Natural Pain Relief Safety and Benefits

Pain can be experienced as a result of old age, physical illness, extensive exercise, overwork, heavy lifting, strained muscles or broken bones. Pain triggers a region of the brain known as the lateral occipital complex, reducing a person's ability to concentrate and accurately recognize images, i.e. our ability to think and perceive properly. Pain also interferes with our ability to cope with life emotionally, e.g. sadness, irritation and perhaps depression and hopelessness. Supermarkets and pharmacies have aisles and aisles of pills, powders and bandages to help with pain relief. Some common pain relief medication can cause mild side effects like drowsiness or nausea. Other pain relief medications are prescribed and can have even more serious side effects. Drugs like vicodin and percocet are prescription, heavy duty narcotic pain relief pills that are addictive and dangerous if not taken carefully. New studies suggest those drugs that block pain could also be stimulating receptors that cause pain as well.

A safer option for society's pain relief is the variety of all natural products. These all natural products aid in pain relief for muscle and joint pain, as well as relax the body for a general improvement of the body and soul. Some examples of natural pain relief products are vitamins, supplements, herbs, ointments, creams and even bath formulas to reduce inflammation

Both glucosamine and chondroiton are a nutritional approach to maintaining the fluids needed to lubricate joints and cartilage. . Glucosamine is an amino found in the body that stimulates growth of new cartilage and can also help to reduce joint pain. People using glucosamine experienced as much pain relief as those taking over-the-counter medications. Antioxidants such as glutathione can help tissue recover from inflammation. The antioxidant acetyl-cystine, a precursor to glutathione, can reduce pain from nerve damage. There are widely known natural and herbal remedies for pain relief. These include varying amounts and combinations of "Devil's Claw", Willow Bark, Boswellia, Camomile, Bromelain, Oil of Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Nettle leaf, St. John's Wort, arnica gel, celadrin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, msm and natural pain relief formulas to reduce neuropathic pain.

Bromelain is particularly useful for reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid. Supplements are made from enzymes found in the pineapple stem. Bromelain is believed to be an effective blood thinner and anti-inflammatory that works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein that can interfere with good circulation and stop tissues from releasing used material and toxins properly. Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that can cause swelling and pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatized area, Bomelain can help reduce muscle and joint pain, reduce swelling, bruising, redness and drain excess fluid from the injured area.

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common experiences for people with chronic pain. It may not always be that the pain itself prevents a good night's sleep. Some studies suggest that poor sleep makes the pain worse. In fact, one study in healthy men found they grew more sensitive to painful stimuli when deprived of sleep. There are many natural sleep aids available to facilitate a good night's sleep that do not carry the risk of morning after drowsiness, dependence, or impaired thinking or physical ability.

As mentioned earlier, pain can also interfere with one's ability to cope emotionally, concentrate, and perceive properly. Pain may arouse fear, sadness, irritation, moderate depression and decrease one's ability to give and hold attention. There are a wide variety of natural supplements and formulas to help increase oxygen and serotonin to our brain to help us remain calm and alert. These natural supplements include may also be pain relieving as well as mood enhancing at the same time e.g. St. John's Wort, acytl-cystine, and other antioxidants and amino acids that improve general circulation and promote healing as well as enhancing brain function.

Hydrotherapy, i.e. the use of water for relieving stress, tension, and muscle aches, is an ancient and widely used form of natural pain relief. There are natural elements that can be added to our warm, soaking baths to increase water's natural ability to relieve pain. There are also many aromatherapy bath products, e.g. sea salts, minerals, and oils, that not only help with pain relief but also provide therapeutic aromas that help soothe our emotional well being and emotional ability to cope with pain.

There are many topical and ingestion natural supplements and formulas available to help us relieve and cope with pain. These natural substances do not present a risk of harmful or unwanted side effects e.g. dependence, drowsiness, pain increase, etc., as do some prescription synthetic drugs. Natural pain relief supplements can actually help eliminate the source and cause of pain, i.e. aid healing, as well as reducing the feeling and experience of pain. Often natural pain relief supplements provide additional benefits, beyond pain relief, for improving our overall health in general.

Joint Advance - The Side Effects

One major hesitation that consumers have when trying out herbal supplements or any new product is the possible side effects that it has. Joint Advance is no exception to the rule. Even though it contains very helpful and effective ingredients, those same ingredients can induce possible side effects in patients. Below is a list of the key ingredients and the possible side effects that it can cause.

