Who Gets Spinal Arthritis and Why?
Arthritis is a term that describes a number of different diseases that can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness of the joints. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that some of the most common forms of this condition include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis.
For the millions of people affected by arthritis, this condition can be difficult to manage, especially when it occurs in the spinal joints. These joints, like any other joint in your body, have a protective layer of cartilage that can wear out over time, causing the bones to rub against one another. This bone-on-bone friction can result in inflammation and pain, as well as lost flexibility, bone spurs, irritated nerves, back pain, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.
But who is most at risk to get spinal arthritis, and why? We asked Laser Spine Institutes Director of Medical Services, Irene Rademeyer, PT, OCS, this question. Here’s what she had to say:
“Most people will develop some form of spinal arthritis in their lifetime if they live long enough, but there are certain factors that make some people more likely to have it,” Irene says.
Here is a brief look at the factors that might put you at a greater risk for developing spinal arthritis:
Genetics may result in a familial predisposition to osteoarthritis, which can cause an earlier onset of this condition. This can be observed as you see your parents and grandparents age and although you cannot stop it, it can be very well managed.
Occupational requirements that place excessive demands on your spine. At Laser Spine Institute, we see this in football players, dentists, gymnasts, pilots, etc.
Repetitive overloads that put compressive forces on the spine over a long period, such as weightlifting, sitting for long periods, leaning over constantly, and repetitive lifting and twisting.
“Spinal arthritis presents as stiffness, muscle pain, spasm or weakness, and sometimes nerve pain,” Irene says. “It can be well managed with exercise, physical therapy, medication, intervention and lifestyle changes.”
However, some patients can’t find relief from spinal arthritis through conservative measures and instead turn to surgery. If you’re suffering from spinal arthritis and you are exploring other treatments, please contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures that can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain. Also, be sure to join the discussion on our Facebook page where you can get firsthand accounts from former patients who have trusted our endoscopic procedures to help relieve their spinal arthritis.
*Picture courtesy of Google Images.
November 13th, 2010
There are lots of elements that contribute to the development of Gout arthritis. Genetic factors, age, obesity, metabolism, improper diet plan, smoking and the abuse of alcohol are all considered the causes of Gout arthritis.
Gout arthritis is a kind of arthritis that occurs due to high ranges of uric acid in the bloodstream. In large quantities, uric acid is difficult to eliminate through the process of excretion and tends to accumulate and deposit at different ranges of the body. Uric acid crystals cause inflammation, pain, sourness & swelling from the joints. Gout arthritis can also have an effect on skin and soft tissue such as tendons and muscles, decreasing their flexibility & integrity.
Renal insufficiency & metabolic problems are also regarded as to be causes of gout. Genetic issues & chronic anemia are other elements that facilitate the development of gout arthritis. Research results point out that obesity is an additional cause of gout, as there are lots of obese individuals affected by various kinds of arthritis. Excessive weight contributes to the development of gout arthritis too, because the bodies of overweight people seem to secrete more uric acid. People with weight problems are much more predisposed to injuries at the level of the joints when affected by gout arthritis.
Age is a determinant factor in the development of gout arthritis, as individuals over 50 are more likely to become affected by the disease than young adults or children. An interesting aspect of gout is that it largely affects males.
Gout arthritis is believed to have a pronounced hereditary character, because the disease is recognized to be transmissible from one generation to another. Statistics indicate that some people who suffer from gout possess a family history of the disease.
Because of the fact that theres no specific therapy for gout arthritis, its very important to take actions in stopping the illness from occurring. An appropriate diet, good exercise and a healthy lifestyle play very important roles in the prevention and treatment of gout arthritis. Although smoking and the consumption of alcohol arent considered to be causes of gout arthritis, they considerably aggravate the symptoms of the illness.
The meals which are believed to cause gout arthritis contain high ranges of saturated fats or are extremely rich in purines. When the body synthesizes purine, it releases a lot of uric acid. It is best to reduce the quantity of foods that include purine, such as organ meats or fish. Some vegetables and dairy goods also contain a great deal of purines.
