Alternative Treatments for Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of Americans at varying ages. For some, the pain can inflict mild discomfort; for others, it can develop into a debilitating condition. The most common type of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, is a condition that causes the cartilage within the joints to deteriorate over time. Osteoarthritis is most likely to affect joints in the fingers, knees, hips and the spine. Many treatment options are available, and therefore, patients should consider many factors when determining management of the condition.
Doctors usually recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or COX-2 inhibitors such as Bextra or Celebrex. Recent research has suggested these drugs can raise serious health risks for some patients. The public has also been warned that side effects from over the counter drugs should be closely monitored. Along with pain relievers, doctors suggest an exercise program to strengthen muscles and alleviate some of the pressure. The problem is that when Arthritis pain is severe, exercise is difficult and sometimes impossible.

In addition to traditional treatments, many alternative methods are being more widely accepted to treat chronic conditions, such as Arthritis. Alternative treatments can be combined with traditional Western medicine. When considering a treatment plan, acupuncture and yoga are two options that can be highly effective in the management of arthritis.

Acupuncture has become an accepted form of treatment in the United States. There is Scientific evidence that acupuncture works to treat anything from headaches and allergies, to gastrointestinal ailments and chronic pain. Acupuncture aids in conventional medicine by stimulating certain points on the surface of the skin to restore blood flow to blocked areas of the body. This could assist in treating arthritis because proper blood flow can alleviate stiffness and therefore make exercise easier and more effective. For a more in depth description of acupuncture, The Learning Center For Acupuncture explains that "the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain, regulate the endocrine system, and calm the nervous system." Although acupuncture should not be considered as the only treatment for arthritis, the relaxing results could allow patients more flexibility, which will in turn, present more options for exercise programs.
An important consideration for any treatment is how the entire body responds. This is extremely important for arthritis because it can affect almost any body part, and can worsen if left untreated. In recent years, awareness has been raised to the vital role of a balanced mind and body. Another possible supplement to conventional treatments of arthritis is yoga.

Like acupuncture, the practice of yoga has become more widespread among people of all ages. One benefit of yoga is its variation of levels that meet diverse needs. Yoga is a system that works by balancing postures and breathing exercises; it balances the mind, body and spirit. A yoga program can be created to alleviate the pain of certain chronic conditions. Many remain skeptical of yoga, but it has been proven to assist in the overall health of individuals.

Arthritis patients can gain greater mobility of the joints by reducing the amount of inflammation through the practice of yoga. Specific yoga classes are geared towards patients with arthritis. There are yoga positions that can target specific areas of the body. For those who suffer from arthritis of the hips and or back, there are relaxing yoga exercises that could possibly alleviate pain. There are exercises that can focus on the hands and fingers. Yoga can work along with other treatments to relax the body and restore blood flow to targeted areas.
Arthritis is a condition that affects millions. Although many strides have been made in the understanding and treatment, there is still no cure. Patients are left to decipher between complex and often times, confusing treatment options. Some experience mild symptoms, while others struggle to find an end to their pain. For some, mild pain relievers ease the pain; but for those who suffer in agony, steroids or other inhibitors are sometimes recommended; the side effects and long-term usage should always be weighed. Promoting alternative treatment is important because both acupuncture and yoga have been proven to be effective in dealing with countless ailments.

Notes:
"Yoga-Relaxation and Relief for Arthritis Sufferers." http://www.arthritissupport.com
"The learning Center For Acupuncture." How Does Acupuncture Work?" www.acufinder.com/learning center.

Recommended websites:
http://www.arthritis.org

To find a licensed acupuncturist visit:

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture
www.nccaom.org

American Academy of Acupuncture
www.medicalacupuncture.org