Millions of people suffer from the various forms of arthritis.  So many, that once you mention you have it, you’ll be getting advice from everyone!  Everybody has an arthritis remedy that may or may not work.  You may find some arthritis relief from the pain-relieving prescriptions your doctor gives you.  You may find that over-the-counter medicine works well for you.  Those don’t have to be the only options, though.  There are many natural remedies for arthritis that may be just the ticket to getting around like your old self again.

The Causes And Symptoms of Arthritis

Causes of Arthritis

To be able to get to the bottom of any problem, you must first know what you’re dealing with.  Arthritis is generally caused by the wearing away of your joint’s cartilage over time.  This cartilage acts as a shock-absorber, shielding your joints during motion.  Over time, the gel-like cartilage wears away, causing painful bone to bone contact every time you move.  Ouch!  The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, can occur at any age, but usually waits to rear it’s ugly head after we hit 45.

Symptoms of Arthritis

It’s usually pretty easy to tell when your joints are feeling arthritic.  Maybe you’re not hopping out of bed quite as quickly as you once did.  Perhaps you find that arthritis has attacked your hands and they are no longer nimble.  The most common symptoms of arthritis are swollen joints that are painfully stiff.  However, with rheumatoid arthritis,  a more serious form of arthritis, in addition to the painful, stiff joints, you may also experience fatigue, poor circulation, eye problems and anemia.

Arthritis-Natural Remedies

For Arthritis Pain Relief

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Taken together, these supplements can be very effective for people suffering with mild to moderate arthritis.  Why’s it work?  There are natural components in the supplements that will not only reduce pain, but slow the loss of cartilage.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its ability to relieve arthritis pain.  Start taking a ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger (or 6 teaspoons of fresh) every day.  Why’s it work?  Studies have shown that ginger increase blood circulation, which in turn moves the chemicals that cause inflammation away from the pained joints.

SAM-e

SAM-e is present in every single living cell in the body, but unfortunately, as we age, production in the body goes down.  Its role is critical in cartilage formation, which is why when our bodies slow production, our joints start to become stiff.  Start off by taking 800 milligrams a day.  If after 2 weeks, you are getting results, reduce the dose to 400 milligrams.  SAM-e has no known side effects and seems to be safe when taken with all prescription drugs.

Heat It Up

For significant, fast-acting, arthritis pain relief, apply heat.  Whether it’s heating pads or hot water bottles, using heat for 20 minutes will lessen the swelling and stiffness of those painful joints.

Cool It Down

Though it may seem contradictory, applying a cold treatment could very well be just as effective as applying heat to inflamed, swollen joints.

Oil It Up

By eating just a serving or two of cold water fish a week, many people have gotten significant arthritis relief.  Why’s it work?  Cold water fish, such as Salmon, contain Omega-3 fatty acids.  These substances are known to lessen pain and stiffness and also discourage inflammation.

Hate fish?  Take 2,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in capsule form 3 times a day.  Although safe for most, if you are on blood-thinning drugs, please run this supplement by your doctor first.

Don’t want to take fish oil?  Try flax seed oil instead.  You’ll receive the same benefits if you take a tablespoon a day.

Rub It In

Capsaicin creams are effective and can be found at your local drugstore or even grocery.  Why’s it work?  Capsaicin is the component of hot peppers that makes them hot.  Believe it or not, this remedy works by irritating your nerve endings, causing your brain to take the attention away from your arthritis pain.  Give this remedy a week or two to decide if it works for you.

Get The Forecast

It is commonly known that arthritis symptoms can be aggravated by changes in the weather.  That’s because sudden pressure drops or increasing humidity, will affect the way the blood flows to your joints.  Next time a storm is heading your way, try this:  Turn on your air conditioner to dry out the air.  If you have a dehumidifier, that works great, too.

When To Call The Doctor

If you’ve never been diagnosed with arthritis, you may want to see your doctor, if only to find out what specific type of arthritis you have.  Another good reason to go in for a visit is that the symptoms of arthritis can mimic other conditions, as well.

If you already know that you have arthritis, then please see the doctor, if you notice any new types of swelling in your joints.

Neck Pain Remedies

Heat It Up

Take a hot shower, apply a heating pad on the low setting or use a hot water bottle.  Why’s it work?  Heat will relax the muscles, ease the pain and eliminate the stiffness.

If muscular tension seems to be the culprit, then using a hot compress is a great, fast-acting remedy.  Just soak a washcloth in hot water, wring it out, then apply it to your sore neck for 10 minutes.

Don’t feel like dealing with a wet washcloth?  Set your hair dryer on high and let the heated air blow on your sore neck for a few minutes.

Capsaicin

Use an over-the-counter cream that contains capsaicin, which is a compound found in hot peppers.  Believe it or not, the U.S. Army tested this out on people that suffer from chronic neck pain and found out that when applied 4 times a day, this cream significantly reduces instances of neck pain and stiffness.

Pressure & Massage

Apply Pressure

Here’s an easy trick that works well:  Using your fingertips, apply steady pressure on the part of your neck that hurts for a few minutes.

Massage

Using your hands, massage your neck in downward strokes for a few minutes.  After the 3 minutes are up, you should feel a dramatic difference.  Why’s it work?  Massage helps to loosen the tension in your neck, thus providing much needed relief.

Stretch It Out

For nearly instant neck pain relief, try one or both of these 2 stretches:

Neck Stretch 1

Before you begin, relax your neck muscles.  Without lifting your shoulder, tilt your head to one side as far as it will go without feeling strained.  Hold this neck stretch for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side.  Do this 4 times.

Neck Stretch 2

Again, relax your neck and shoulder muscles.  Slowly, tilt your head forward and hold the stretch for 10 seconds.  Do this 4 times.

An Ounce of Prevention…

• If you’re a stomach sleeper, try sleeping on your back instead.  This will keep your neck from getting “kinked”.  You may also want to consider investing in a good, neck-supporting pillow, as well.

• Practice good posture.  By keeping your head, shoulder and hips in a straight line when sitting or standing, you will greatly reduce neck pain.

• If you spend a ton of time at the computer, make sure that your monitor is at a comfortable level.  By raising it to eye level, you will dramatically reduce the strain you put on your neck.

• If you’re a lady who loves to wear high heels, neck pain may be the price you have to pay.  Heels throw your spine out of alignment, making you stick your neck out.

• Keep your neck covered.  Make sure to throw on a scarf to protect your neck when it is cold out.  Cold temperatures can really aggravate neck stiffness and pain.

When To Call The Doctor

Usually neck pain is pretty harmless, however, you should see a doctor if the pain lasts for more than 3 days or if you find that the home remedies you try just don’t provide you with relief.  Of course, you should seek medical attention immediately if you believe that the neck pain is as a result of an accident or injury.