Foods which are considered to be suitable for individuals who are afflicted by gout arthritis are green vegetables, fruits, low-fat milk, cereals, and chicken meat. Drinking right amounts of water is known to assist the body in the process of eliminating the excess of uric acid. Therefore, its advised to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water every day to ensure that the surplus of uric acid is properly excreted from the body.
November 11th, 2010
Policy|People|Business||Business watch|Events|Research|Coming up
Policy
USIndia ties On a state visit to India, US President Barack Obama announced on 8 November that his administration would ease restrictions on the export of technologies to India’s defence and space-related agencies. He added that reforms to export controls would promote a greater partnership between the two nations. India has been subject to US sanctions on high-tech exports since its nuclear-weapons tests in 1998.
Oil-spill faults A White House-appointed commission investigating the explosion at BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico published preliminary findings and held public hearings in Washington DC on 8 and 9 November. The findings laid out a list of faults leading up to the blowout, including human error and technical failures, but said that there was “no evidence at this time to suggest that there was a conscious decision to sacrifice safety concerns to save money”. The commission’s report is scheduled to be released in January 2011.
Election fallout After Republican success in the US midterm elections last week, a divided Congress coupled with public concern over government spending could herald a period of budget-cutting for US research. See page 146 for more.
Education costs Higher education in science and medicine looks set to become much more expensive in England. On 3 November, the UK government announced that universities will be able to charge students fees of up to 6,000 (US$9,700) a year, and in some cases up to 9,000. Those taking degrees in laboratory-based subjects are likely to face the biggest hikes. The move is a key part of the government’s plan to overhaul university funding after it decided in October to cut the higher-education budget by 2.9 billion over four years. The current cap on student fees is 3,290.
Polar-bear status The US Department of the Interior has until 23 December to explain its 2008 decision during the administration of president George W. Bush to list the polar bear as a ‘threatened’ but not ‘endangered’ species, a federal judge ruled on 4 November. The order follows a lawsuit challenging the ‘threatened’ listing, brought by environmental campaigners including the Center for Biological Diversity, based in Tucson, Arizona. They hope that a change of listing to ‘endangered’ may mean that the Endangered Species Act can be used to protect the bears’ sea-ice habitats by enforcing the regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions.
People
Detention protest Nineteen physicists have written to the French Physical Society to protest against the detention of Adlne Hicheur, a 33-year-old French-Algerian researcher who has been held on suspicion of terrorism for more than a year without a trial. Hicheur was a postdoc at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) before his arrest in France on 8 October 2009 for alleged ties to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb the North African branch of the terrorist organization. The physicists warn that the “length and the arbitrariness of the procedure” could damage Hicheur’s career. See go.nature.com/xakh8r for more.
Business
Biotech squeeze Biogen Idec a prominent US biotechnology firm that is one of the few first-generation biotechs not to have been consumed by big pharma said on 3 November that it would make major cuts to save some US$300 million a year. The company, based in Weston, Massachusetts, will lay off around 650 employees, or 13% of its workforce, and close three facilities two in Massachusetts and one in San Diego, California. To sharpen its focus, Biogen will jettison 11 research programmes, including its cardiovascular and oncology projects, in favour of its core area, neurology. The firm has seven drugs in or near late-stage clinical trials, including four for treating multiple sclerosis.
Arthritis drug A new class of treatment for the autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis has passed a phase III clinical trial of 611 patients, announced its developer, multinational drug giant Pfizer, this week. The oral pill, tasocitinib, inhibits a kinase protein involved in stimulating immune cells. It is one of the farthest advanced of several kinase inhibitors jockeying to replace current biological drugs against rheumatoid arthritis, which must be injected. Pfizer will not seek marketing approval until trials pitting tasocitinib against other medicines are completed next year.
