a common cause of thumb joint pain due to old age or calcium deficiency which leads to the weakening of the bones. The thumb joint under stress is called carpometacarpal joint or basal joint. Basal joint arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. The cartilage that protects and cushions the thumb joint is worn out, thus causing pain during movement of the hand. Consult a doctor to get a suitable splint that supports the thumb and to better control its movement. The doctor may prescribe medication or cortisone injection to control and reduce joint inflammation. Corrective surgery may be suggested as a solution to reduce the nagging thumb joint pain.

Thumb Joint Pain Due To Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a severe problem to the thumb joint pain. It is brought on by nerve damage. Most people with this syndrome use their hands in repetitive motions which compress the nerves in the wrists which are situated between the carpal bones and the transverse ligament. The pain may originate from the wrist and slowly work it way up the thumb. The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include; numbness in your forearm and hand, increase numbness which cause heighten pain when you use your hand and stiffness in your finger when you wake up in the morning. It can be treated with therapy and protective splint or surgery can be carried out to repair the ligament.

Early detection of the cause of the painful fingers is crucial and seeking help from a doctor is critical to nib the problem in the butt. Although you need to rest the painful hand to help with its healing, prolonged inactivity can aggravate the pain because lack of movement may cause the swollen joint to turn stiff. Try to keep your thumb active even you are experiencing thumb joint pain.

Rib Pain - Many Possible Causes

Rib pain can have many possible causes, and therefore it's sometimes difficult to get an accurate diagnosis quickly. First, let's take a look at some of the obvious ones: rib pain causes from injuries.

Fractured (Broken) or Cracked Ribs - These are usually pretty easy to diagnose because the pain is severe and sharp. Many people say a fractured rib produces some of the worst pain there is. When you have a fractured or broken rib, you usually know how you got it: perhaps a blow to the body during athletic competition, an auto accident, or a fall. Painful breathing is a typical symptom. The injured area is likely to be extremely sensitive, and any movement involving the arms or torso will cause discomfort.

Cartilage Injury - Cartilage is the soft material connecting your breastbone to your ribs. It allows your ribcage to be flexible and somewhat shock-absorbent. When this cartilage is damaged, it will feel like a rib injury. Cartilage damage in your chest will cause pain when you're breathing, laughing or coughing.

Soft Tissue Damage - Soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments are spread around the rib cage. These can be injured or damaged by a sharp blow, or even by trying to lift or push something that's too heavy. The result is rib pain which may make breathing or moving uncomfortable.

Bone and Joint Conditions

Joint inflammation - When joints near the ribs become inflamed, the pain can feel like it's happening in your ribcage. Joint inflammation becomes fairly common in middle age and beyond due to the two following conditions.

Osteoarthritis - Cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone and backbone wears out with age. The resulting inflammation causes pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - When you have this disease, your body's immune system attacks itself. When this happens in joints and connections around the ribs, it causes pain in the ribs.

Rib Pain Caused by Lung Conditions and Diseases

There are a number of diseases related to the lungs that cause ribcage pain. These include:

Pleurisy - The lining between the lungs and the ribcage is known as the pleura. When it becomes infected, the inflammation causes pain in the ribs. When you have a bad case of pleurisy, just breathing in and out can be very uncomfortable.

Pneumonia - Rib pain is typical when you have pneumonia. Coughing, laughing, breathing, sneezing can all be painful.

Tuberculosis - Painful ribs is one of the many symptoms of tuberculosis, along with coughing, fever and fatigue.

Ribcage Pain and Lung Diseases

Several types of cancer can cause pain in the ribs or ribcage area. The most common of these include lung cancer and multiple myeloma.

Rib pain is a symptom in approximately 80 percent of multiple myeloma cases. Many lung cancer patients also experience various kinds of rib pain, sometimes including the area of the upper back.

Rib pain is often a symptom in several lung diseases related smoking or extended exposure to pollutants. Mesothelioma and asbestosis lead the list in this category.

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous buildup of scar tissue located in the lower half of the lungs. It results from long term exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is also often caused by prolonged asbestos exposure, which damages the pleural lining of the lungs and sometimes the pericardial lining of the heart.

