Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol or others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve occasional pain caused by activities that muscles and joints aren't used to, such as working in the garden after a winter indoors. Muscles, bones and joints form the musculoskeletal system that allows us to move and function normally. Musculoskeletal problems can cause pain and restrict or reduce movement. Simple muscle aches can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac.
Diseases that affect the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be treated with medications that affect the immune system, such as methotrexate and leflunomide. Osteoporosis is the gradual thinning and weakening of bones, a process that can be prevented or delayed with medications such as alendronic acid or risedronate. Visit the NCCIH website for more information on the success of certain complementary approaches. It also offers a mobile application that provides unbiased, research-based information on the effectiveness of more than 50 herbal products.
As a general rule, buy a brand-name capsule tablet, as it will reduce the chances of it containing lead or mercury. Turmeric, a plant in the ginger family, is often used in South Asian cuisine, such as curry. Contains curcumin, the key ingredient that can help reduce inflammation. To be effective as a supplement or as a food, and not simply to be metabolized and excreted, turmeric must be absorbed with fatty oils, such as avocado or olive oil, and black pepper, which most supplements contain.
I recommend that turmeric be part of your daily diet for three to six months to evaluate the benefits. Turmeric supplements can be expensive and inflammation can be treated in other ways. Therefore, if the pain has not abated after this period of time, we can try something else. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 supplements for several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
For example, a small study showed that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are mainly found in fish oils, can significantly reduce joint inflammation and tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Most of the patients I see have taken these supplements before with no good results. For better absorption, I recommend incorporating omega-3s into your diet through foods such as tuna, salmon, sardines, tofu, walnuts and flaxseeds. Collagen is widely available in capsule form, as well as in powder or liquid form that can be mixed with food or beverages.
Or you can increase your body's natural level of collagen by eating more foods that contain protein and vitamin C, such as chicken, fish, eggs and citrus fruits. After talking about collagen with several patients and reviewing existing research, I decided to take it myself, in powder form, for about six months and noticed an improvement in a hamstring injury. This doesn't prove anything and more conclusive research is needed. However, it's worth looking into collagen if you're interested.
For example, capsaicin cream, made from hot chili peppers, can significantly reduce joint pain. It lowers levels of substance P in the body, a natural chemical secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells that sends pain signals to the brain. The benefits of capsaicin cream have been studied extensively and show a 50% reduction in pain after regular use. To see an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300 or 817-882-2400. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications that don't primarily treat muscle pain, but can help relieve pain or spasms. A big question that many people ask themselves when breastfeeding sore muscles is whether they should use heat or ice. If your muscles ache from time to time, you can take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help relieve discomfort.
Your doctor may prescribe antispasms for conditions that cause muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy. These changes in your exercise routine can cause minor injuries to muscle fibers and connective tissue. There are several natural, medicinal and procedural pain treatments available, and patients respond differently to all of them. It may also be helpful to work with a physical therapist, who can show you how to exercise safely and how to maintain good posture so that you don't get injured or worsen your joint pain.
Some muscle relaxants can also be addictive, and it's recommended that people only use them for the short term. .
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