Carbon burial The Dutch government has cancelled a plan by oil company Shell to inject 400,000 tonnes of compressed carbon dioxide annually into ageing natural-gas beds below Barendrecht, the Netherlands. The much-delayed project was stopped owing partly to a “complete lack of local support”, minister of economic affairs Maxime Verhagen told parliamentarians on 4 November. The decision was not surprising, as Barendrecht residents have opposed the scheme for years; their protests (pictured) made the project an emblem for opposition to carbon capture and storage (see Nature 463, 871873; 2010).
Fertilizer bid block Canada’s government said on 3 November that it would not approve a US$39-billion bid by mining giant BHP Billiton for the fertilizer company PotashCorp, based in Saskatoon, Canada. The bid was driven by an anticipated growth in demand for and thus profits from phosphates, nitrogen and potash. But industry minister Tony Clement said that the deal would not provide net benefit to Canada. BHP, which is based in Melbourne, Australia, has 30 days to revise its offer and change government minds.
Biotech tax credits A complete list of the 2,923 small US biotechnology companies sharing more than 4,600 awards from a $1-billion tax-credits programme was released last week. The Therapeutic Discovery Project programme, established by the health-care reform bill passed earlier this year, awards credits and grants to firms with no more than 250 employees (see Nature 465, 854855; 2010). Big winners include Theravance, based in South San Francisco, which received nearly $2.7 million for 11 projects, and Arisaph in Boston, Massachusetts, with almost $2.8 million for 12 projects. See go.nature.com/tyd2ef for more.
Business watch
Pharmaceutical companies discovered 58% of 252 drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration during 19982007 (see chart). But two-thirds of pharma drugs approved were follow-on compounds. The industry produced a smaller proportion of innovative drugs universities and biotech firms made 56% of such discoveries. The analysis is from a study by Robert Kneller at the University of Tokyo, published on 29 October (R. Kneller Nature Rev. Drug Discov. 9, 867882; 2010).
Events
Cometary close encounter
Bright jets of carbon dioxide exploding from a rough surface featured in most images of comet Hartley 2 taken by NASA’s EPOXI spacecraft during its 4 November flyby (see Nature 467, 10131014; 2010). But the midsection of the comet’s oddly shaped 2.2-kilometre-long nucleus is mysteriously smooth. The probe which in 2005 visited and shot a projectile into comet Tempel 1 as part of the Deep Impact mission came within 700 kilometres of Hartley’s nucleus, the fifth to be photographed since an armada of probes flew past comet Halley in 1986.
Research
Collider concludes The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has finished smashing protons for the year. The particle accelerator at CERN, Europe’s premier high-energy physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland, ended its 2010 run on 4 November. It collided particles at 7 teraelectronvolts: a power seven times greater than that of its closest rival, the Tevatron at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. But in terms of collision numbers, the amount of data gathered this year matched what the Tevatron can do in only a week. The LHC is now focusing on colliding lead ions.
Nuclear sharing As part of a major defence-sharing agreement, the United Kingdom and France have agreed to build a joint test facility for nuclear weapons research. Called EPURE, the facility will X-ray dummy bombs as they explode to understand the effects of ageing on nuclear warheads. EPURE will be located at the Valduc Centre for Nuclear Studies near Dijon, the main French weapons lab, and will be developed with the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston. Neither side gave a cost estimate, although money-saving was said to be the motivation for the facility, which is expected to be operational from 2015. See go.nature.com/womdnf for more.
Coming up
1112 November
Discussions on how to stabilize the world’s supply of rare-earth elements have been urged for the G20 meeting in Seoul.
www.g20.org/index.aspx
1317 November
Treating depression with deep-brain stimulation and a campaign for more money for brain research Ware on the agenda for the Society for Neuroscience’s meeting in San Diego.
go.nature.com/lysp8t
16 November
The Royal Society in London releases a report mapping how science is practised around the world, and how the patterns are changing.
go.nature.com/iv3bqu
1718 November
In Cadarache, France, ITER’s council will discuss measures to cut costs at the international fusion project.
go.nature.com/bokzva
November 10th, 2010
By Scott Mims (Contact) | Clanton Advertiser
Published Monday, August 9, 2010
The yearly fundraising campaign for the Chilton County Arthritis Walk will officially kick off Thursday, Aug. 26 at the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton at noon.
