Natural Alternatives to Prescription Joint Drugs
By NaturalGuidance Staff

As an experienced engineer will tell you, any machine with moving parts is subject to breakdown. No matter how well designed it may be, the constant pressure and friction at the points of intersection will inevitably cause couplings or bolts to give way and fail. When a machine is very complex, joining hundreds of flexible components, regular maintenance is required.

In the marvelous machine that is the human body, the frame is held together by sealed "couplings" that contain their own lubrication - a thick, stringy, egg-like liquid called synovial fluid. Few devices made of metal can come close to the sophistication of the flexible joints that allow our every movement, but we generally only notice them when something goes wrong. And unfortunately, there is no service technician who visits to regularly oil the moving parts.

Like any machine, many things can go wrong with the joints of the human body. Among the most common joint conditions are: osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage that cushions the joints wears away, causing irritation, swelling, and debilitating pain as the cartilage continues to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when a faulty immune system response causes inflammation in the joints that leads to discomfort, extreme pain, or even bone damage, depending on the severity of the case. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, which leads to the growth of needle-sharp crystal deposits in the joints that cause debilitating pain.

Most joint conditions are commonly treated by prescription drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Celebrex, Ketorolac, and Bextra. Unfortunately, some NSAIDs have been recalled due to potentially life-threatening side effects. Vor example, Vioxx (a popular NSAID) was recalled in 2004 due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in cases of long-term treatment.

Because of these adverse effects, many people are now turning to safe and natural alternatives, like omega-3 oils, chondroitin, glucosamine, and others. We will outline the most effective natural joint relief options below, along with some simple and effective exercises to increase joint health.



Recommended Joint Pain Relief Supplements

Natural & Herbal Remedies for Joint Pain

1.) Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
      - An herb indigenous to India, it has been used for centuries as a         homeopathic remedy for joint pain.
      - Works by reducing swelling in joints, improving blood flow to joints, and         speeding up the formation of new cartilage.
      - Has been shown to reduce morning stiffness in Rheumatoid arthritis.

2.) Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum)
      - A potato- or root-like vegetable indigenous to parts of Asia.
      - Has been used for centuries to treat rheumatism.

3.) Chondroitin
      - One of two molecules (with glucosamine) that make up the cartilage         that cushions the joints.
      - Responsible for the resiliency of cartilage.

4.) Glucosamine
      - One of two molecules (with chondroitin) that make up the cartilage that         cushions the joints.
      - Responsible for the building and repair of cartilage.

5.) Camphor
      - A compound found in coriander and spike lavender.
      - Eases muscle tightness that causes pain due to back joint alignment         problems.

6.) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
      - Impedes the production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins that cause         joint inflammation.
      - Clinically researched and proven to relieve joint pain.



Exercises to Promote Healthy Joints

1.) Hydrotherapy
      - Water aerobics are perfect for joint relief, as they offer very low         reistance and do not cause stress on the joint.

2.) Range of Motion Exercises (Stretching)
      - Slow, deliberate stretching within the comfort zone.
      - Classes are available at most community fitness centers.

3.) Aerobics
      - Walking, jogging, and bike riding are the most popular forms.
      - Be careful to work up to a healthy, but manageable, activity level         depending on the severity of your condition.