Glucosamine

This ingredient is primarily made from shellfish, like lobsters, crabs or shrimps. Obviously, people who have allergic reactions to seafood could possibly get the same when they take products with this ingredient. It's best to consult your physician first and find out whether it's okay to take it.

Vitamin C

Of course, there are no extreme effects when taking in Vitamin C. However, it has been noted that over dosage can cause mild diarrhea. Apart from that, no other side effects are known.

White Willow Bark

This is also considered to be a pretty safe ingredient. However, nursing women as well as children under 16 years old should avoid taking in supplements that contain this element.

Most of the other ingredients in Joint Advance, like MSM and Chondroitin are considered to have no known side effect. It is only natural to question the legitimacy of a product and its effects before purchasing them.

It is always advisable to consult your physician first about your condition so that you can know the proper medications or supplements to take. Ask about any recommended product or supplement that can effectively relieve your joint problems.

Joint Advance is only one product, out of the many health supplements available in the market today. Be sure to do your research first and look for the perfect one for you.

Pain Relief Options for Osteoarthritis

If you are a sufferer of osteoarthritis I don't need to tell you that the major complaint is - the achy stiffness, discomfort, pain and eventual inflammation. As the symptoms progress and cartilage erodes, the pain gets increasingly worse to the point that in many cases pain relief is required to simply function on a daily basis. This is what drives most people to have the offending joint or joints replaced with artificial ones. However, this option is only open to those with hip or knee problems and does nothing for those suffering from osteoarthritis of the hands or spine.. Even for those who choose to attempt to heal their condition through lifestyle changes, nutritional re-balancing, and re-mineralization will have to continue to deal with the discomfort until their body has had time to return to balance. Depending on the progression of the condition the healing process can take some time. So at the end of the day, whether one is awaiting surgery, dealing with the condition in an area of the body without a surgical solution, or is taking the time and effort to heal their condition, dealing with pain is the common primary concern for those with osteoarthritis.

The standard allopathic response to this issue is naturally a pharmaceutical one. Unfortunately the types of drugs commonly prescribed in these situations are associated with many adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially after long term use. The group of drugs to which I am referring are among the most widely used in the developed world. They are called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These are drugs with analgesic (pain-reducing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. One report published in Clinical Cornerstone stated that NSAIDs account for 70 million prescriptions and $30 billion in over-the-counter sales in the United States alone. Whether or not these numbers are accurate, the market is obviously huge. Some common names that you may be familiar with in this category of drugs are ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis KT) and even good old aspirin, to name a few.

The main ADRs associated with prolonged or over-use of NSAIDs are well documented and on the increase. One of the immediate effects is on the gastrointestinal system. The molecular nature of NSAIDs is acidic, which causes irritation of the gastric mucosa. This in turn leads to digestive problems including nausea, gastric ulceration and intestinal bleeding, and even diarrhoea. Another area of concern with overuse of NSAIDs is that of renal interference. They impair the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are vasodilators. This in turn leads to the restriction of blood flow to the kidneys, which can cause fluid retention, sodium-potassium imbalance, as well as potential hypertension (high blood pressure). Of particular interest to OA sufferers are the studies going back as far as the late 70s that also indicated an acceleration of cartilage breakdown. Yes, that's right. When you take these pain medications to relieve headaches, migraines, menstrual pain, postoperative pain, arthritis pain, or any kind of pain, you may be actually accelerating the breakdown of your cartilage. If you are currently using one of these drugs to treat your osteoarthritis, you might want to consider potential alternatives for pain control, especially in the case of long term use.

In this area there are a few options that can be used individually or combined that have been shown to be effective in various studies. Given our acquired metabolic strengths and weaknesses, some experimentation may be required to find out which product or combination of products works best for you. In my experience the efficacy of a supplement is often determined by quality, sourcing, and processing, which will speak to issues of bio-availability. In this regard you usually get what you pay for, so caveat emptor.