The meeting is open to the public and will include a free lunch, helpful information and a word from special guest David Neal of CBS 42.
Neal, who suffers from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, has a unique way of connecting with his audience through humorous anecdotes.
Hes been there every year since the start of the Chilton County Arthritis Walk, said Kristin Whitehurst of the Arthritis Foundations Alabama Chapter.
Whitehurst welcomes anyone who wants to learn more about the Walk and its purpose to attend this years kickoff.
They can come and learn about the Arthritis Foundation and hear stories about how arthritis has impacted the lives of our adult honoree and junior honoree and other special guests, she said.
This years honorees are Lynn Russell of Clanton and Makenzie Johnson of Jemison.
There will also be information about this years Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 at Chilton Medical Center beginning at 9 a.m. Activities will include a dog costume contest, a Show Us Your Moves dance contest, a health and wellness fair and door prizes.
Attendees at the kickoff will also learn of creative ways to raise funds for the upcoming Walk.
The free lunch will consist of food donated by Hickory Chip, Grande Old Caf, Peach Park, Kountry Kitchen, Zaxbys, Winn-Dixie, Associated Foods and Walmart.
To RSVP, call Whitehurst at (205) 979-5700 or Vanessa McKinney at 755-2500 or 280-3346.
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August 10th, 2010
But what if joint pain and stiffness are inevitable if you dont take the medication, yet heart problems could occur if you do? Health officials say that, as with any drug, only you and your doctor can determine the level of risk that is acceptable with medications currently available to treat arthritis.
The unsettling news in late 2004 that the popular anti-inflammatory arthritis drugs Vioxx (rofecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) could cause a heart attack or stroke or aggravate high blood pressure has left some patients wondering whether they should keep taking them.
Data from clinical trials showed that cyclooxygenase-2 selective agents, better known as COX-2 inhibitors, may be associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular problems, especially when used in high doses or for long periods in patients with existing cardiovascular disease, or in very high-risk situations, such as immediately after heart surgery. COX-2 inhibitors are the newest subset of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). COX-2 inhibitors were developed specifically to decrease the well-recognized gastric side effects and intolerance associated with the use of some NSAIDs.
Traditional NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, act by blocking the production of a family of chemicals known as prostaglandins, which are not only important in the development of inflammation, but also play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the stomach lining. At least two enzymes are involved in this inflammation, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Traditional NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. Unfortunately, this non-selective inhibition of both COX enzymes also inhibits those prostaglandins involved in some of the important housekeeping functions of the body, such as helping blood to clot and protecting the stomach from ulceration.
It is this non-selective inhibition of both enzymes by aspirin and other non-selective NSAIDs that increases the risk of stomach ulcers and consequent bleeding. In theory, the newer COX-2 selective inhibitors only inhibit the enzyme involved in inflammation, leaving the other functions alone.
But Sandra Kweder, M.D., deputy director of the Food and Drug Administrations Office of New Drugs, says that new studies have had a surprising twist. The downside of the COX-2 selective inhibitors is that they appear to be associatedparticularly when used for many consecutive months to yearswith an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, she says. Moreover, COX-2 inhibitors, like other NSAIDs, dont influence the course of the diseasewhich doctors say is a common misconception among patientsbecause these drugs only provide for symptom relief.
Coincidentally, preliminary results from a three-year trial on the non-selective NSAID Aleve (naproxen) also suggested that long-term use may be associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular problems.
Since the results of studies on both non-selective and selective NSAIDs are preliminary and conflict with data from earlier studies of the same drugs, the FDA issued a public health advisory in December 2004 concerning use of all NSAIDs, pending further review of data that continue to be collected. The agency has recommended, among other things, that physicians limit the use of COX-2 inhibitors until further review.
