Friday November 6, 2009
One of the primary symptoms of osteoarthritis is pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest. We hear a lot about the importance of physical activity to build strength, endurance, and improve range of motion. But what about rest? When should you rest? How long should you rest? Is it ever a bad thing to rest when you have osteoarthritis?
Rest is a simple, non-pharmacologic remedy for osteoarthritis pain. Sometimes we overlook a treatment option that isn't complicated or expensive because we assume it won't work. Get advice from your doctor about resting and then work it into your routine. Learn more about the benefits of resting in Will Rest Ease Osteoarthritis Pain?
Related Resources:
Share Your Advice and Experiences:
Photo by Sarah Joos (stock.xchng)
Wednesday November 4, 2009
A cervical pillow can improve the alignment of your neck and spine, helping to relieve neck pain associated with arthritis. Choose a cervical pillow that suits you. There are several features to consider when looking for a cervical pillow, including size, shape, and material.
Some are made with memory foam, buckwheat hull, water, or air (comes with its own pump). It's hard to decide -- without trying each cervical pillow out yourself. Take a look at these cervical pillows -- hopefully it will encourage you to learn about your options.
Related Resources:
Join the Discussion:
Photo © Pricegrabber
Sunday November 1, 2009
Researchers focus on finding the causes or predisposing factors for various diseases and conditions. Osteoarthritis is no different. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis, has been tied to age, overweight, and previous injury, among other things. As for previous injury, you probably are thinking of a broken bone -- perhaps from a sports injury or accident -- that can cause problems years later.
According to a report published online October 29, 2009 in Arthritis Care & Research, childhood physical abuse and early-life trauma has been linked to the development of adult osteoarthritis. There were more than 11,000 respondents to the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey which was used in the study. After adjusting for certain factors, researchers concluded that the association between childhood physical abuse and osteoarthritis was significant. Further studies are needed to determine how osteoarthritis develops as a consequence of childhood physical abuse.
Related Resources:
Share Your Advice and Experiences:
Photo by jynmeyer (stock.xchng)
Saturday October 31, 2009
Tai chi is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that enhances balance, strength, and flexibility. Using a mind-body approach and a focus on slow, rhythmic movements, tai chi has been found to benefit osteoarthritis patients. Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine have specifically determined that knee osteoarthritis patients over age 65, who participate in regular tai chi exercise, experience less pain and better physical function.
According to the study results, which were reported in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, 20 of 40 study participants were asked to participate in 60-minute Yang style tai chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of tai chi principles, 30 minutes of tai chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.
The other 20 people, serving as the control group, attended two 60-minute class sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session included instruction that covered osteoarthritis, diet and nutrition, treatments or physical and mental health education -- and 20 minutes of stretching exercises. At the conclusion of the 12-week study, the tai chi group experienced a significant decrease in knee pain compared to the control group.
Related Resources:
Share Your Advice and Experiences:
Photo by Anne Clark (iStockphoto)
