Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Arthritis Pain Treatments

Arthritis encompasses different diseases that cause pain and immobility in sufferers who regularly use several arthritis pain treatments in an effort to gain mobility, and reduce the stiffness and pain caused by arthritis. The most common disease that arthritis pain treatments are used for is osteoarthritis, which is designated as degenerative joint disease. When the cartilage between the bones degenerates, the bones can rub together which causes pain, stiffness or loss of mobility. Arthritis pain treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis that's being treated.

Two severe types of the disease that require arthritis pain treatments are rheumatoid arthritis which inflames the lining in the joints, and juvenile arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect patients who are under 18 years of age. Pediatric arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children. Doctors and researchers are becoming more aware of the mind/body connection in treating chronic disease, and are prescribing arthritis pain treatments that not only treat the chronic pain, but work on the psychological effects of the disease. Arthritis pain treatments include a variety of drugs which may include NSAIDs and DMARDs.

Arthritis pain treatments that can often relieve pain and discomfort are bodywork or massage. Massage is used to complement other arthritis pain treatments in nearly 10 percent of all arthritis sufferers. When people suffer from arthritis, the pain associated with it causes more stress. Massage as one of the alternative arthritis pain treatments, can relieve anxiety and tension associated with pain, making it even more beneficial. By working on the hormones in the body, massage as a treatment for arthritis can lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate which provides a sense of relaxation. Massage techniques can be learned to do at home or it can be done by a licensed massage therapist at a spa. Research has shown that regular massage improves movement and the function of joints and muscles, and lessens pain.

Complementary therapies used as arthritis pain treatments include some rather unorthodox methods that nevertheless work for many people who suffer from severe joint muscle pain. The ancient therapy of acupuncture uses over 2,000 point in the body through which energy flows to balance the flow. The theory is that when the energy is blocked or unbalanced, pain may occur. When the energy points have fine needles inserted into them, the flow of energy becomes unobstructed. The pain is relieved and the energy flows as it should. The way the nervous system works can be improved with the use of acupuncture. When there is severe pain, acupuncture can change the way the pain is perceived. The needles work to alter the part of the brain that is associated with pain so it's alleviated.