One of the oldest and most overlooked treatments for joint pain is sulphur, which tends to occur naturally in many hot springs and is probably why people with arthritis find relief after bathing in them. Elemental sulphur used to be present in our drinking water but has been long lost to our diets through municipal filtration. In supplemental form it is usually found as a compound called methylsulphonylmethane (MSM). To my knowledge the clinical trials are scant and inconclusive; however, the ones I have looked at that show marginal success are dealing with pretty low dose ranges. Dr. Al Sears in a recent newsletter was recommending a daily dose of 850 mg for the treatment of joint pain. What MSM appears to do is to improve the permeability or flow-through of your cellular membranes. If this flow-through is impaired, toxins can build up in the cells, contributing to cellular pressure, inflammation and discomfort. When the flow-through is improved toxins are released, pressure is relieved, and inflammation decreases. This form of sulphur also appears to function as an effective anti-oxidant, which is always a good thing.

I suppose glucosamine sulfate needs to mentioned given that it is the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral supplement purchased by American adults. In the case of glucosamine, clinical studies appear to be all over the map with some showing improvement of symptoms while others show it to be no more effective than a placebo. Anecdotally it would appear that some people do experience significant relief of symptoms but only after many weeks or months of use. This probably has to do with the absorbability of glucosamine, which some studies have indicated may be as low as 15-20% of dose. This would indicate that glucosamine is not likely to be of use in the short term for control of pain.

Omega 3 oils have been shown to be a worthwhile investment for their many benefits to health in general. Their anti-inflammatory properties as well as the general metabolic need for omega 3s have been well documented and there are now numerous studies showing improved joint mobility. The turning of our collective diets away from saturated fats to seed and corn oils has led to an over abundance of omega 6s and 9s and fewer omega 3s than would have been present in a more traditional or evolved diet. Over abundance of omega 6s and 9s actually contribute to the potential for increased inflammation. When it comes to supplementing with omega 3s, source and processing will I believe determine effectiveness to a large degree. Although fish oil has been popular in the past, they can easily become rancid through oxidation, thereby losing any anti-oxidant effect they would have in the body. Another more contemporary issue with fish oil is the potential for bio-accumulated toxins like mercury and PCBs. This problem will obviously increase the further up the food chain you go for sourcing. For my personal use I have found the best bang for the buck is with a good quality Krill product. Krill is one of the largest biomasses on the planet; in fact, some large species of whales feed on it exclusively. Since it is harvested from relatively cleaner Antarctic waters, as well as being at the bottom of the food chain, bio-accumulated toxins become a relative non issue. Krill also contains the highest levels of a 'super' anti-oxidant called astaxanthin, which protects the omega 3 oils from becoming rancid and improves bio-availability and activity immensely.

From Ayurvedic Eastern traditions we know that turmeric has long been used as another potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. The most active component of turmeric is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric the intense yellow colour. There are now a growing number of studies as well as anecdotal evidence indicating a significant decrease in discomfort and increase of mobility for osteoarthritis sufferers, described by some as equivalent to the effect of NSAID's. Turmeric appears to be another one of those 'super' anti-oxidants that have many beneficial effects throughout the metabolism and seems particularly adept at helping the body deal with chronic low-grade inflammation. I have been using turmeric myself for some time now and can personally attest to its benefits. The turmeric powder which is used in food and medicinally is ground from the root of the plant. As with any supplement, sourcing is everything and you're probably best to find an organic source raised and harvested in the Ayurveda tradition. After all, they've been at it for 5000 years so they should know what they're doing by now.

One last potential alternative I would like to make mention of is something called Pycnoginol, which is a registered trade mark. I came upon this product quite recently while attending a webinar so I'm still in the process of investigation myself. However, given what I've read so far in the research, this product certainly warrants further investigation. Pycnoginol is an extract made from the bark of a maritime pine tree which only grows on the southwest coast of France. The claims of the manufacturer are backed by 280 published scientific studies and reviews as well as data collected from 7000 patients in 98 clinical studies. I'll leave this one simply as a heads up to provide further options in the pursuit of pain relief.

Given the problems inherent with the long term use of NSAID's, I hope this information, if nothing else, has at least provided options that can be used safely and in the end possibly do more to correct your osteoarthritis rather than contributing to its progression.

Your Five Minute TMJ Cure

Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ, is a relatively common jaw disorder that occurs in up to 10% of the population. TMJ can occur at any age, but most often affects those in early adulthood and women. The cause of TMJ is not known, but it is believed to be caused by the displacement of the cartilage joining the jaw to the skull. TMJ can also be brought on by orthodontic work, badly fitting dentures and nutritional deficiencies.

