HOW STOPPING ARTHRITIS
- Andrew Ivanchenko M.D.
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The middle-aged spread and flabby flesh
Do hold you at gunpoint:
They mean arthritisis gonna smash
Your spine and every joint!
Nagging pain in the joints seems almost inevitable at a certain age. It may manifest itself as a dull pain in the neck or lower back, as squeaking knees, or a shooting pain in the hip. Some people’s fingers or wrists ail them; others cannot fall asleep because of shoulder pain.
All that doctors can do is just comfort the hapless victims. “What can you expect at your age, my dear? The real trouble is when you wake up, and nothing hurts…” Hold on, there is still some hope.
The joint cavity is narrowed. Cartilage is worn out. Bone spurs.
Healthy hip joint. Arthritis of the hip joint.
The causes of arthritis
Arthritis may arise from the inflammation of the joint tissues after either an injury, or a treacherous attack by the body’s own immune system (the so called autoimmune arthritis). More often, however, simple wear and tear of the joint are to blame. Yes, nothing becomes newer and shinier with time. Tissues wear out, get injured and inflamed, microcirculation deteriorates, and healing slows down. All this leads to the buildup of chronic inflammation in the joints, which, unfortunately, means pain.
Muscles provide the bulk of protection to the joints and, if elastic and strong, prevent their overexertion.
So where’s the hope? Well, we all know that scheduled maintenance extends the service life of any machine. The musculoskeletal system is no exception. Muscles are mentioned here for a reason: they provide the bulk of protection to the joints and, if elastic and strong, prevent their overexertion. Conversely, weak and stiff muscles increase strain on the ligaments and, at some point, on the joint cartilage as well. So, if you want to ward off arthritis, start with strengthening your muscles and keeping them in good shape.
The age factor, though, cannot be forgotten either. Athletic feats that, at a tender age, may be a source of great pride become a risky proposition for old-timers with a low hormone level and an overexcited immune system. The pleasant muscle pain after a heavy workout can lead to a major inflammation in muscles and ligaments. Older people need to exercise even more than youngsters, yet they have to be very, very careful if the goal is to help rather then destroy their treasured joints.
Stress and immunity
Arthritis in the USA alone afflicts over 42 million people, and every sixth of them becomes disabled as a result. In fact, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in this country.
The hormonal system and the immune system need to be supported with vitamins, food supplements and a healthy lifestyle (including regular vacations). In terms of vitamins, cod liver oil and ample doses of vitamins C and D are especially critical.
One should also use medicinal herbs, particularly those with anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, as well as valerian root or lemon balm to reduce stress in the nervous system. Remember that chronic stress upsets the immune system and leads to major diseases of internal organs (including cancer).
Comprehensive arthritis therapy
A combination of drugs, acupuncture or laser reflex therapy provides fast relief from arthritis.
Self-help is all well and good, but support from a medical professional who knows how to deal with inflammation is often required. His aim would be to eliminate those sensitive spots in the muscles called trigger points. An expert in muscle relaxation and neuromuscular massage can neutralize these “missile siloes” of your smoldering arthritis painlessly and quickly. He would use a combination of drugs, acupuncture or laser reflex therapy plus, like in our clinic, fast-acting osteopathic manipulations. The latter soothe the pinched or herniated sensitive tissue, producing the effect akin to opening the door that caught your finger.
My years of experience show that arthritis can indeed be stopped and even partially reversed -- as if your biological clock were put back several years. So never ignore your joint pain. Seek help, fight – and you will win!
