Learn About Aging Without Joint Pain
July 6, 2010 by Eric
Filed under Featured, Joint Pain Causes
I first became keenly aware of one of the negative aspects of continuing to accumulate birthdays, (which I am planning to keep on doing for a long time by the way), while watching my mother suffer, plagued by common arthritis pain and painful joints for many years. The daily ritual of setting up all the many pain medications she would rely on to make it through the day was a huge wake up call for me.
I encouraged her to exercise, and to try some of the already talked about new natural formulas for pain control (this was a number of years ago) and renewal, but she would have none of it. She insisted on relying solely on the pharmaceuticals her doctors perscribed. This reliance which over time precipitated a host of gastrointestinal problems like ulcers and bleeding in the GI tract.
My mother has since passed away, and I think of her every day, promising not to allow myself to depend solely on a single source of information regarding my health decisions as I age.The good news is that our life expectancy continues to increase, however, that can turn into a curse if we have to live for many years riddled with pain, unable to enjoy the simple things in life: our families, a day in our garden? I simply refuse to accept the idea of living with joint pain for the rest of my days; unable to do most of the things I have enjoyed doing throughout my life. I believe no one not hampered by injuries from an accident or chronic illness has to accept this either. Pain associated with the wear-and-tear of age and common arthritis can be debilitating, fortunately there are ways to manage it.
Starting with scheduling a doctor’s visit, can help in narrowing down the causes of your pain. There are many pain management options, finding the optimal one for you is the next step. Usually it is a combination of treatments. So how you perceive it can have a fundamental connection to how well you will be able to deal with it. I don’t want to get too metaphysical about it, but you know, there really is something of a body mind connection. Alright so we want to do battle with debilitating pain, so we can not ignore the standard medications; Such as:
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for common arthritis.
• Steroids, like dexamethasone and prednisone, to alleviate inflammation and pain.
• Antidepressants, can improve sleep and alleviate pain
As I said before, a combination of strategies is what I find is key. In future posts I’ll be talking about all the other methodologies I find work best for me. That means the discussion of, dare I say it, EXERCISE. Oh my! Please let me know in the comments area about your ideas and experiences in dealing with your own pain issues. Although at times it may seem I’m being too simplistic or casual, believe me, I realize this is a serious issue, I just don’t want to be too glum all the time, so I welcome any lighthearted stories you may have too. After all, sometimes we have to laugh, even if it hurts.
Did you find this article interesting or helpful? Please let me know! Leave your comment, or suggestion below. I am interested in bringing only valuable information to you, this is how you can help me. Thanks.
- Eric