The symptoms of TMJ include jaw pain, clicking and trouble opening and closing the mouth. In addition, sufferers may experience frequent earaches, facial pain, headache, neck pain and tinnitus. TMJ sufferers often grind their teeth in an attempt to relieve the pain and find a comfortable bite. It is not uncommon for the tissues around the jaw to swell and for the jaw to drop to one side when the mouth is opened.

There is no single TMJ cure, and doctors commonly prescribe painkillers to help relieve the discomfort. However, there are exercises which have been found to be helpful for strengthening the jaw muscles which can help to improve the symptoms of TMJ.

The Five Minute TMJ Cure.

This exercise has been very helpful for relieving pain in TMJ sufferers and has even cured the condition completely in some patients.

1. Place back teeth together, close mouth and place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth.


2. Keeping teeth closed together, try to move the tongue as far back as possible whilst keeping it on the roof of the mouth.


3. Keeping tongue in the backward position, open the mouth gently until a slight tugging sensation occurs. The sensation should not be painful to the tongue, if pain occurs close the mouth slightly. Hold this for about 15 seconds. Relax for a few seconds.


4. Repeat the whole process for 5 minutes.

This exercise is most effective when repeated twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Another very effective exercise for TMJ sufferers who have a deviated jaw (one which drops to one side when the mouth is opened) is this process which is designed to realign the jaw.

1. In front of a mirror, try to open the mouth straight. This can be very difficult and even a little painful at first.


2. Open and close the jaw in the correct way eight times and then rest for thirty seconds.


3. Repeat the sequence twice more.


4. The exercise should be repeated three times each day.

Although these exercises may not provide a complete TMJ cure for some people, they should go a long way to relieving the pain and symptoms associated with the disorder.

Fatigue And Joint Pain: Common Arthritis Symptoms

The symptoms of fatigue and joint pain, are associated with a great deal of illnesses and diseases, ranging from the common flu to serious autoimmune diseases like lupus or thyroid disorders.

And.....

The symptoms that are most associated with arthritis are those of fatigue and joint pain.

So if you are experiencing any problems that you think to be arthritis, consult your primary health care provider before making any attempts at self medication.

Although a diagnosis of arthritis may be troubling, know that although there is no cure known today for the disease, there are a great many treatment options available to deal with the fatigue and joint pain so that you can reclaim your life.

Generally speaking, arthritis is a condition of inflammation around the joints in a sufferer's body.

Any joint is open to being affected by arthritis, but the usually affected areas include the hands, knees, shoulders, and back.

When the area becomes inflamed, the joints swell, causing a great deal of pain and often an overall feeling of stiffness.

Usually, arthritis causes an individual to lose a certain amount of mobility, whether it is an inability to grasp items or complete a given task due to a restricted range of motion.

Quite often, individuals who suffer from fatigue and joint pain are forced to give up favorite activities simply because their bodies are unable to perform tasks they once enjoyed.

This can include hobbies that require fine motor work, such as needlework, gardening, or painting.

Instead of letting arthritis rule your life, take a stance and fight back. There are many over the counter and prescription medications that can reduce inflammation and restore lost mobility.

Consult your primary health care provider to ensure any medications--including those that are advertised as all natural--will not interact with any current medications or medical issues that you may be experiencing.

Another way to ward off the affects of arthritis is to ensure your body is in proper health.

Work to maintain a healthy, well balanced diet that includes all necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Exercise at least twice a week and consider taking ancient forms of exercise like yoga or Tai Chi.

Valgus - What Does This Mean in Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

'Valgus' is a term used by the medical profession to describe joints that form an angle different from the usual. It does not apply only to the knee. Valgus means that the part of the body furthest away from the torso is angled away from the midline position. In simple terms, if the knees are described as valgus, they are 'Knock-kneed.'

Valgus knees indicate that the arthritis is mainly on the outside of the knee. The wearing down of the cartilage lining on the outside of the knee has led to a change in the angle through the joint. The terminology a doctor would use would be to describe being knock-kneed as having a valgus deformity, or the latin phrase 'genu valgum.'