Various Other Causes of Rib Pain

The following causes for pain in the ribs fit into the "miscellaneous" category:

Gallbladder problems like gallstones or a gallbladder attack

Nerve issues (especially caused by damage to the spinal column)

Shingles, which often starts with acute pain in the ribcage area of the torso before erupting into an extremely uncomfortable rash

Abuse of steroids

Stress and anxiety that causes deep breathing that sometimes over extends or strains the muscles around the ribcage.

Chest pain from angina is also a possibility. Angina is a classic symptom of heart disease.

Final Thought

Obviously, there are dozens of diseases, disorders and conditions that can cause rib pain. While some are very minor and resolve on their own with time, some can be very serious. If your rib pain lasts for more than a few days, or seems to be growing in severity, it would be a good idea to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Four Natural Supplements That Will Ease Back and Joint Pain

If you suffer from back or joint pain, taking supplements may be preferable to drugs. Supplements that are naturally found in the body are less likely to have side effects like brain fog or sleepiness. They're also easier on your kidneys which have to process those drugs. Generally natural supplements are less expensive than drugs and, of course, available without a doctor's prescription.

There are several natural substances you can use to ease back and joint pain:

Magnesium

If you want relatively quick relief to muscle and joint pain, magnesium is the first supplement to try. Magnesium is necessary for numerous body functions. It is used to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, regulate heart rhythm, and support the immune system. Magnesium also regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure. For many people, a normal diet may not be enough for optimum magnesium levels so it's wise to take a supplement. Also, medications such as diuretics and antibiotics may result in magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is used in analgesics before surgery to help the patient's muscles relax. Take it right before going to bed, and it will help you have a good night's sleep. In the morning you'll awake with relaxed muscles. The only negative to magnesium is diarrhea can occur if you take more than the recommended dosage. This is a temporary effect, however, and will cease when you reduce the dosage. Magnesium is available in tablets, liquid, or powder. It is basically tasteless, so if you're averse to pills, the liquid or power can be mixed into smoothies or tea.

Glucosamine Chondroitin

Like magnesium, glucosamine is found naturally in healthy cartilage. Early medical trials show it may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. It also shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Often glucosamine is combined with chondroitin which, again, is also found in healthy cartilage. They work synergistically to rebuild cartilage. It is common to find glucosamine chondroitin combined with MSM or calcium. Taking it will not provide quick pain relief, but it will aid in rebuilding joint tissue over time. As far as side effects, there are rare reports of abdominal pain, loss of appetite or nausea.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is odorless and tasteless. It is related to DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), an alternative treatment for arthritis. Like chondroitin, it is often combined with glucosamine. MSM is naturally found in cow's milk, meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. While there is no dietary requirement for MSM, it is available in capsules, tablets, creams and lotions. Clinical trials have indicated that MSM is effective for osteoarthritis, but many people suffering from rrheumatoid arthritis have claimed it was helpful.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body as a component of connective tissue. Its main function is to cushion and lubricate. HA helps to support healthy skin, eyesight and joint function. Joints deficient of HA don't move well and become stiff. Those taking the supplement report relatively quick relief to joint pain; however, it's main benefit will be felt over time as it aids strengthening of connective and joint tissue.

Wipe Out Chronic Joint Pain With CFA Supplements

If you'd like to wipe out chronic joint pain while promoting healthy joint functions, CFA supplement will make your life more comfortable. CFA supplements (Cetylated Fatty Acids) work with your body to lubricate your joints, eliminate pain, and increase mobility with continued use.

There are many benefits to using CFA supplements. First and foremost, clinical trials have shown no side effects in users who have used CFA supplements alone or in combination with their prescription medications. This mix of fatty acids lubricates cell membranes throughout the body, benefiting the body in several ways.

1. CFA supplements aid in rapid healing of joints and surrounding tendons. Cetylated Fatty Acids are effective in healing tender joints and muscles, but the benefits don't stop there. They are so effective that they can heal deep muscle tissue, cartilage and surrounding tendons. CFAs are a powerful healing agent for sports injuries and compromised joint function due to aging and arthritis.

2. CFA supplements are far superior to other joint health products. Joint health supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin have worked well for thousands of people, but CFA supplements are more effective. When used in conjunction with supplements like glucosamine, Cetylated Fatty Acids lubricate the joints while glucosamine rebuilds the joint structure. Many people combine them with glucosamine supplements for overall joint wellness.

