Dr. Susan Slipacoff B.Kin, ND Article written for the February 2008 issue of Natural Living Magazine

Ailments related to pain and inflammation are experienced by millions of people at various times during their lives. These ailments can be the result of arthritis, sports injuries or occupational associated injuries. This article will review causes, as well as provide various treatments and techniques that can be used to alleviate pain and inflammation naturally.

The two most prevalent forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Of these, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common; existing to some degree in all individuals over the age of sixty-five. In total, it affects more than 20 million North Americans over the age of forty-five. OA is characterized by gradual degeneration of the cartilage that cushions joints and prevents bones from scraping against each other. Repetitive activities and sports injuries are commonly associated with the development of osteoarthritis. The joints that are most often affected include weight-bearing joints (hips and knees) and those of the hands. Once the cushion is worn away within these joints, pain, deformity and limited motion result. Morning joint stiffness is often the first symptom, but as the disease progresses, pain is also present during motion and worsened by prolonged activity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body, though it is the joint’s synovial membranes that are most affected. RA is an autoimmune disease - a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue. The areas most typically affected by RA include the hands, feet, wrists, ankles and knees. Female patients outnumber males by almost three to one. Although RA may begin at any stage in life, the onset is most common between twenty and forty years of age. Fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness (on both sides of the body) and/or vague joint pain may precede the emergence of painful, swollen joints by many weeks. As the disease progresses, joint deformities result in the hands and feet.

Sports-related injuries are also characterized by pain and inflammation. These injuries can be either soft-tissue or bone-related. Exercise-induced injuries are becoming more prevalent as the percentage of those participating in sports and health club activities continues to rise. The cause of these injuries can be either acute, including a sprained ankle or stretching outside of a muscle’s normal limits, resulting in a tear – or they can be chronic. Chronic injuries are common in athletes, such as baseball players, who are consistently performing the same movements. Chronic injuries also occur in people whose occupations require a particular repetitive motion daily.

Contrary to popular belief, inflammation is not always a bad thing. Immediately following an injury, inflammation is necessary for the body to heal because it promotes increased blood flow to the injured site. This increased circulation brings additional oxygen and essential nutrients - and it also allows for the clearance of break-down products and waste metabolites. Chronically, however, inflammation causes changes in the tissue leading to degeneration of various structures and an increased sensitivity to pain. The goal of treatment is to eliminate this chronic state of inflammation, restore normal muscle function and also to eliminate pain.

Treatments vary based on the person and their particular condition; however some commonalities do exist. There are many natural remedies that are clinically researched for the treatment of pain and inflammation. These include omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, enzymes, glucosamine sulphate and botanicals such as bromelain, boswellia, turmeric and curcumin.

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is from fish. In particular, salmon, mackerel and anchovies contain the highest levels of factors known to decrease inflammation. To get the necessary amount of these anti-inflammatory constituents, it is often necessary to take a fish oil supplement. It is important that this supplement is high-quality and pharmaceutical grade to avoid heavy metal exposure. A good source of omega-6 fatty acids is Evening Primrose or borage oil. There are many different types of enzymes available. They are beneficial not only because enzymes are anti-inflammatory, but they have also been shown to improve joint mobility and reduce swelling. This is especially true if the enzymes are taken away from food. Glucosamine sulphate is beneficial in the treatment of OA because it promotes cartilage synthesis. This added cartilage helps to prevent further degeneration of the cushion that exists between affected joints – it also helps the body to repair damaged joints. Bromelain, boswellia, turmeric and curcumin are botanicals that are also effectively used to improve the symptoms of arthritis; they have also been proven to decrease swelling caused by various types of sports injuries.

The therapeutic dose of these supplements will vary based on the type of condition and its intensity and/or chronicity. To prevent a drug and supplement from interacting, it is also important to consider any prescription medications that have already been prescribed. Consider consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner, such as a naturopath or nutritionist to ensure the proper supplement, brand and dosage are chosen.

Natural therapies that are also affective in dealing with both acute and chronic causes of pain and inflammation include acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage. All of these help to relax affected muscles; they also increase blood flow and circulation to the injured or affected area. These therapies can also aid in decreasing the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is often a consequence of incompletely healed injuries and can lead to decreased functioning and mobility. For practitioners in your area, refer to the professional association for the specific therapy you are interested in. Naturopathic doctors are licensed to practice acupuncture in the province of Ontario. They can also provide nutritional recommendations that are particularly effective in the treatment of arthritis and other chronic pain syndromes. To find a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in your area, refer to the following website: www.oand.org