The shoulder is a complex set of bones and joints that come together to create the widest range of motion in the body. As such, a complex range of motion comes with a complex set of risks. Shoulder, back, and neck issues go hand-in-hand since they are all connected. Shoulder pain can be attributed to any one of the following factors:
Treatment
If the problem is caused by old or minor injury or inflammation, treatments will be the same regardless of the specific problem. Minor injuries generally heal themselves. As such, resting the shoulder, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug and applying cold treatments to the injury are a few suggestions for minimizing pain and promoting healing.
Seek medical attention if the pain is severe. You will have to seek medical attention if you hear bones popping or grating, or if your condition is not improving. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, and/or muscle relaxants if you are experiencing muscle spasms. For arthritis, a physician may administer local corticosteroid injections. Mild exercise of the shoulder and back may be helpful. There is also evidence to suggest that antidepressants are effective in combating pain as stress is a possible aggravating factor.
For injuries which involve the spine, surgery may be a necessary last resort. Non-surgical methods will often be tried first because surgery is risky, invasive, and debilitating. At times, injuries to the spine are associated with the shoulder and neck. The only way to determine the true cause and seriousness of the condition is by undergoing a series of diagnostic tests, such as X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, Anthrogram, and CT scan. It is difficult to put an end to shoulder pain once it begins. However, there are some treatment options one can try at home.
Self-treatment options
When home remedies are not useful, a patient will need to seek professional medical intervention as long-term pain issues (lasting several months) can often indicate a more serious problem.
By:
Kelli Hastings, B.A.,
Health and Safety Specialist
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The supplement is prepared in a unique way. Boswellia serrata is a tree found on the dry mountains of India, Africa and Middle East. Oleo-gum resin is tapped from an incision made on the trunk of the tree and stored in bamboo baskets. Thereafter, some oil content is removed and the resin solidifies.
Boswellia is a great remedy for arthritis (especially osteoarthritis), inflammatory bowel diseases and asthma. Let’s review a few studies:
Boswellia Serrata for osteoarthritis
In a 2003 study, the benefits of Boswellia were compared with placebo in osteoarthritis sufferers. After only 8 weeks, the subjects who received Boswellia noted moderate improvement in pain, knee flexion and walking distance, compared to those in the placebo group.
A 2010 study also compared Boswellia with placebo. Again, the subjects receiving Boswellia experienced a significant reduction in pain, inflammation and increased joint function as compared to the placebo group. Analysis of the knee fluid in those who consumed Boswellia showed a reduction in cartilage degeneration.
Boswellia seratta for rheumatoid arthritis
A 2010 study suggests that Boswellia can be used for immune mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The key ingredients - boswellic acids (particularly AKBA : 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) have the ability to modulate the function of the immune system in a few different ways, from influencing the antibody titres to inhibiting inflammatory responses.
Boswellia - other health benefits
Boswellia can also improve many other conditions. Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) respond well to this supplement. According to research studies, Boswellia works as well as Sulfasalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug, and can induce remission in 70% to 82% of people with ulcerative colitis.
Other studies have shown that Boswellia can also improve asthma and even brain diseases affecting the memory (such as Alzheimer’s disease).
The health benefits of this herb include strong anti-inflammatory qualities and the immune system modulation. Boswellic acids also help prevent the production of leukotrienes (substances that trigger inflammation and asthma symptoms).
Boswellia may also have anti-cancer qualities by preventing certain enzymes from affecting the DNA. It has been studied for the treatment of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukaemia and brain tumour cells.
Special considerations
Boswellia supplements are generally reviewed and rated based on their concentration of boswellic acids.
Overall, Boswellia is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosage. However, there have been some reports of mild digestive complaints (like minor stomach upsets) and accelerated menstrual blood flow while on Boswellia. It should be avoided by pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant. It is advised that you consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.
Contributing Adviser:
Dr Brenda, MD, HD (Nutrition),
Medical author, Assistant Microbiology Professor
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Curcumin, the key ingredient of turmeric, appears to be associated with most of the positive effects of turmeric. Curcumin has strong antioxidant qualities and therefore can fight free radicals. With every breath we take, free radicals are formed in the body. Environmental toxins (including smoke), radiation and stress also create more free radicals in the body. These molecules are responsible for many degenerative conditions such as arthritis, heart diseases, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Turmeric also has anti-aging properties and helps us to “age gracefully”.
Let’s see what scientists have found out about turmeric:
Turmeric for Arthritis
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory qualities, and therefore can reduce inflammation, swelling, pain and therefore, improves range of motion in joints affected by arthritis. Scientists found that curcumin acts in a similar way with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs Indomethacin and Salicylates (used for arthritis management). This natural powder is also safe to consume. Studies have shown that turmeric works for both degenerative flare-ups as well as chronic arthritis.
A study found that turmeric dramatically inhibits joint destruction (due to arthritis) and also blocked NF-κB (a protein that controls certain genes that promote inflammatory responses). Turmeric also showed the ability to influence the expression of hundreds of genes that play a role in joint inflammation and destruction. This supplement also prevents the production of too many osteoclasts (cells that break down the bone).
This natural supplement aids in the management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of joint diseases. It can also be used to aid in pain and symptom relief for neck pain, back pain or knee pain.
Other Health Benefits
Turmeric can help you lose weight and supports hormonal balance (both obesity and hormonal imbalances are risk factors for osteoarthritis). It can also prevent and help manage heart diseases. It even prevents the heart muscles from getting damaged after a heart attack. Studies have shown an improvement in cholesterol level management when taking turmeric. It also helps prevent blood clots and therefore reduces the risk of getting heart attacks and strokes.