3. CFAs are available in topical cream and oral supplements. Whether taken orally or rubbed into the skin, CFA supplements are effective in diminishing chronic joint pain and reducing inflammation.

4. CFAs lubricate the joints. Cetylated Fatty Acids lubricate the joints quickly, providing fast-acting relief for the pain sufferer. When used over a longer period of time, CFA supplements penetrate cell membranes, providing an overall feeling of wellness.

5. CFAs cushion the joints. Cetylated Fatty Acids lubricate the joints, providing a layer of cushion to ease the pain. Lubrication allows joints to move easier and helps the user walk up and down the stairs more easily, as well as stand from a sitting position with more freedom of movement.

6. CFAs decrease inflammation. Cetylated Fatty Acids minimize inflammation due to injuries and arthritis. When used over a period of time, CFA supplements minimize joint pain and swelling.

7. CFAs alleviate pain. CFA supplements works to maintain joint health, thereby eliminating chronic joint pain.

Cetylated Fatty Acids provide overall relief for chronic joint pain, but they aren't just for people who suffer from joint pain. People are using CFA supplements as preventative measures to ward off muscle pain after workouts. Athletes who take Cetylated Fatty Acids experience less pain after physical exertion. There is also evidence that they are effective for periodontal inflammation and pain.

CFA supplements are effective at wiping out chronic joint pain as well as other painful medical conditions. Because they're available without a prescription, they're readily available to anyone who needs a fast and effective method for reducing inflammation, eliminating pain, and helping to regain mobility.

Back Pain That Moves Around - How to Treat Traveling Arthritis

Often when you're experiencing pain in the lower center part of the back, in one hour or so it could well move up to the middle of the spine, and then on to the shoulder blades.

This is referred to as "traveling arthritis", and if you've been diagnosed with arthritis of the back and are accustomed to this pattern of pain, then it may also become predictable - in which case you can pre-empt the back pain and educate yourself on ways to treat it.

Traveling arthritis in the back may also begin in the upper legs, then into your backside, and up into the lower, middle and upper back; and not to be confused with "migrating arthritis", where you may experience chronic toothache and then find the same throbbing sensation has moved to your toe.

So, if you haven't as yet had a full diagnosis then you should obviously seek professional help.

It could be any number of ailments from tendonitis to a kidney or viral infection, in which case you are fortunate as the pain will subside at some point.

However, treating back pain whether it's for the short or long-term, is at the beginning often dealt with through the same anti-inflammatory supplements - NSAID's.

These are useful in the first few weeks but should be scaled back if you're in for the long haul as arthritis is incurable right now, and simply throwing pill after pill down your throat in the hope that you are someway treating the disease is foolish.

The back pain will continue to flare up and spread and your quality of life will slowly dissolve.

Treating Traveling Arthritis in the Back

1. FDA Registered Homeopathic Supplements

These contain 3 important active compounds, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and MSM.

Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body but FDA pharmaceutical supplements use animal sources.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are argued to do two things, relieve the pain and potentially restore joint cartilage by preventing the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes from breaking down this gooey lubricant, which protects the joints and adds fluidity and mobility to our limbs movements.

With regards to relieving pain and reducing inflammation of the swelling in the back, there seems no dispute among the medical fraternity in the West that these two ingredients deliver on this front.

Re-building the cartilage however - the jury is still out. Only short-term studies on their effectiveness at relieving pain have been carried out on these supplements.

There is only one long-term study which is currently being carried out by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as to whether these supplements help rebuild cartilage.

Findings are due 2013.

MSM is the third ingredient that is well known now to successfully treat osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain, inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis

2. Hot Oil Bath and Oil Massage

For back pain in general, hot oil paths and massage should provide some respite from this discomfort.

Add a combination of 10 eucalyptus drops and 10 drops of peppermint, and soak for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

When it comes to an oil massage, be sure to tell the masseuse of your condition. Some very gentle massaging will help alleviate the stress and tension in the spine.

3. Exercise

Always consult you chiropractor before undergoing any form of quite strenuous exercise when it comes to an injured spine.

For relieving back pain with exercise both yoga, swimming and some light weight training work wonders at restoring posture and relieving joint inflammation.

