Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
6 Natural Pain Remedies for Chronic Pain
6 Natural Pain Remedies for Chronic Pain
It will be a huge relief when medical researchers develop better methods of treating the untold thousands of people that live with chronic, debilitating pain. Although there are effective drugs for controlling many kinds and causes of intense pain, they are generally very highly regulated, and often have negative side effects when taken regularly.
Afraid of issues like creating and fostering addictive behavior, being put under the microscope by governing medical boards that can take away their medical licenses, and of being sued for malpractice, doctors are often viewed by their chronic pain patients as not handing out enough pain meds to get them to their next refill. One possible avenue for remedies that may at least help reduce pain for some patients is to explore available natural pain treatments:
1. Capsaicin. Do you like hot peppers? Capsaicin is the active ingredient. At least one study has found that a topical cream with capsaicin can reduce pain for arthritis sufferers. Another study found that people with chronic migraines who put capsaicin in their nostrils had a reduction in symptoms.
2. Fish Oil. Omega 3s are very popular these days, and for good reason. MSNBC reports that a Scottish study has found that a significant percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients were able to reduce their pain meds by a third when they took a daily dose of cod-liver oil.
3. Tart cherries. They sound delicious, and have been found by researchers at Michigan State University to contain an ingredient called anthocyanins, which may help reduce pain better than aspirin.
4. White Willow Bark. Yes, it’s what aspirin is derived from. However the University of Maryland suggests that although it takes longer to relieve pain, white willow bark may have a longer pain relieving effect than aspirin and at a lower dose.
5. Boswellia. This herb has been found by researchers to be less toxic and capable of being consumed in smaller doses than some NSAIDS (such as Ibuprofen). It was found, in a large study of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, to be particularly effective in reducing pain and swelling.
6. Carcumin. This element that is found in the seasoning turmeric used in curry dishes, can be used instead of NSAIDS to reduce post-operative inflammation and pain. It is reported as not having any negative side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, or stomach.
As with all drugs herbal and otherwise, remember to consult with your health care provider before consuming to avoid any drug interaction or other complications. Have any herbal remedies worked for you that you would like to share?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Tip: The National Institutes of Health suggests trying hot and cold compresses. Wrap a bag of frozen peas or blueberries in a thin towel and apply to the painful area for 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. After 3 days of ice, switch to applying heat, such as a heating pad or heat lamp for brief periods to help your blood flow improve and your muscles begin to relax.
Afraid of issues like creating and fostering addictive behavior, being put under the microscope by governing medical boards that can take away their medical licenses, and of being sued for malpractice, doctors are often viewed by their chronic pain patients as not handing out enough pain meds to get them to their next refill. One possible avenue for remedies that may at least help reduce pain for some patients is to explore available natural pain treatments:
1. Capsaicin. Do you like hot peppers? Capsaicin is the active ingredient. At least one study has found that a topical cream with capsaicin can reduce pain for arthritis sufferers. Another study found that people with chronic migraines who put capsaicin in their nostrils had a reduction in symptoms.
2. Fish Oil. Omega 3s are very popular these days, and for good reason. MSNBC reports that a Scottish study has found that a significant percentage of rheumatoid arthritis patients were able to reduce their pain meds by a third when they took a daily dose of cod-liver oil.
3. Tart cherries. They sound delicious, and have been found by researchers at Michigan State University to contain an ingredient called anthocyanins, which may help reduce pain better than aspirin.
4. White Willow Bark. Yes, it’s what aspirin is derived from. However the University of Maryland suggests that although it takes longer to relieve pain, white willow bark may have a longer pain relieving effect than aspirin and at a lower dose.
5. Boswellia. This herb has been found by researchers to be less toxic and capable of being consumed in smaller doses than some NSAIDS (such as Ibuprofen). It was found, in a large study of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, to be particularly effective in reducing pain and swelling.
6. Carcumin. This element that is found in the seasoning turmeric used in curry dishes, can be used instead of NSAIDS to reduce post-operative inflammation and pain. It is reported as not having any negative side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, or stomach.
As with all drugs herbal and otherwise, remember to consult with your health care provider before consuming to avoid any drug interaction or other complications. Have any herbal remedies worked for you that you would like to share?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Tip: The National Institutes of Health suggests trying hot and cold compresses. Wrap a bag of frozen peas or blueberries in a thin towel and apply to the painful area for 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. After 3 days of ice, switch to applying heat, such as a heating pad or heat lamp for brief periods to help your blood flow improve and your muscles begin to relax.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Facebook Like Button
Please hit the Facebook "like" button!! It took me awhile to figure out how to get that up there. So if you like it, click it! Thanks!!