Turmeric has anti-diabetes effects and aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels, and can fight various microorganisms like bacteria (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Helicobacter Pylori), viruses (Ebstein-Barr, and possibly HIV), fungi (Aspergillus flavus) and can also be used as an venom antidote .
Curcumin has strong anti-cancer qualities according to some research papers. It induces tumour cell apoptosis (self-destruction of cancer cells), and is particularly helpful in aiding recovery from colon cancers and leukaemia.
Your brain also loves turmeric, as this supplement can protect you from developing vascular dementia. Turmeric is very safe to consume. However, since turmeric has anti-diabetic effects, you may need to seek your doctor’s opinion on the reduction of dosage of anti-diabetic drugs (if you suffer from diabetes). Also, because turmeric has blood thinning qualities, consumption should stop a few weeks before a surgery. Since it has some anti-fertility qualities (research is ongoing for turmeric based contraceptives), you should not consume it if you are pregnant, or are planning for a child.
Contributing Adviser:
Dr Brenda, MD, HD (Nutrition),
Medical author, Assistant Microbiology Professor
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Learn the “Warning Signs”
If you are aware of the warning signs of a flare up, you can be prepared and better manage (physically and emotionally) the flare up. When you feel the warning signs, you should take some rest, use hot or cold pads (whichever makes you feel better), and take some medications to decrease inflammation and pain. It may be a good idea to take a few days off from work as well. One of the typical warning signs is a very intense pain (to the point of wanting to die). Other signs are non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, feeling ill (flu-like symptoms), depressed mood (you may not want to socialize and have the desire to being alone).
Avoid the Triggers
Certain triggers are known to increase the chance of a new flare up. One such trigger is stress. Stress increases cortisol levels and promotes inflammation, leading to a flare-up. Breathing techniques, meditation or yoga can help decrease your stress level.
Infections also cause inflammation. A simple cold or flu can trigger a flare up. Conventional drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis suppress the immune system, and therefore makes you more vulnerable to infection. Consider turmeric or ginger as these natural supplements have the ability to fight infections. Certain foods are also associated with flare ups. Keep a food diary and keep track if your symptoms worsen after a certain meal. If your symptoms do get worse, you may have a food allergy (consider eliminating gluten from your diet as many people with autoimmune diseases may be sensitive to the protein gluten). Avoid the potential “trigger” foods for a few months and notice if there is any improvement.
Avoid fatigue. If you work long hours, you may experience a flare up because over-exertion triggers inflammation. Make sure you get enough rest and take a nap (20-30 minutes) when you feel extremely tired.
Reduce Inflammation
Remember, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis. Most symptoms worsen because there is a significant degree of inflammation. You can reduce inflammation in your joints and the entire body by decreasing the stress levels and eating an anti-inflammatory type diet. Try avoiding processed foods, alcohol and coffee while eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also consider having fish, white lean meats, beans, nuts and seeds. You can also take supplements with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric as mentioned above, and stay as active as you can.
Contributing Adviser:
Dr Brenda, MD, HD (Nutrition),
Medical author, Assistant Microbiology Professor
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Did you know that osteoarthritis may be the oldest known disease on the planet? Scientists have found evidence of osteoarthritis in dinosaur skeletons dating up to 70 million years old, as well as skeletal remains of the Neanderthal population and Egyptian mummies.
Despite affecting us for thousands of years, doctors have only started to understand more about osteoarthritis since the late 18th century. There are a few reasons why osteoarthritis is now considered the “epidemic of the future”. Millions of people are currently affected by this condition, and its prevalence has increased by 30% in the last 2 decades. This figure continues to rise and the number of new cases of osteoarthritis is expected to double by 2030.
Causes
Let us look at several factors that will explain why osteoarthritis has and will become an increasingly dominant cause of inability to work.
Age
The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Age is considered the strongest risk factor for osteoarthritis in all joints. On the average, life expectancy has increased worldwide. As an example, a person born in the 1950s is expected to live around 46.6 years, while someone born in 2010 is expected to live two decades more. Therefore, as the population ages, an increasing number of people will fall victim to osteoarthritis.
Obesity
Obesity is another world wide epidemic that is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, especially in the knee and hip. This is due to the high mechanical stress on the joints. Researchers believe obesity is in fact the strongest modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that individuals who lose about 5 kilograms reduce their risk of developing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis by up to a whopping 50%!
Gender
Strangely enough, women are also more susceptible to this condition as compared to men. In many countries, the number of women affected by osteoarthritis is slightly higher than the number of men. In addition, women live an average of two years longer than men, and therefore the age factor further increases the risk osteoarthritis in women. According to some research studies, estrogen has protective effects on the joints, and thus women who have been through menopause are more likely to be affected by this condition.
Others
Certain occupations, sports, genetics and other factors can also raise your risk of developing osteoarthritis. So what can we do to manage this risk?
Treatment
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you are over 30 years of age, a simple X-ray will most likely show some degenerative changes in your joints. Although a mild degeneration does not necessarily mean that symptoms will show, we can take a proactive role and limit the damage to our joints before it is too late. If you already have osteoarthritis, do consider trying some supplements that help repair the joints and decrease inflammation.
One of my favorite supplements for both prevention and management of osteoarthritis is turmeric. Turmeric covers many risk factors associated with this condition. Besides promoting healthy joints, it also decreases inflammation and boosts the immune system. This miraculous herb can also improve hormonal balance (especially in women) and help you shed those extra pounds. Best of all, it has anti-aging qualities as well, so we can all enjoy a healthier and longer life.
Contributing Adviser:
Dr Brenda, MD, HD (Nutrition),
Medical author, Assistant Microbiology Professor