Natural Arthritis Treatment For Joint Pain Relief

Arthritis is a joint disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system of our body. An arthritic joint is inflamed, very painful, stiff, swollen, warm and tender. The joints are actually the union or meeting junction of two or more bone heads. The joints of our body bear the weight of our body even while we are sitting and support the entire body structure. Therefore joints are prone to much wear and tear. When arthritis invades a joint, not only the bone heads but also the adjoining tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons are affected, making mobility painful and in some cases impossible.

Therefore arthritis may be the cause of disability for many. Arthritis may be of a hundred types, of which osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are most widespread. Osteoarthritis occurs due to friction between bone heads at the wearing out or loss of cartilage cushions that could have otherwise protected the bone heads from friction. Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of a misdirected immune system attacking healthy joints and tissues. Gout results from metabolic malfunctioning and crystallization of uric acid in joint cavity and between bones. Some causes of arthritis may be listed as follows:

1. Lack of exercise
2. Wrong diet
3. Dehydration
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Obesity
6. Degeneration of cartilages
7. Natural aging of joints
8. Joint injury or bone fracture
9. Joint infection
10. Faulty joint alignment
11. Heredity
12. Lack of vitamins
13. Over-active immune system
14. Metabolic disorders.

Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief

1. Prickly ash tea effectively eases arthritis joint pain by improving blood circulation.

2. A cup of hot ginger tea daily alleviates arthritis joint pain and inflammation.

3. A cup of tea made from nettle leaves or root sufficiently heals arthritis joint pain.

4. Heating pad or warm, damp towel application relaxes muscles and does away with stiffness and pain.

5. Rubbing ice cubes wrapped on fabric on joints reduces pain and swelling.

6. Massaging aching joint with camphorated mustard oil or coconut oil gives much relief from pain. Olive oil, castor oil, hot vinegar or warm paraffin may also be used for massaging.

7. Application of peppermint oil on aching joints gives much relief.

8. Soaking in warm bath water in tub or adding Epsom salt to bath water also lessens arthritis joint pain.

9. Taking walk in sun without any sunscreen is perhaps the easiest way to treat arthritis joint pain naturally.

10. Practicing gentle stretching around stiff joints as many times as possible through out the day keeps arthritis pain at bay.

11. Intake of alkaline juices like carrot, celery and red beet dissolve that deposits in and around joints, relieving pain.

What a Pain! Joint and Connective Tissue Disorders

Pain is pain and we want to be free from it, no matter the source of it. So often we are quick to treat the pain without taking the time to distinguish the cause. Knowing the cause of some pains can prevent unnecessary medication, mistreatment and prolonged aches and discomfort.

When dealing with joint and connective tissue disorders, the most common causes of pain are due to inflammation, swelling and inflexibility of the joints. When the inflammation is chronic, it inhibits the body's natural ability to heal and maintain joint and connective tissue health. When the joints are swollen and sore, the necessary nutrients needed by the joints to maintain synovial fluid have a hard time penetrating through the inflammation and entering into the cells of the joint tissue.

Examples of joint and connective tissue disorders that cause inflammation of joints include the following:

* Osteoarthritis
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Lupus
* Gout
* Fibromyalgia

Commonly, suffers of joint arthritis pain, lupus and gout pain try to find relief with over the counter medicines, typically containing acetaminophen. While these products can provide temporary relief, they are usually associated with a variety of side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, dependency and cardiac risks. While these medicines can offer temporary relief, they are only helping to reduce a symptom of the inflammation and momentarily reduce the pain. Many suffers of joint arthritis pain, lupus and gout pain are seeking pain management that comes without so many possible negative effects and works to resolve the cause of the aches, stiffness and inflexibility.

Joint arthritis pain and other connective tissue disorder sufferers are seeking alternative products and dietary supplements to provide relief and hopefully offer pain management that can resolve the cause. While dietary supplements aren't medicines, the natural minerals, nutrients and ingredients replicate the natural healing process of the body. For instance, a combination of chrondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid has been used in clinical studies for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

These ingredients naturally occur in the body and are needed for healthy joint and connective tissue maintenance. However, there is a catch 22: when joints undergo persistent damage and they need chrondroitin and glucosamine the most, the damage inhibits the production and absorption of these healing ingredients. Researchers have high hopes for supplementation with these ingredients, not only for joint pain relief but also for the possible repair of joint and connective tissue. Studies have not only shown a reduction in pain and an increase in flexibility, they also show improved activity of the cellular membrane in the joints, which hints at the possibility of repair and rebuilding of damaged connective tissue.

