Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Joint Pain

joggersThe last topic in our pain series is joint pain. Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any part of the body where bones connect. Joint pain is a common complaint, and frequent causes include arthritis, gout, strains, and sprains. Common sites of joint pain include: knee, shoulder, hip, and wrist. In the absence of an injury, pain in one or more of your joints is often caused by inflammation or infection. Persistent pain that may occur after a viral infection requires a doctor’s attention. Joint pain symptoms include:

Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Warmth in your joints

Diet and supplements are an integral part of managing joint pain.

Diet plays a critical role in regulating pain and is the foundation for good health. The foods you eat have the ability to trigger either pro-inflammatory chemicals or anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Pro-inflammatory foods increase pain, swelling, and cellular damage. An increase in inflammatory chemicals has been associated with most chronic diseases including joint pain, arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and various cancers. Click here to learn about what foods to avoid. Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Joint Pain”

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Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Inflammation

inflammationWhat is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a protective process that the body uses to fight infection and foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. It is responsible for the swelling, redness, and pain associated with injuries. Other signs of acute inflammation include heat and loss of movement. Pain management is often an important part of addressing inflammation, which can become dangerous to your health if it is unresolved or becomes chronic. Taking a natural approach to inflammation can help.

What are the Causes of Inflammation?

Listed below are some of the most common causes of inflammation.

• Pathogens (germs) such as bacteria, viruses or fungi
• External injuries like scrapes or foreign objects
• Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder
• Bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchi
• Otitis media, a middle ear infection
• Dermatitis, a condition where skin is inflamed
• Arthritis, inflammation of the joints
• Food allergies/sensitivities
• Autoimmune diseases
Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Inflammation”

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Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines

headache-painMigraine Basics

What is a migraine? It is a severe, painful headache that can last anywhere from several hours to several days. Migraines differ from traditional headaches in that they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or flashes of light.

Who is affected? Migraines can affect adults and children, but are most often reported by adults. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men.

Migraine Versus Headache: Which Do I Have?

To better understand headaches and to differentiate migraine headaches from other types, see common signs, symptoms and frequencies of headaches listed below. Our certified wellness counselors recommend keeping a headache diary—noting when your headaches occur, what your headache signs and symptoms are, and any diet or lifestyle triggers you can identify. This detail will help our professionals provide a personal assessment of your situation and make recommendations for you. There are many options for taking a natural approach to headaches and migraines.  Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines”

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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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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. 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 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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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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