How to Manage Arthritis: Medicine vs. Natural Solutions

According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects approximately 31 million Americans. For those interested in finding natural ways to deal with arthritis pain, find some suggestions below.

Magnets

Many people use magnets to relieve arthritis pain. Several scientific studies show that using magnets is an effective way to manage inflammatory arthritis naturally. It isn’t known how magnets help people with arthritis, but it’s known that magnetic fields exist in all living things. Even our bodies have magnetic fields. Some scientists believe that an imbalance in our body’s field leads to pain and diseases.

Some scientists believe that magnets balance the body’s energy. They believe that balancing the body’s energy restores health and relieves pain. Some scientific evidence proves that using magnets may improve blood flow. Improving blood flow helps the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues.

Many doctors have witnessed their patients responding well to magnet therapy. Magnet therapy is usually safe unless someone has a pacemaker.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is most beneficial while doing yoga. Yoga is beneficial for your body and mind, but it does require a deliberate and mindful approach. To get the most benefits out of yoga, it’s important that you start each session with deep breathing and end with relaxation.

Deep breathing is legitimate therapy for inflammatory arthritis, and it’s quickly growing in popularity. Chronic pain in your body can trigger stress receptors. Triggering stress receptors triggers a fight or flight response. Deep, slow breathing activates a relaxation response. Activating a relaxation response automatically relaxes tension in your muscles and deactivates stress receptors. Each deep breath delivers more oxygen to your muscles. When more oxygen is delivered to your muscles, your fibers release and relax.

Tai Chi

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends tai chi for inflammatory arthritis. Medical studies have proven that tai chi relives pain, reduces falls and improves quality of life.

Tai chi is a suitable exercise for people who have arthritis. Exercise may improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness.

Increased muscular strength supports and protects joints. By supporting and protecting joints, your pain will improve. Flexibility exercises help to reduce pain and stiffness. By reducing pain and stiffness, this allows for improved mobility.

Meditation

Meditation can help with dozens of health problems. Relaxing your mind reduces stress. By relaxing your mind, you’ll be reducing your pain since stress causes arthritis flares. Yoga, walking, guided imagery, mindful meditation and transcendental meditation can all help reduce arthritis pain.

Acupuncture

There hasn’t been much research that has been done to show how acupuncture helps people with arthritis, but there’s evidence that shows that it can help people with the disease.

Acupuncture may help reduce pain by increasing the amount of natural pain killers that your body produces. Natural pain killers that your body produces is called endorphins.

Food

Many people have reported that eating certain food has reduced their pain and joint inflammation from arthritis. People who have arthritis are encouraged to have a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and seeds.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, fatty fish, garlic, tart cherries and turmeric are the most common foods to eat to reduce pain and joint inflammation.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Hot packs and ice packs are the most beneficial ways to reduce pain and make it easier to manage arthritis. Heat or cold therapy helps to reduce pain by stimulating your body’s own healing force.

When all else fails, consult your doctor

If none of the above options are enough to manage your symptoms, the best solution is always to discuss options with your doctor. If you have concerns about side effects from medication, be sure to let your doctor know so you can find the a solution that improves the quality of your life.

Final Words

Magnet therapy, deep breathing, tai chi, meditation, acupuncture, a healthy diet and heat and cold therapy are all beneficial for people who have arthritis. If one natural remedy doesn’t work, it’s important that you try another.

Disclaimer: These methods may not work for everyone. For any extreme pain, readers should consult their doctor.