While pain management is possible, there are now more natural options to find relief from joint arthritis pain and pain caused by connective tissue disorders. However, with continued study and more research, we might find that there are possibilities beyond just pain management; such studies may prove to find solutions for the actual repair of worn and damaged joints and connective tissue.

Dealing With Joint Pain? Chiropractic Treatment Can Help

Joint pain may well be a fact of life. At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience pain in the area where two or more bones meet.

Joint pain often brings discomfort, stiffness, inflammation, and soreness to one or more joints of the body. It may accompany diseases and conditions such as infections, traumas, and immune system issues. Whether the pain results from injuries, age-related ailments or disease, joint pain presents a range of cumbersome problems. Movement, after all, depends on the proper functioning of joints.

In the case of injuries, it can present itself suddenly and severely. Injuries can include tennis elbow, swimmer's shoulder, a torn cartilage, ligaments, and a sprained ankle. Bruising or swelling usually follows dislocations, muscle strains, fractures, and injuries to the ligaments and joints.

Tennis elbow (also known as epicondylitis) is a very common muscle and soft tissue condition. It is caused by inflammation of the soft tissues, often resulting from repetitive activities (such as lifting, swimming, carpentry, and playing tennis). Common forearm and elbow pain are usually worsened by extending and flexing the wrist.

In some cases, joint pain may stem from a moderate condition or disease, such as a mild dislocation, bursitis, or ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or bone cancer. It can appear suddenly and disappear just as swiftly, showing up after prolonged periods of rest and going away when the patient moves around a bit.

Regardless of the condition or disease, joint pain often accompanies other symptoms. These symptoms can come in the form of swelling, edemas, inflammation, and fevers. A pinched nerve may also induce swelling, elbow pain, and the like.

No matter what type of joint pain afflicts you, there are some ways to alleviate the pain. Here are some tips that will offer relief:

Seek the expertise of a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment will address your joint pain with gently effective methods. Chiropractic care has proved effective in a variety of joint pain cases, and research findings have corroborated its rightful place as a solid treatment option. For example, a study by the National Institute of Health objectively supported the use of chiropractic manipulative therapy in the management of ankylosing spondylitis.

Look into massage. It can provide instant relief.

Use forms of heat therapy. Heating pads, hot baths, and saunas can ease the pain. Heat therapy increases circulation and accelerates healing.

Conversely, you should make use of ice therapy to reduce swelling, as swelling is known to cause joint pain. A doctor of chiropractic may also suggest the employment of electro-stimulation to aid the healing process between hot and cold treatments. Electrical stimulation is linked with releasing endorphins that counteract pain receptors.

Exercise. An effective exercise routine can help keep joint pain at bay while strengthening your whole body, including your joints. However, make sure to discontinue strenuous activities if the pain persists. Exercises, such as dance, stretching, and Tai Chi, help maintain regular joint movement and stimulates overall joint flexibility. They can be done on a daily basis, or at least three or four times a week. In any case, seek the guidance of your chiropractor to design an appropriate exercise routine for your condition.

Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight can lay stress on your knees and feet, adding considerable pressure to your joints.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking negatively affects your whole body, weakening muscles and tendons. It also prevents you from getting an adequate supply of oxygen running through your blood.

Take supplements of fatty acid in the form of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Tuna, salmon, halibut, and herring offer natural sources of and DHA and EPA. Studies show that these fatty acid supplements lessen joint swelling and pain, reducing the need to take corticosteroids. However, speak with you primary care doctor or chiropractor before taking supplements. Some supplements may aversely interact with medications.

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, holistic way to promote overall health and manage a wide range of conditions. Physical manipulation and alignment of the joints can reduce pain and stiffness. In addition, chiropractic care can tailor the right exercise program for your needs, and offer comprehensive nutrition and supplement advice.

