Thursday, April 2, 2009

Joint Pain: Details and Realities

By Stewart Anderson

Joint pain is a very serious and, unfortunately, common phenomenon, which affects one or more joints of our bodies. An old injury, or inflammations and several types of arthritis are responsible for joint pain that torture millions of people all over the world.

Joint pain causes are not related only to aging or arthritis, although these are two of the basic causes. Joint pain comes as a result of some kind of chronic inflammation, while in some cases they are associated with several other issues, such as hormonal imbalances and auto immune diseases.

Once this cushion is damaged, the pain starts to get worse and worse. Many people who suffer from joint pain associate them with their age - as most of the people suffering are over forty. However, this is not a problem related to age, at least not exclusively. Some types of arthritis are caused by the advanced age, but this is not the primary cause of joint pain, as there are more than hundred forms of arthritis that are identified so far.

Joint pain is caused by inflammations that are related to a poor immune system. Most people tend to ignore or underestimate the importance of their immune system, until it's already too late. Most patients cannot describe the source of pain either; doctors say that patients cannot tell them exactly if the pain is related to a tendon, a joint or is located at a particular spot, making the diagnosis hard.

As we can tell by this short list, defining the real cause of the joint pains, could be a daunting task even for the most experienced and well educated doctor. The importance, though, of the right diagnosis is crucial, because it is the first step towards treatment and healing. Patients usually tend to try to resolve the case on their own, taking drugs or doing some exercises indicated by their chiropractors or even friends.

The problem is that the joint pain cannot be treated and cured this way; at least not without knowing what is causing them. Some exercises for instance are good for arthritis but not appropriate for some other disease, such as bursitis, or inflammation. Tendinitis, rheumatic disorders or hormonal imbalances require a different treatment and different approach. Doctors need to know what the real problem is so as to provide the proper help.

Patients with joint pains are highly recommended to take some omega 3 supplements and increase the doses of fish, like salmon, that contain this type of fatty acid, as it can prove very effective in fighting inflammation. Glucosamine is a supplement that had impressive results. The modern lifestyle is something that adds to the problem as well. People who want to find some kind of joint pain relief should try to reduce stress, so as to regulate the levels of cortisol in their body, and take some good and regular exercises.

Needless to say, maintaining some steady and low weight can help the body reduce the burden and the joint pains. The ideal weight is not panacea but it can certainly help the body overcome some serious conditions, especially when related to hormonal fluctuations and other types of imbalances.

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