Thursday, November 7, 2013

Arthritis Pain Reliever - Conventional And Alternative Options


The next best thing to a cure for arthritis - as this is still unknown - is a pain reliever. Pain is the common and usually most unbearable symptom of arthritis and with the right pain reliever, you could look forward to a relatively comfortable and active future even with arthritis. Ultimately, your main problem is making sure you're using the right arthritis pain reliever.

Three Types of Conventional Arthritic Pain Relievers

You have the option to choose among the three known types of arthritic pain relievers.

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). This is the most common type of arthritic pain reliever and can be used regularly to assuage the pain caused by your condition. If you are looking for NSAIDs with higher dosages, however, you'll have to ask for prescription from your doctor for those. Previously hailed for its effectiveness in treating symptoms for arthritis and other pain-riddled diseases, recent studies have revealed how continued use of NSAIDs have serious side effects.

Narcotics. This type of arthritic pain reliever has its own share of side effects as well. Possibly the worst disadvantage to using narcotics is the risk of getting addicted to it. Many people have found themselves unable to function properly without taking narcotics at the start of the day. Another side effect of narcotics is the possible immunity of the body to its effects after a long period of use. In such cases, individuals will then be forced to take larger doses of narcotics. If they aren't careful, taking huge amounts of arthritis can lead to respiratory problems and even death.

Steroids. Examples of this type of arthritic pain reliever are COX-2 inhibitors which are very popular with arthritic patients. Unfortunately, continued use of steroids can lead to heart and kidney disorders, hypertension, and other chronic complications.

Obviously, all three types of arthritic pain relievers have their respective sets of ups and downs. If you're determined to use a traditional arthritic pain reliever, you need to consult your doctor to get the kind of medication your body is ready and able to handle without much side effects.

Is an Alternative or Home Arthritic Pain Reliever Effective?

Arthritic patients, fearing the various side effects and possible complications caused by taking traditional painkillers are becoming increasingly dependent on alternative or home remedies. These are safe to use, provided you can be sure of its origins.

Some people believe that natural arthritic pain relievers are effective only because of contrived placebo effects - it's only the individual's trust in the product, in other words, that make the product effective against arthritis. Herbalists however provide data regarding pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of their ingredients to prove that their home remedies are truly effective in allaying the pain caused by arthritis.

Here are several examples of alternative arthritic pain relievers you can use:

Chondroitin and Glucosamine. These two not only reduce the amount of pain you're suffering from arthritis but also help in slowing down the progress of osteoarthritis as well as expediting joint repair.

MSM. Its natural sulfuric contents make it an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It decreases the intensity of inflammation and swelling of joints and consequently making your condition less painful.

Boswellia. This is another herb with anti-inflammatory properties.

SAM-e. This natural arthritic pain reliever is good in increasing joint motion and flexibility as well as reducing swelling of joints.

Tumeric. Yet another herb, Tumeric is more powerful than other natural ingredients when used to treat pain caused by arthritis.

Choosing the Right Arthritic Pain Reliever for You

Consider the following factors when looking for the ideal natural arthritic pain reliever.

Price. Natural pain relievers are certainly more affordable than painkilling medications, but they might not be considered as acceptable expenses by your health insurance company. It's best to consult your insurance agent before trying out any painkiller, natural or not, as they may have recommended brands that will give you discounted rates to enjoy.

Availability. If you have a green thumb and garden, it would be easy for you to grow your own herbs and make your own remedies. If you live in the city then OTC arthritic pain relievers are definitely more abundant in supply as they can be procured online or from any drugstore.

An arthritic pain reliever has many benefits, but don't make the mistake of using it as a substitute for having a healthy lifestyle. The right habits are still one of the most effective ways of treating arthritis.

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