Different Treatment Options For Joint Pain Relief

Joint pain is caused by many factors. The condition can be caused by any injuries that can affect the ligaments, tendons, and bursae that surround the joints. The injury can also affect the cartilage, ligaments, as well as the bones near the joint. Pain is also a symptom of arthritis also known as inflammation of the joint. Another thing that can cause joint pain is tumor. Arthralgia is also another term for joint pain.

Doctors usually prescribe medications to promote joint pain relief. Some of these medications include acetaminophen, NSAID, acetylsalicilic acid, aspirin, analgesic, antipyretic, naproxen, ibuprofen and others.

Here are some of the conditions where the drugs aforementioned are used:

o arthritis
o bursitis
o aseptic necrosis
o cartilage tear
o fracture
o sprain
o tendinitis

Other standard treatments used and prescribed by physicians include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, dietary supplements and orthopedic bracing. Joint replacement surgery is a more permanent but also, it is a very costly procedure and as with any other kinds of surgery, recovering from it is difficult.

For some people who have tried and failed in coping pain by using many synthetic drugs and protocols to accomplish joint pain relief, resorting to more natural means is much better. Fore them, alternative treatments to manage joint pain are cheaper, safer and more effected. They are cheap because branded medicines and professional fees to physicians are waved and people think that alternative treatments will not cause any side effects to the body.

Natural or alternative medications that can give relief to painful joints involve physical activities designed for joint pain management, herbal medicines, therapy, massage acupuncture, and meditation. Some also involve diets which can help ward off pain.

Many people suffering from different kinds of pain also travel to countries which are popular tourist destinations for massages. These massages according to experts can release the stress in the body and bring relief to painful joints.

Aside from massage, acupuncture is also proven to help relieve the pain not just brought by the joint but pain in the other areas of the body as well. Acupuncture's status as a simple oriental alternative treatment has evolved and become more specialized with more physicians in the western hemisphere incorporating the treatment to the therapy of their patients. Acupuncture can relive joint pain by using needles that can induce the release of good chemicals that help in suppressing pain. Also, it has been suggested that acupuncture helps to treat the exact problem area because it is very specific.

Herbal medicines can also help in giving joint pain relief. Some herbals include ginger, Indian ginseng and peperomia. Ginger can be made into tea and enjoyed as a drink. Indian ginseng on the other hand serves as ingredients in Ayurvedic treatments. The leaves and stalk of the peperomia herb are edible and can be included in salads. Just boil 1 cup of the leaves or stalk in 2 cups of water, sieve the solid remnants and enjoy the drink during mornings and afternoons.

There are natural and conventional means of treatment. It's up to you to choose between them and of course, not all treatments work for different people. Consulting experts and doing research is also essential.

6 Natural Ways to Get Relief From Arthritis and Joint Pain

There are many natural ways to get rid of arthritis and joint pain problem. Here in this article we will emphasize on some of the natural and easy ways to get relief from arthritis and joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

1. Alteration of life style is a simple way to treat arthritis. One should keep away from sedentary life style. The affected joints should not be left idle, for that will worsen the problem of joint stiffness and swelling. The patient therefore is always asked to keep the ailing joints mobile through light physical exercises which may include simple stretching and range of motion exercises, walking, swimming and cycling. However strenuous exercises, high impact activities, games that involve repetitive movements, running, jumping and hopping are to be strictly avoided. Such high impact activities would cause further damage to the worn out joints. In other words the patient should keep active to the extent he or she can tolerate.

2. Wearing of braces and splints provides external support to ailing joints and checks further wear and tear and increased incidence of joint pain at the end of day to day activities. The patient is required to change positions frequently while lying or sitting. This will tackle the problem of inflexibility and joint stiffness. While lying, the patient may elevate the affected joint with the help of pillows. This will drain out the extra fluid from the joint and thus reduce swelling.

3. Smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake should be cut down. These habits build up stress on body tissues, and increase the arthritis pain. Also the patient must keep the body weight in check. This can be done by means of exercise, yoga, dieting. Yoga and breathing exercises may also be done for relaxing one's mind and de-stressing oneself.

4. Dietary changes also help to suppress arthritic symptoms. Alkaline diet is beneficial for arthritis patients. Fresh leafy vegetables, fruits, juices of raw vegetables, food rich in omega3 fatty acids are recommended for arthritis patients. Sweet water fishes like salmon, herring, sardines are perfect examples of food items rich in omega3 acids. In other words, a balanced nutritional diet is essential. Junk food, refined food, beef, pork, meat are to be avoided. Beef and pork raise uric acid levels in body, and thereby increase the risk of gout.