I just need one more referral. Please click the link and sign up. I got $10 in Amazon gift cards in about a month. I love this!!! http://ping.fm/UOeYZ
Friday, July 23, 2010
Helping to spread the word
I came across this blog through Sue Ingebretson's facebook. She is the author of a book called FibroWHYalgia. The link I am posting is for a fellow blogger named Lana. She is giving away a copy of Sue's book. Have a look around and follow if you enjoy her site. Thanks Sue and Lana for helping spread the word!!
P.S. If you want to buy this book, click the link for Amazon on Lana's page and she'll get a cut of it for clicking through. Or contact me for more info.
P.S. If you want to buy this book, click the link for Amazon on Lana's page and she'll get a cut of it for clicking through. Or contact me for more info.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
As the song goes, "I had a bad day...."
Yesterday I cleaned up my disaster area around the couch. Let me say it's 90% done!!! Huge challenge accomplished! Hubby was so proud of me. BUT I haven't slept since Monday night, had to go get an Imitrex shot today cause my migraine wouldn't stop. (Never had one of those shots or pills) I was throwing up all night and just felt like dirt. So, I actually made it by my self to the doc appointment I already had, my cardiologist recommended a blood pressure med to get my resting pulse under control. So, add that med to the list of the growing monster of them. 174 pulse resting is not good btw. lol. So, now I have Imitrex pills, blood pressure pills and the other about 14 other meds. Doc says blood pressure meds are not good for those with bipolar, like me, cause it can cause even more depression. UGH!!! Let's see what blows up this time!!! ha ha.
On a different note, I have a couple of friends going through some rough times, would just like them to know they are loved. :) as are the rest of all you that are actually reading this. Take care all!!
Emu Oil
So, I finally tried it, yep, Emu Oil. It's really expensive and got mixed results depending how I felt at the time. It seemed to have some benefits over all though and will consider buying more in the future. Here's some info about it...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Summer, Traveling and Fibro
SUMMER TIME TRAVELING WITH FIBRO
For many people, summertime involves traveling. Family vacations, short trips, relocating to a new place, or even getting ready for someone else to visit, all have their rewards. At the same time, travel can mean a lot of things: packing and carrying luggage, sitting for long periods of time in a car or on an airplane, changing climates or time zones, and sometimes sleeping on an uncomfortable bed. All of these are stressors on the body, and may lead to flare-ups.
In general, stress activates the hypothalamic pituitary-axis (HPA), along with the body's "fight or flight" response mechanism. When a healthy person experiences a stressor, their cortisol levels increase, which leads to suppression of the immune system response mechanisms. Usually the immune system bounces right back, but it may be sluggish in people with fibromyalgia (FM). According to researcher Leslie Crofford, M.D., of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, "it appears that the stress response defects in FM patients are at the level of resiliency (that is, how fast the HPA axis re-sets itself after activation." So cortisol levels are slightly elevated in FM and this could lead to problems when you put your body through the stress of travel.
One study from a team in Pittsburgh found that high cortisol levels were a risk factor for developing upper-respiratory infections (URIs) when a person is exposed to an experimental stressor. The project was performed in healthy people, but it may have implications for individuals with FM/CFS as well. Just remember that vacations, travel or cleaning your house for guests can be stressful, even though the rest of your family may view thes situations as pure fun and adventure.
So what can you do to improve your chances of having a great time on your vacation or being able to enjoy your new home ... instead of arriving at your destination with a URI or fibro-flare? According to Leonard Jason, Ph.D., of DePaul University in Chicago, "When individuals are exerting themselves for extended periods of time, which can occur on vacations, it is important to try to find times before, during and after the vacation to rest and try to expend less energy than what one has available in reserve." In addition, if you are driving or flying, make sure that you do so as comfortably as possible. Take frequent breaks to rest and stretch. Use neck and back pillows to provide extra support for your body.
For those of you who are relocating, take extra precautions. Try to get other family members to do your packing and unpacking (perhaps trade off by doing something less physically taxing) and give your body ample time to recover from the move. Keep in mind that we have lists of doctors who have been referred by other patients for every U.S. state and Canada. To obtain a list, simply send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope and let us know which referral list you are requesting. Hopefully, this will reduce at least one stress, that of finding a new doctor!
From fmnetnews on Facebook
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
New Book!
I got a new book in the mail today, I'm so excited to read it!!
"Mayo Clinic on Chronic Pain"
Hope to find some good stuff to share with you!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Reminder
Remember the tabs across the top of this page, there's is a lot of good info in the "Resources/Download" tab.
Please take advantage of all resources available to you, here or elsewhere.
Fibromyalgia Clinical Trials by National Fibromyalgia Association
Here's a list of clinical trials that are list from National Fibromyalgia Association. Please take advantage if you can to raise support for Fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
Thank you!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pain Assessment Tool
Check out this pain assessment tool from Fibrocenter to get an idea where your pain is at and if you may have Fibro. Very, very interesting assessment.
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