Common Questions About Arthritis

How Can I Stop the Pain?

Question: I am taking 25 mg of Vioxx, which helped in the beginning. I'm now also taking hydrocodone and 1,000 mg of calcium each day, yet still have pain in my spine, hip, and knees. Is there anything to stop the pain? I've got a lot to do.

Answer: I agree with the last sentence in your question: "I've got a lot to do." Since there is no magic drug such as hydrocodone that is going to help with your pain, you have a lot to do because the most important modality for the reduction of your pain is a holistic program.

Of course I don't know your age or other aspects of your medical condition, so my answer must be considered general, rather than specific for you. There are a number of things that people can do for chronic pain. First, the foods you eat are very important: foods high in fat--such as red meat, eggs, butter, and processed foods--become little pain factories by producing inflammation.

Moreover, lack of physical activity is the number one cause of increased pain. Even if you think that it is painful, you must move. Recent research shows that "graded exercise" is the most effective form of movement therapy. Graded exercise means that you avoid exercising to the point of exhaustion or pain, exercising only to a point just before it becomes uncomfortable. Gradually, you can increase your exercise as your stamina improves.

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make is in the way that they start their days. Many people seem to believe that the best part of waking up is coffee in their cups. This is absolutely untrue. The best part of waking up is meditation in your mind. If you don't start your day in a positive way, you will just zip into a stress cycle that perpetuates chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and tension. This is an ever-increasing vicious cycle of pain.

Along with diet, exercise, and starting your day correctly, certain natural supplements can be utilized to reduce pain. These include turmeric, boswellia, ginger, digestive enzymes, omega 3 fatty acids, and other compounds.

Finally, don't rule out acupuncture. Modern medical acupuncture performed by a well-trained therapist is awesome in helping you live a pain-free lifestyle, improving your mood and attitude.

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