Monitoring the drug safety of marketed products requires close collaboration between our clinical reviewers and drug safety staff to evaluate and respond to adverse events identified in ongoing clinical trials or reported to us by physicians and their patients, says Kweder. The most recent actions concerning [NSAIDs] illustrate the vital importance of the ongoing assessment of the safety of a product once it is in widespread use.
Others Weigh In
The concerns with the safety of so many pain relievers used to treat arthritis underscores the importance of arthritis as a major health care issue in the United States. Arthritis experts, patient advocacy groups, and other health organizations also are weighing in on the uncertainty of NSAIDs, and are recognizing the need for developing new and safer medications.
The American College of Rheumatology is advising physicians to follow current treatment guidelines and manufacturers dosage recommendations for NSAIDs. Treatment guidelines exist to help doctors choose the best options for their patients, based on current scientific studies.
The Arthritis Foundation said in a statement that the findings about the drugs should not have any immediate impact on the clinical use of them.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs continue to play an important role in the management of arthritis pain, says John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. Patients who derive benefit from these drugs should remain on their treatment regimen, and discuss concerns with their physicians, he says.
But Charles A. Birbara, M.D., a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass., says that he has prescribed COX inhibitors cautiously in older people or those with cardiovascular or renal disease ever since early clinical studies discovered a possible risk in this patient population.
Im not always willing to take a risk with my patients, because we clearly dont have a complete understanding of all the potential clinical issues associated with use of these drugs, he says. Even before the controversy, Birbara notes that the long-term effects of COX-2 agents were unknown. Besides, he says, there are other treatment options available that are equally effective.
There are so many wonderful things happening with respect to current therapies of arthritis, he says. Clearly, we are so much better able to control inflammatory arthritis with new biologic agents. Birbara adds that so many people whose lives were diminished by joint disease can now look forward to an unrestricted lifestyle, which was not even imaginable just a few short years ago.
Richard Shirley, 64, an avid birdwatcher from Wrentham, Mass., battled rheumatoid arthritis in nearly every joint in his body for more than 25 years before he saw Birbara. He couldnt button his shirt cuffs, walk frontward down a flight of stairs, or get in and out of a car without a struggle. At times, his hands were so swollen he couldnt grasp small objects or make a closed fist. Shirley had his wedding ring resized so it would fit.
Richard had seen a number of physicians and had been on many medications to treat his disease, Birbara says. However, the aggressive nature of his arthritis was not very responsive to standard medications. According to Birbara, X-rays of Shirley also showed evidence of joint destruction.
Doctor Birbara has a zero tolerance for hot and inflamed joints, Shirley says, because thats when the damage is done. Shirley also believes, from his own experience, that each person needs to work with his or her physician to find the appropriate medicine. For him, a new biologic product made the difference.
Finding the right treatments for those at greatest risk for the potential complications of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, Birbara says, hopefully will lessen the burden of this disease, not only in the United States, but for the entire world.
August 2nd, 2010
![]( "Alcohol")
Yet another benefit has been found to show the positives of moderate alcohol consumption, which has been found to improve health in a number of ways.
Previously, a study had been conducted which shows those who had regular but moderate alcoholic drinks were significantly less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who abstained.
This most recent study, conducted by researchers at theUniversity of Sheffieldin England, UK, shows a link to the lessening of symptoms in people who already have the disease, and is the first to suggest it.
According to the results of the study which focused on more than 830 with the disease, and more than a hundred without those who consumed more than 10 alcoholic drinks per month saw a 20 30% decrease in the severe symptoms they have been experiencing before.
This was caused by less inflammation and damage to the joints, eliminating much of the pain, and giving them more flexibility and mobility.
The researchers involved have been clear on the fact this is only the first study on the issue, and that more evidence is needed before anything can be said for sure.
However, the mounting evidence of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption are being shown all across the board, with people reporting more heart health, less risk of diabetes, weight management, lower blood pressure, and maybe even a reduction in the risk of cancers.
