Getting Pain Relief From Arthritis

If you have arthritis then you are undoubtedly familiar with pain. Unfortunately the disease and discomfort seem to go together. The good news is that now is a better time than ever to be dealing with pain.

Okay, admittedly, there really is never a good time to have pain, but modern science has come a long way in pain management. In fact, pain has been labeled the fifth vital sign, after temperature, breathing rate, blood pressure and heart rate.

That’s good news for patients because it means pain will be considered each time he/she is assessed.

Because science is more advanced doctors are better educated about what medications should be prescribed for various types of pain. Research has proven that long term diseases that result in chronic inflammation such as arthritis actually change the body’s tissues.

So in the early stages of the disease one medication may be very effective but overtime it may not seem to work at all.

Arthritis is considered a debilitating disease because it seems to worsen over time and some sufferers cannot find effective pain relief. Arthritis can happen to anyone, young or old.

However, it is more common in older individuals and the majority of the sufferers have osteo-arthritis and/or rheumatoid arthritis. These illnesses cause pain in the back and joints.

Many people prefer using natural ingredients for pain relief. Good choices include the following: cod liver, olive oil, and ginger. It is always suggested that you check with your doctor before trying any home remedy but these products have been used successfully by many people for generations. Another advantage is they are cost effective.

Another non-pharmaceutical way to deal with the pain of arthritis includes Yoga breathing. Although this technique sounds very simple, and it is, it is also very effective.

All you need to do is some focused breathing. Some people do this at scheduled times and others fit it in whenever they can.

Some people are able to use the next technique and others are not. First you need to think of a favorite place.

This can be real or imagined, but make it your special place where everything is perfect for you. This is a place that you can go to in your mind when things are bad.

Then, when you begin feeling things getting out of hand (pain or stress), go to a quiet place and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and go to your special place for at least 15 - 30 minutes.

With practice, most people find that this method is helpful.