Doctors approximate the angle of deformity to assess the progression of the degenerative joint disease. Please note: there is natural variation between individuals, with some having a larger angle through the knee than others. The change in angle is the important factor.

When a knee becomes so painful that surgery is the only option, the good news is that in most cases the surgeon can correct any angulation. It is not uncommon for patients to have a straighter knee after their operation than they have had for years.

As is common in osteoarthritis, it is important not to focus too much on factors such as joint angle - after all it is just a measurement. Symptoms, particularly pain, generally take priority in the decision making process. It is wise to seek an expert opinion however, as on some occasions, large deformities make surgical intervention more difficult than usual.

Joint Pain Relief Naturally Today

Joint pain relief is a growing need for millions of people of all ages due to their problems with stiffness and aching that keeps them from doing what they love to do. Have you been experiencing difficulty sleeping, getting out of bed, enjoying your work and hobbies, or simply moving around freely? Pain in the joints can cause suffering in a lot of ways, which is why we wanted to take the time to help you discover the answers to your swelling and inflexibility.

This guide to joint pain relief will teach you about the various causes, symptoms, and products that can help you feel better. We will also give you some important things to look for when searching around for the right treatment for your joints. Not every pill or ointment is made the same, so it's good to know what makes a high quality, effective product.

Possible Causes of Joint Pain

The causes of joint pain are going to dictate which method of treatment is the best for your situation. You may have tried many products in the past without first understanding the reason behind your symptoms.

Possible causes of joint pain can be arthritis, fracture, fibromyalgia, injury, sickle cell anemia, or even drug withdrawal. There are other causes that can overlap with other conditions such as typhus, Sjogren's Syndrome, or SAPHO syndrome. Your pain isn't necessarily just related to your joints, in other words. This can be a complicated condition that has stemmed from an illness of the blood or immune system.

If you are like most people with joint pain, your inflammation may be due to arthritis damage as a result of an imbalanced or weakened immune system. Arthritis can come in many forms, so you may want to discuss with your doctor first to determine what your exact condition is before seeking treatment.

Depending on your specific cause, you may be able to treat it with the right products and methods. The only bad news is it can be very painful until you find the right joint pain relief that works for you. So where do you begin on your search for relief?

What to Look for When Choosing Joint Pain Relief Products

First and foremost, it's important that you look for a joint pain relief product that is proven to be safe with no harmful side effects. We can't emphasize enough how crucial it is to choose one that has been tested and known to use only pharmaceutical grade ingredients. There are plenty of anti-inflammatory supplements and drugs on the market that contain unknown compounds that haven't been thoroughly tested. Please consider a safer product and consult with your doctor to be sure it will be safe for you.

Testimonials are another important part of your search for an anti-inflammatory supplement. Don't consider anything that hasn't been shown to help other people with joint problems - it's like taking a shot in the dark. If you can find something that has been supported by numerous published testimonials, you may be on the right path. Be on the lookout for products that helped arthritis sufferers and fitness lovers with their mobility. When people are claiming they can move once again without pain, you know it's something worth considering for yourself.

Finally, you want to look for a treatment that addresses the causes of inflammation in the body, rather than hiding them with simple pain relievers. Anyone can make a product that has natural or synthetic ingredients to stop the pain, but they don't necessarily address the root of the pain itself. To avoid wasting money on a product that doesn't solve the real problem, look for a product that treats the true cause of pain - immune response imbalance.

Joint Pain Relief Should Balance the Immune Response

There should be a combination of ingredients in a proper anti-inflammatory product that targets the joints. With the right formula, the immune response can be balanced rather than reacting inappropriately in a painful way.

Herbs and natural extracts are commonly found in these types of supplements for their ability to support muscle growth around the joints and increasing blood flow. Other ingredients like polysaccharides and enzymes work to enhance the immune system and improve autoimmune diseases that may be causing pain. You should look for something that can accomplish all of these tasks, providing your body the best opportunity to rebuild and heal naturally.

Provailen Fits the Criteria We Recommend

One of the few products we were able to find that actually meets all of the criteria above is Provailen. It receives glowing testimonials, and it's been tested to be safe and effective. This product also seems to be a step above the rest when it comes to addressing the immune response we described above. If you're looking for honest joint pain relief in a natural formula, Provailen could be the perfect one for you.