The study have been published in medical journalRheumatology.
Filed Under: Research
July 29th, 2010
The more alcohol you drink, the less severe your rheumatoid arthritis is likely to be, according to a study published online yesterday in the journal Rheumatology.
While the effect has been seen previously in mice studies, this is the first evidence linking alcohol consumption with reduced pain and joint damage in humans, according to the studys lead author, Dr. James Maxwell of the University of Sheffield in England.
The study also found that drinking booze decreases the risk of getting the disease, confirming the findings of previous research.
Thats not to say patients should flock to the corner bar.
I would tell my rheumatoid arthritis patients that, provided theyre mindful of their medications, which may have recommended alcohol limits, its unlikely small amounts will do them harm, says Maxwell, honorary senior clinical lecturer at Sheffield. And its possible, as an added bonus, that it could help with pain and severity.
The study looked at 873 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and a control group of 1004 people. Those who drank regularly were two to three times less likely to develop the disease than non-drinkers.
The patients were divided into four groups: non-drinkers, those who drank between one to five days per month, six to 10 days per month and more than 10 days per month.
Researchers found that even the least frequent imbibers had less severe arthritis than the non-drinkers, an effect that increased as the drinking increased. The most frequent alcohol consumers had 20 to 30 percent improvement in symptoms compared to non-drinkers, says Maxwell.
Symptoms were judged on a self-reported scale for pain, blood tests for inflammation, and x-rays to show joint damage.
As to why alcohol might have this effect, Maxwell can only speculate. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system starts attacking the joints, creating inflammation and damage. Perhaps alcohols effect on the immune system somehow reduces the severity of this attack, he suggests.
Or it might be something else. Alcohol can be a mild pain killer or it might improve mood.
More research is needed, says Maxwell, who points out his studys limitations. Participants reported the frequency of drinking, not the actual amount, nor did they specify whether they drank wine, beer, or spirits.
We have to look at this study with caution, says David Hart, scientific director of the Arthritis Society of Canada. We need to understand the basis for these effects with rigorous controls for who benefits and who doesnt.
In Canada, 300,000 people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints, which causes painful swelling and may eventually wear away bone.
At the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mt. Sinai Hospital, senior investigator Kathy Siminovitch is not convinced about the booze boost.
I dont see good reason why alcohol would affect RA, says the researcher who specializes in the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis. Its not that its not possible, but this isnt evidence to explain the mechanism.
Its not reason to go out and start drinking.
July 27th, 2010
I would like to start with a quote from Dr Robert Bingham, a specialist in the treatment of arthritis. He said: No person who is in good nutritional health develops rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
What is Arthritis? Arthritis is (from Greek Arthro = joint + itis= inflammation) a group of diseases where there is a damage caused to the joints of the body.
There are many form of arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis , psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, Gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis(the most common form of arthritis).
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases (the body attacking itself)
Septic arthritis is caused by joints infections.
Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints that results in subsequent inflammation.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can occur after a trauma to the joints or simply aging .
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 65. By the age of 60 nine in every ten people have it . For most of them arthritis means living with pain and stiffness. However, Arthritis is not an inevitable consequence of aging and can be prevented , provided the underlying causes are eliminated. In the search of causes and solutions many things have been considered including diet, exercise, posture, climate, hormones, infections, genetics ,old age, stress..
The likely factors that lead to the development of Arthritis are:
-Poor lubrication of the joints. In between joints is a substance called synovial fluid. Appropriate nutrition is needed to make sure that the synovial fluid stays fluid and able to lubricate.
- Hormonal imbalance .Hormones control the calcium balance in the body. If the calcium balance is not right, the bones and joints can become porous and subject to wear and tear.
-Allergies and sensitivities. Most of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have food and chemical allergies or sensitivities that make their symtoms flare up.
- Free radicals . If the immune system is not working properly, as in rheumatoid arthritis, it will produce too many free radicals, which can damage tissue around the joint. In this case a good intake of antioxidant is very valuable.
