Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Arthritis

hand-drawingAccording to the CDC, over 50 million Americans suffer from some sort of arthritis. Arthritis occurs when the body’s cushioning cartilage breaks down and bones may begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation and joint pain. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint condition that affects over 40 million Americans, most of whom are older individuals. The onset of arthritis may be gradual and most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, and spine). Taking a natural approach to arthritis can help.

Arthritis sufferers often experience early morning stiffness, stiffness following periods of rest, pain that worsens with use, and loss of joint function. The most common arthritis symptoms include local tenderness, soft tissue swelling, bony swelling, and restricted mobility. Joint pain may occur in the hips, knees, shoulders, heels, and neck, as well as other places.

Fortunately, there are many holistic approaches that can provide relief. Diet, exercise, nutritional supplements and topical support are just some options that may assist with pain management. Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Arthritis”

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Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Pain Management

pain-chartIf you are one of the millions of pain sufferers, then you know that it can be both physically and emotionally burdensome. Chronic pain especially, can impact work productivity, ability to sleep, energy levels, concentration, social relationships, and overall enjoyment of life. Whether it is migraines, back pain, nerve pain, joint pain or any other type of pain, we have found that individuals experience the greatest relief when they take a comprehensive approach. A natural approach to pain management can mean incorporating both internal and topical support that utilizes high quality products including nutritional supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies, or even recommended custom compounded formulas.

Village Green’s naturopathic doctors and certified nutritionists are available for individualized consultations for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our professionals will:

• Review your symptoms and health history
• Examine your diet and lifestyle
• Recommend specialized testing
• Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
• Answer any questions you may have
• Create a customized plan that includes natural remedies, custom compounding, diet, and lifestyle recommendations  Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Pain Management”

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Making the Invisible Visible: Chronic Pain Manual for Health Care Providers

Following a motor vehicle accident that resulted in chronic pain, Gwenn Herman felt compelled to reach out to others to provide support and treatment that she had found lacking during her own experience. She started Pain Connection in 1999 as a nonprofit, community organization that aimed to improve the quality of life of those suffering from chronic pain, decrease their sense of isolation and alienation, increase their control of their condition and treatment, and maintain their independence.

Pain Connection’s mission is to help people with chronic pain and their families by providing information and resources, professional training, psychosocial support, a peer support network, a speakers’ series, community outreach/education, support groups, therapy groups, a newsletter, and a website.  Continue reading “Making the Invisible Visible: Chronic Pain Manual for Health Care Providers”

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Nutrient Depletion: Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are usually prescribed for conditions that cause swelling and inflammation. Applied as a topical, taken as a tablet, used as a nasal spray or eye drops, or even as an inhaler, there are many ways to take corticosteroids.

Some conditions that corticosteroids are prescribed for include arthritis, lupus, kidney disease, asthma, and even eczema.

Long-term use of steroids can have many side effects including changes in mood, increased blood pressure, stomach ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, increased appetite and weight gain. So talk to your doctor about what can be done to minimize these side effects, if they do occur.

One thing that you can do is take calcium and vitamin D, since steroids reduce calcium absorption and increase urinary excretion and may interfere with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Considering that osteoporosis is one potential side effect of these drugs, consider supplementing with at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day and 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 to maintain proper bone health.

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Fight Inflammation With This Enzyme

The bromelains are a group of naturally occurring protein-digestive (proteolytic) enzymes. The stem of a pineapple contains bromelain, which is very helpful for protein indigestion, inflammation, arthritis and sinusitis.

Besides being used as a protein digestive aid, the enzymes in bromelain inhibit inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory effect has been studied for its effectiveness in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and sinusitis. Pathway Bromelain contains 400mg of bromelain in each capsule.

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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May 2024
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