Managing Osteoarthritis Effectively and Naturally

Osteoarthritis affects a huge portion of the population, and impacts quality of life. With co-management using pharmacological and natural remedies, however, the impact of OA can be diminished to a manageable level.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by debilitating joint pain and destruction of cartilage. It is one of the leading causes of disability and can severely impact quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. In addition to pain, osteoarthritis generally presents with join stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion and the development of osteophytes (bony growths). Risk factors for the disease include increasing age, obesity and history of trauma to the affected joint.

There are a variety of fibromyalgia treatments, both pharmacological and natural. A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities is the most effective strategy in the management of this chronic joint condition.

First-line drug treatments are acetaminophen and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib, etc.). Chronic ingestion of these pharmaceuticals, however, is associated with gastrointestinal, renal (kidney) and cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, analgesic tolerance can develop, meaning the same dose becomes less effective with time. Considering the risks of chronic pharma treatment, it is important that those living with OA know there are osteoarthritis natural remedies that can minimize the need for drug therapy, enhance the quality of treatment, compliment other therapies and slow long term progression of the condition.

Osteoarthritis natural remedies:

Curcuma longa (aka Curcumin)   
A derivative of the common spice turmeric, Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In combination with Boswellia (below), Curcumin has been shown to be as effective in the management of OA pain as first line medications.

Boswellia serrata    
Boswellic acids inhibit lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, which means it is an anti-inflammatory. It also prevents decreases in glycosaminoglycan levels, which is important to cartilage repair.

Ginger Root    
Anti-inflammatory at therapeutic dose. Better yet, has no side effects or reported adverse events.

SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)
Has been available by prescription in Europe for the treatment of OA since 1975. SAMe is a methyl donor, which is important in methylation reactions of cartilage formation.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Produced from oysters/crab shells and shark cartilage. These osteoarthritis natural remedies specifically target cartilage repair and formation. They stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are required for improving cartilage strength and integrity.

Electroacupuncture    
Provides effective pain relief by causing release of endorphins and signaling inhibitory pain pathways from the brain. Acupuncture is also good for releasing trigger points in the surrounding musculature of the affected joint. Active trigger points typically result from compensatory changes (change in muscle contraction as a result of the injured joint).

Whole-Food Diet
A healthy diet based around whole-foods will help control inflammation. Plant based diets are low in arachidonic acid, a mediator of inflammation. Furthermore, a diet high in fruits and vegetables is high in antioxidants.

Exercise    
If you have OA, don’t fear regular exercise. In fact, it’s important to stay active so mobility is maintained.
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Have you Tried Acupuncture for Managing Chronic Pain?

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of thin needles into specifically targeted areas of the body. Its origin extends 2500 years as an integral tenant of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, however, its theory and practice have evolved beyond classical application towards effective pain management.

So how does it work? The theory behind acupuncture is extremely complex and multifaceted. Basically, it works via two main systems; the release of natural pain relieving chemicals (called endogenous opiates) and sensory nerve interactions signaling pain inhibition from the brain to the affected area.  

Natural, endogenous opiates are chemicals produced in the body that have a potent analgesic effect (reduce pain perception). They include endorphins, serotonin and epinephrine. Acupuncture insertion stimulates the release of these chemicals in the central nervous system, which results in a decreased perception of pain. Similarly, endogenous opiates have anti-inflammatory effects. Electroacupuncture elicits immediate pain relief by acting on sensory nerve pathways. Vibration information stimulates nociceptors (specialized pain receptors), which initiates an inhibitory pathway from the brain to the affected area. 

Needling technique is important for effective pain relief results. There are two main acupuncture techniques:

1.       Rapid Needling: Involves insertion of a needle into an identified trigger point (area of intense pain within a band of muscle) with manipulation (in and out motion) of the needle at a quick pace. This is the best technique for dissolving trigger points and relieving muscle pain.

2.       Electroacupuncture: Involves the connection of a mild electric current to the Acupuncture waterloo. It feels like a vibration in your muscle and may cause a slight muscle contraction response. This is the best technique to use for inflammation, chronic muscle pain and joint pain.

Acupuncture can help you with…

  

•          Myofascial Pain Syndrome (chronic muscle pain from trigger points) 
•          Chronic neck and back pain
•          Fibromyalgia
•          Osteoarthritis
•          Joint Pain
•          Tension headaches
•          Sciatica
•          Plantar Fasciitis
•          Post-operative pain
•          Diabetes related peripheral-neuropathy

Other pain treatments include pharmaceutical opioid management (e.g. Percocet, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc.), injectable opioids (e.g. morphine) and corrective surgery. As a minimally invasive technique, acupuncture should be considered as first-line treatment prior to implementing higher risk procedures. Furthermore, if extensive therapy is indicated (e.g. surgery), acupuncture should be used to compliment recovery. Additional benefits include decreased cost, avoidance of opiate-induced side effects and avoidance of analgesic tolerance (when the same dose of a medication is no longer effective).