5. Massage therapy is one way of controlling pain, stiffness and swelling. Massage gives a boost to the blood circulation, relaxes muscles around the joint, making them supple. Rumatone Gold massage oil, capsaicin creams, and arnica oils are good for massaging arthritic joints. One can also use homemade massage ointments and oil. Hot vinegar, heated castor oil, camphorated mustard oil, warm olive oil, essential oils like that of lavender, eucalyptus, basil added to any carrier oil, even hot paraffin are highly beneficial for rubbing on painful joints.

6. Some simple home remedies like giving warm bath to ailing joints by mixing Epsom salt to bath water, application of hot and cold compresses alternately, rubbing freshly cut cloves of garlic on joints, applying turmeric paste or crushed leaves of white willow as poultice, rubbing ice cubes wrapped in fabric on joints, can bring much relief from pain and swelling.

Left Side and Right Side Lower Back Pain: Common Causes

One of the best ways to narrow down the possible causes of your back pain is to consider where the pain is located and what type of pain sensation you feel. Many people complain of lower back pain on either the right or left side. The following descriptions of causes may help you understand your pain better.

Muscular Lower Back Pain

Pain on one side of the body may indicate a simple muscle strain. This type of pain is located in a muscle and may be felt as stiffness, soreness or an ache. Muscle strain occurs when a muscle is overworked or overstretched and suffers tears. They can occur in any number of ways throughout the day, such as twisting to the side and lifting an object.

Most cases of muscle strain heal within days. You can alleviate pain by applying ice to the muscle during the first twenty-four hours for 20 minute at a time. Once the muscle is no longer inflamed, you can use heat to loosen it up.

If you have chronic muscle pain, it is possible that a lower back muscle on one side suffers from an overuse injury. This could occur if your job or other daily activities require you to use the muscle constantly. If you have a desk job and frequently turn to one side, for example, one side of your lower back may be strained. Overuse injuries require a change in behavior to heal. Changing the layout of your work station may be a solution to this.

If you have chronic muscle strain, it is possible that your muscle has developed trigger points. These are dense knots that form and make it difficult for the muscle to relax. Trigger point massage therapy or self-myofascial release (SMR) can work out trigger points.

SI Joint Pain

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is formed where the large hip bones meets the sacrum in the lower back on each side. SI joint dysfunction occurs when the joint is misaligned and has either too much or too little motion. It becomes inflamed and irritates the sciatic nerve that runs down the leg. There are a number of causes of SI joint dysfunction; pregnancy, impact, muscle imbalance and leg length discrepancy are common causes.

The SI joint is indicated as your source of pain if the pain is centered on the joint. The joint is usually inflamed if you have SI joint dysfunction, so it may be painful to the touch. The pain may be achy or sharp and often radiates into the lower back, buttocks, hips and thighs. You may also notice that one side of your pelvis is higher or sticks out more than the other. If you have these symptoms, it would be wise to ask your doctor to test for SI joint dysfunction. Physical therapy may assist in recovery.

Sciatica Pain

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the foot on each side of the body. The nerve can become compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, tight piriformis muscle in the hip, vertebral misalignment or inflamed SI joint. These are the most common causes of sciatica pain.

"True" sciatica is marked by compression of the nerve root as it exits the spine. That said, vertebral misalignment and herniated disc are the most common causes of sciatica. SI joint inflammation and the piriformis muscle irritate the nerve further down its length and create similar pain, just with a different starting point. "True" sciatica is characterized by a sharp pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs, sometimes as far down as the foot. Treating this kind of sciatica may require chiropractic care, physical therapy and spinal decompression treatments. SI joint dysfunction and piriformis syndrome create similar pain, but the pain may be worst at the joint or hip. These conditions benefit from physical therapy.

