Arthritis and back problems are more widespread than you may think. But neither of them has to be just "lived with" - there are ways of easing the pain.
When joints go bad
It's not true that arthritic pain is a condition that goes hand-in-hand with aging. It can also affect children and young adults, severely limiting their activities. In these cases, easing the pain is an important part of being able to live life to its fullest.
The term arthritis actually refers to a group of disorders that includes rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and others. What they have in common is joint pain. While the causes of the actual pain for the different types of arthritis may be different, some of the same solutions may work. Here are some medications that might help.
Over-the-counter medications
ASA (Aspirin®) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin® and Advil®) can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain. If you take ASA, it's recommended that it be a buffered type (coated) because it can be irritating to the stomach.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be effective for reducing pain, but is not effective for reducing inflammation. Therefore, it can be helpful for types of arthritis where there is not much inflammation, such as osteoarthritis. However, types of arthritis with a lot of inflammation will not be helped much by acetaminophen.
All over-the-counter medications should be taken with caution. Always check with your doctor first about which pain relief drug may be best for you, especially if you have any kidney or liver problems. Also, it's important to keep track of all medications you're buying off the shelf in the pharmacy and all medications that are being prescribed for you. These combinations don't always mix, and can be dangerous. Talk to your pharmacist about possible interactions.
Prescription medications
Some medications of a class called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are available that might be tried for rheumatoid arthritis if the analgesics (pain relievers) don't work. They include:
- Gold injections.
- Antimalarial drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine.
- Penicillamine.
- Sulfasalazine.
- Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and azathioprine.
A new class of drugs, called biologics, is available to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The first drug to become available in this class is adalimumab (Humira®). It is used for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have already tried one or more DMARDs but did not get adequate relief. Biologics can be used alone or in combination with DMARDs.
Another therapy undergoing research is joint fluid therapy, which replaces the fluids lost as a result of the disease.
For some people, non-medicinal approaches to fighting pain can also offer comfort. For example, a splint attached to the affected joint can protect it from repeated motions. Physiotherapy with active exercise helps others. Lifestyle changes, such as moving to a warmer climate, eliminate the pain for those affected by cool and damp weather. A healthy diet, along with some types of exercise - alternated with lots of rest - can go a long way in easing discomfort and maintaining mobility.
Does twisting make you shout?
Back pain is a very common human bane. It often comes on unexpectedly and can be the result of an accident, sudden movement or long-term stress on the spine. Once you have a back problem, there are ways that you can try to reduce repeat injuries and allow yourself to move freely again.
Back pain is especially intrusive and debilitating because of the central role the spine plays in our lives. Although we all get occasional back pains from sitting too long, for instance, acute or prolonged back pain could be a signal that there's a problem. A visit to the doctor is in order to rule out any serious difficulties.
The spine is a very complex structure, so the reasons for pain are many and varied. One major cause is degeneration of the disks. Through the wear and tear of life, the disks act as the body's shock absorber. After a while, these can compress, which triggers pain. Even though the problem might seem to have started suddenly, chances are that the condition was building up, and a sudden movement may have been the final straw.
Not long ago, many doctors recommended bed rest for sore backs, but that way of thinking has changed. Bed rest may still be recommended, but only for the first 24 to 48 hours of pain - then it's time to get moving again. For an acute strain, short-term bed rest, over-the-counter pain relievers (such acetaminophen or ASA), and heat packs are often enough to get you over the hump. Moving about isn't comfortable, but it's often truly the best way to heal your back if your doctor advises you to do this. Your doctor might also recommend a muscle relaxant.
Chiropractors and physiotherapists also play a role in back health. Chiropractors use carefully applied techniques (also known as "adjustment") to physically manipulate the joints of the spine, which can help relieve back pain. Physiotherapists can teach you how to move so you can avoid pain. Both professionals can also show you how to prevent future back injuries.
Severe back injuries may need surgery but, as with bed rest, doctors are trying to limit the number of operations being done. It seems that time is really the healer in most back injuries, and now doctors are waiting months before deciding whether or not an operation really is the best solution.
The best way to beat back pain is through prevention. Some of the following suggestions might help avoid a back injury:
- Maintain your ideal body weight - more weight increases the stress on the spine.
- Exercise to increase the strength of your abdominal and lower back muscles, which help support the spine.
- Learn to lift objects safely - lift with the legs, don't bend your back.
- Practice good posture, both standing and sitting.
- Wear good, supportive shoes.
Read more...
Pain - Part 2
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Resources
Conditions database - Low back pain
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Conditions database - Chronic pain
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Ontario Ministry of Labour - Pains and Strains: Key Topics
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Ontario Ministry of Labour - Prevent Workplace Pains & Strains! It's time to take action!
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Article - Why exercise is vital to health
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