Try supplements, exercise to ease the pain of osteaoarthritis
By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist on Jun 22, 2013, at 1:59 AM Updated on 6/22/13 at 5:24 AM
Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and two surgeries on my neck.
Dear Pharmacist, I have osteaoarthritis and take ibuprofen and hydrocodone. Glucosamine helps, but even after 6 months, I'm still stiff and riddled with pain. What else can I do? - D.Y., Sarasota, Fla.
You're not alone; 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis (OA), and the affliction worsens over time. Left untreated, it can disable you.
OA always involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, pain-causing chemicals. Cytokines aren't bad until your body pumps them out in excess, and that's exactly what happens with OA, and it's exactly what you need to reduce. Ibuprofen reduces the cytokines called prostaglandins and IL-1B. Glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and that is a component of joint cartilage. Consider these:
MSM - This is a sulfur-based compound that is a by-product of DMSO. MSM, an oral supplement, is sold at health-food stores and does wonders for joint pain.
Bromelain - This pineapple extract gets mixed reviews. One study found it to be as effective as diclofenac, a prescription anti-inflammatory. I personally recommend it.
Devil's Claw - Slightly more exotic, devil's claw is so named because of its hooked fruit. A 2011 study from Phytotherapy Research, concluded that the herb could block the release pro-inflammatory cytokines. Devil's claw is strong; it interacts with medicine, so ask your doctor if it's right for you.
Boswellia - A resin from a tree. A 2013 study from the Journal of Head and Neck Pain studied the biological active ingredients in boswellia (pentacyclic triterpene acids) for their potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Boswellic acid is another major active ingredient. This is (in my mind) mother nature's ibuprofen.
Extra weight does no favor to your painful knees and hip joints. You may have to start gently with yoga, or tai chi, but keep those joints moving. Compounds in green tea reduce the cytokine called TNF alpha. One cup of green (or matcha) tea could improve immunity. The L-theanine it contains is relaxing, too. Drink it daily.
info@dearpharmacist.com
Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and two surgeries on my neck.