Pain in one side of your back could indicate muscle strain, SI joint dysfunction or sciatica. If the pain is sore or achy and for the most part localized, you likely have a muscle strain on one side of your back. If the pain is sharp and radiates, you can suspect either sciatica or the SI joint. With a little education, you may be able to resolve your back pain on our own. For more serious conditions, you can help your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Joint and Back Pain

Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a new and innovative treatment that naturally heals injured joints and tissue by using the body's own healing process. PRP therapy can be used in patients suffering from joint and knee pain, lower back pain, rotator cuff tears and other orthopedic type injuries. Many clinical studies have shown the benefit from using platelet rich plasma for the non-surgical treatment of these conditions.

Joint pain, particularly in the knees and shoulders as well as back pain constitute the large majority of patients who present to their doctor's office with a complaint of pain. Many of these patients proceed to have surgery, all too often with less than optimal outcomes. Many of these patients still have the same pain they had prior to surgery, or worse, more pain. They are in chronic pain and are frustrated that no one can help them. They are amazed that surgery did not fix them. Platelet rich plasma therapy offers these patients with joint and back pain relief by healing damaged knee or shoulder joint tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Patients with back pain benefit by PRP repairing damaged ligaments and muscles.

Patients with persistent back pain frequently feel that surgery was the only option that they have. Unfortunately all too many patients fall into the trap that surgery is the only answer to their pain problem and were convinced that surgery would "cure" their pain. The most unfortunate thing is that surgery was most likely not appropriate for them in the first place. Surgery will, more frequently than not, fail to relieve spine pain. That is because in the majority of the time, back and neck pain are not due to a spinal problem. The problem most likely due to soft tissue pain: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (the cover tissue of muscles).

Platelet rich plasma offers patients an effective therapy to relieve their pain without surgery or narcotics. This incredible therapy was never taught in medical school. Basically platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your body's own natural healing process to repair damage tissues.

To make PRP, two ounces of your own blood is taken and processed to extract out PRP. In whole blood, PRP is only one percent volume of the blood. With platelet rich plasma processing, we can concentrate platelets by 500-600%. This concentrated platelet rich plasma can then be injected directly into the area with damaged tissue. This may be in the knee or shoulder joint, lower back, neck or into injured tendons or ligaments.

In patients who have bone fractures, PRP dramatically accelerates bone healing and pain relief. Platelet rich plasma therapy is a remarkable treatment. It clearly helps patient to avoid surgery, has no recovery time and uses the body's own healing mechanism to get natural, stronger healing.

This therapy has been widely used by pro athletes, including players in the NFL such as Super Bowl player Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Major League Baseball superstar and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has received PRP therapy. Perhaps most famously, pro golfer Tiger Woods received this therapy for his knee pain.

Fast Relief For Gout and Hip Joint Pain

For most people, gout pain usually shows up first in the joints of the big toe. However, as gout progresses, and more and more uric acid builds in the system, it has to find other joints where it can go. This means you might get gout pain in other places that can cause even more pain than that which you might feel when it is in your toe. So its entirely possible that your gout and hip joint pain might very well be related.

Of course, treating your gout can help reduce the amount of pain you have in your hips, but that can take a while. When you have gout and joint hip pain, you want to find something you can do for immediate relief.

The hip joint is where the pelvis and the leg connect, so naturally any type of discomfort there is going to cause difficulties. Just walking or even sitting can be painful, and moving from one position to another can be next to impossible, depending on the amount of pain you have.

One of the first things many do when they have gout and hip joint pain is take NSAIDS. These are pain relievers that can also reduce some of the swelling in the area. That takes some of the pressure off of the joint, and can add some flexibility where it might have been stiff and unforgiving.

A treatment of heat and ice can also help when gout and hip joint pains are making it hard to move around. Ask your doctor about the proper way to do this type of simple treatment. The heat and then the cold ice packs can help bring some of the swelling down and then keep it from flaring back up right away. If you can apply this therapy and stay at home, try using a walking stick when up and about to avoid putting weight on the hip. Avoid swift motions, and take your time moving around. When seated or lying down, find a position that puts the least amount of stress on your hip and pelvis area.

When thinking in the long term about gout and hip joint pain, you should talk to your doctor about an exercise program that can help strengthen the hip. You might also want to consider that gout is not the only reason that you are having pain in the hip, and that there may be other contributing factors. If you can get those factors addressed, the gout attacks in your hip area might not be as bad in the long run. Remember that by following advice about diet, medications, and other lifestyle changes gout can generally be well controlled.