It’s a fact of life that adults are more likely to experience pain from arthritis in the spine than younger individuals. Yet, this doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to develop arthritis.
Instead, you can take steps to minimize your risk of developing the condition, reducing both the likelihood of acquiring it and staying comfortable if symptoms appear.
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In this article, discover how proactive measures like regular exercise and diet modifications can positively affect long-term health outcomes and help stave off arthritic pain over time.
The complex and intricate musculoskeletal system is crucial for everyday movements and activities. Within this system, arthritis can manifest in various forms, causing discomfort and hindering our ability to perform simple tasks.
At this system’s heart are the joints, which serve as vital connection points between two bones. These connections are guarded by cartilage, a specialized tissue that covers the bone surface, ensuring smooth movement and preventing friction.
In addition, a unique membrane known as the synovial membrane lines the joint, enclosing the area in a protective environment. This membrane also plays a crucial role in producing synovial fluid, a substance that provides lubrication and nourishment for the cartilage. By working in unison, these components create a harmonious balance, granting us the flexibility and ease of movement we often take for granted.
The Aging of Joints
As we age, the cartilage in the joints can break down and cause swelling and tenderness. This can happen to various parts of the body, but it is most common in the joints used daily and those that are load-bearing where movement occurs, including the spine.
The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, a debilitating and painful condition, arises when the protective layer of cartilage capping our bones gradually erodes. This cartilage in our joints is crucial in facilitating smooth and pain-free movement. As it wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system malfunctions and mistakenly targets the joints. It’s a complex condition characterized by inflammation and swelling, leading to significant discomfort and decreased mobility for those affected.
Several factors can help to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These risk factors include metabolic syndrome, obesity, occupation, physical activity, diet, and previous injury.
Remaining active as you age is possibly the most important aspect that can help prevent arthritis. Research shows that the more sedentary people are, the more likely they will have issues with arthritis pain. Even simple exercises such as walking can help keep you mobile and your joints healthy.
Exercise can also help you keep a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can be hard on the joints in the back. Maintaining a healthy body weight can go a long toward keeping your joints happy.
Many people don’t realize that smoking can affect joint health. Tobacco can speed up cartilage loss in joints and aggravate back pain. So, if you have been looking for time to quit smoking, this is it!
If you are experiencing back pain due to arthritis, you may need an individualized treatment plan. A healthcare team can match your x-rays with a treatment that is targeted towards your symptoms. This may include physical therapy, exercise, chiropractic manipulation, massage, weight loss, and medications. Most patients have success with a personalized treatment plan and see it lessen back pain and improve mobility.
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It is important to remember that almost everyone will experience back pain at some point, so knowing how to help prevent and manage it is vital.
Maintaining Joint and Bone Health
As you age, your joints may require support to help them stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Healthy Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.
Supporting bone health is also essential as you age. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