-Infections. Any infection ,be it viral or bacterial, weaken the immune system which control inflammation.
Bone strain and deformities. Any damage or strain, so often caused by bad posture, increases the risk of developing arthritis .
- State of mind. Research at the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation and at the University of Southern California Medical School has shown a link between arthritis and emotional stress.
- Poor diet . Most people with Arthritis have a history of very poor diet, which pave the way to many of the factors stated above.
Diet advice: avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, stimulants, fat ,too much protein . Drink plenty of water and herb teas. Make sure you have all the vital vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, antioxidants nutrients.
Alexis Kenne
Alexis Kenne is a graduate in mathematiques, and wellness expert
To know more about his work visit:
http://www.extend-yourlife.com
http://www.goodhealthguaranteed.com
July 25th, 2010
Natural remedies for arthritis are the most sought after treatment for this ailment . It is no surprise, because this disorder is one of the prevalent bone and joint disease found. This disorder affects millions of individuals who are urgently seeking new ways to relieve its severe symptoms, and especially joint pain.
You could try herbal teas such as pansy or juniper for painful joints and osteoarthritis. Some prefer ointments made from horseradish and capsicum. Nettle is a topical herbal extract believed to reduce inflammation. You can control a lot of ailments through food, so is arthritis. Food rich in antioxidants such as green tea and wine should be eaten regularly. Avocado or soybean extract is a great diet supplement.
Ginger. Common in traditional Chinese medicines, ginger inhibits inflammation to ease arthritis pain. Ginger is especially well suited for people whose arthritis worsens in cold weather, since it warms painful joints by helping increase blood flow. To use it, drink a cup of ginger tea daily, (add one teaspoon freshly grated ginger to hot water, let steep for 10 to 20 minutes, strain and drink). Or take a ginger supplement, one 500 mg capsule three or four times daily. You can also try ginger essential oil. Dilute three drops with half teaspoon almond oil and rub into affected joints.
Other Arthritis herbs found to be of use are Black Cohosh, Angelica and Feverfew. Black Cohosh is a Native American Indian therapy for arthritis. A heaped teaspoon of this plant can be simmered in a cup of hot water and then drank as a tonic and is believed to be a great anti-inflammatory. You can also purchase this as premade teabags or in capsule form. Angelica has been used in Europe since antiquity as an anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis. Feverfew in some studies has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects greater than standard arthritis drugs like NSAIDs.
Alfalfa can be sprouted and eaten with a salad, or used either powdered or drunk as a tea. Its easily prepared by placing one ounce of alfalfa in a pot, adding one quart of water and boiling for thirty minutes and should be strained and drunk over a day. The treatment needs to be continued for at least three weeks and then a break for seven to ten days is taken before resuming treatment again for best results.
There are many more natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, including magnetic therapy and acupuncture. Even aromatherapy has been known to help with joint pain. Many alternative forms of treatment come from places like Asia and have been around for thousands of years. Magnetic therapy has seen a recent surge of popularity in the west, and in becoming known for its effectiveness.
July 23rd, 2010
Youngsters raise money to buy wheelchairs for Help The Aged
12:09pm Wednesday 21st July 2010
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A YORK shop helped two young boys raise money to buy three wheelchairs for Help The Aged in memory of their grandmother, who suffered from arthritis.
Alex Dale, aged nine, and his six-year-old brother Jamie, raised more than 1,500 in sponsorship when they ran a family fun run, linked to the Bath Half Marathon in March.
The brothers, who live in Bath, ran in memory of their grandmother Barbara Dale, of Hull, who died in January after suffering for about 40 years with arthritis.
Their uncle John Dale lives in Hull Road, York, and Halfords in the city sold the boys three wheelchairs at cost price to donate to Age Concern York, which keeps a stock of wheelchairs to lend to
people who need them.
They also presented a cheque for 870 to Arthritis Research.
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July 21st, 2010
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