Practitioners qualified to practice acupuncture include Naturopathic Doctors, TCM certified practitioners and some Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. However, Naturopathic Doctors uniquely receive 4 years of intense training in the practice itself. Furthermore, they have the anatomy and clinical background to couple traditional acupuncture with more advanced and current theories.

There’s another component to the efficacy of this treatment…it forces you to relax for 30-60 min while the needles are doing their work. When dealing with pain, stress management and self-care are key. Therefore, having time devoted to healing, and having a skilled practitioner take care of you will help. 

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Acupuncture Analgesia: How a Needle Alleviates Pain

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of thin needles into specifically targeted areas of the body. Its origin extends 2500 years as an integral tenant of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today, however, its theory and practice have evolved beyond classical application towards effective pain management.

Under the TCM umbrella, needle locations are selected based on meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ system. Every point has a theoretical indication and effect. Current theories and supportive research step away from organ pairings and energetic meridians, especially when it comes to the art of pain management. Under this scope, acupuncture points are selected and targeted according to anatomical locations, affected nerve roots and trigger point palpation. In other words, acupuncture is used to target the physical root and origin of pain. For example, in the treatment of Sciatica, acupuncture would target the low back as a means of stimulating the L4-S3 nerve roots from which the Sciatic nerve is formed.

Techniques of needle insertion have evolved as well. Effective approaches include rapid needling and electro acupuncture (Chou et al, 2014). With rapid needling, the practitioner continually manipulates the needle by moving it in and out of the targeted area at a relatively quick pace (Chou et al, 2014). Electro acupuncture involves the addition of a light electrical impulse at the needle insertion. This technique elicits a pain inhibition response by stimulating vibration sensory nerve fibers (Zing et al, 2014).  

So how does it work? To answer this question, we must first briefly discuss pain and what causes the feeling of pain. When a painful stimulus is encountered, it activates nociceptors (aka pain receptors), which send information along the spinal cord to the brain, where the feeling of pain is identified and perceived (Zeng et al, 2014). Additionally, pain is caused by chemicals of the immune system that initiate the process of inflammation and more specifically, swelling. Believe it or not, pain is meant to be a protective mechanism. When chronically experienced, however, it can be a danger and extremely impactful on quality of life.

The theory of acupuncture is an extremely complex and multi faceted topic. At a basic level, acupuncture works via two main systems; chemical reactions involving naturally produced opiates and sensory nerve pathways signaling pain inhibition.

Natural, endogenous opiates are chemicals produced in the body that have a potent analgesic effect (reduce pain perception). They include hormones and neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin and epinephrine (Baeumler et al, 2014). Acupuncture insertion stimulates the release of these chemicals in the central nervous system, which results in a decreased perception of pain. Similarly, endogenous opiates have anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing both chronic and acute swelling (Zing et al, 2014). This chemical-mediated process has a relatively longer onset and longer lasting effects. Electro acupuncture, on the other hand, elicits immediate pain relief by acting on sensory nerve pathways (Zing et al, 2014). Vibration information stimulates nociceptors, which initiate an inhibitory pathway from the brain to the affected area. Essentially, pain from sensitized nociceptors (in pain) differs from the stimulus of normal nociceptors (no pain) by acupuncture. This difference in brain processing is what triggers an inhibitory nerve pathway (Zing et al, 2014).

Acupuncture is an effective tool to manage chronic and acute pain. Specifically, it is indicated for any of the following conditions:

•Myofascial Pain Syndrome (chronic muscle pain from trigger points)
•Chronic neck and back pain
•Fibromyalgia
•Osteoarthritis
•Joint Pain
•Tension headaches
•Sciatica
•Plantar Fasciitis
•Post-operative pain
•Diabetes related peripheral-neuropathy

Other pain treatments include pharmaceutical opioid management (e.g. Percocet, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc.), inject able uploads (e.g. morphine) and corrective surgery. As a minimally invasive technique, acupuncture should be considered as first-line treatment prior to implementing higher risk procedures. Furthermore, if extensive therapy is indicated (e.g. surgery), acupuncture should be used to compliment recovery. Additional benefits include decreased cost, avoidance of opiate-induced side effects and avoidance of analgesic tolerance (when the same dose of a medication is no longer effective) (Zing et al, 2014).

Practitioners qualified to practice Acupuncture Toronto include Naturopathic Doctors, TCM certified practitioners and some Chiropractors and Physiotherapists. However, Naturopathic Doctors uniquely receive 4 years of intense training in the practice itself. Furthermore, they have the anatomy and clinical background to couple traditional acupuncture with more advanced and current theories.

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