Alternative Therapies for Pain from Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia and arthritis are medical conditions that are both associated with pain that can be chronic and debilitating. While fibromyalgia involves flu-like, muscle pain throughout the body, arthritis involves joint pain and inflammation.

Both diseases have no exact causes, and medical treatments range from palliative to preventive approaches.

Both conditions typically lead to debilitating pain and can truly affect the quality of one’s life.

Conventional Medicine Versus Complementary Alternative Treatment Methods

The problem with using conventional medicine is that the effects are usually limited. Because both of these conditions are incurable, the aim of medications and treatments are often symptomatic and temporary only.

On the other hand, using alternative medicine provides long-term and reliable results, which do not just address the symptoms, but prevent them from reoccurring as well.

The following are some of the popular alternative treatments used to relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis and these are the perfect complement to conventional medicine.

Acupuncture

Traditionally practiced by the Chinese, this ancient method of treatment has been adapted by Western practitioners and is now a popular and widely accepted form of alternative medicine. Acupuncture is based on the concept of “chi”, which is believed to be the body’s life force.

The chi is supposed to travel along the body’s natural pathways known as meridians, found in certain points of the body. Any pain, discomfort or illness a person manifests is believed to be caused by blockages in the chi’s natural flow throughout the body.

The goal of acupuncture is to remove these blockages and let the chi flow freely, thereby allowing the body to heal itself from any illness or pain.

Acupuncture is done by inserting very thin needles through the skin, targeting specific “acupoints” where blockages are suspected. Acupoints to be penetrated depend on the nature of the disease and the area where pain is felt.

Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic medicine is based on the concept that all body parts are aligned from one specific point- the spine. When the spine is in its natural and correct position, the body is able to heal on its own and free itself from diseases and pain. On the other hand, any misalignment within a specific body part can cause an imbalance with the spine and the rest of the body, causing various types of pain and maladies.

Chiropractic care typically involves spinal manipulation, in order to align the vertebrae back to their original position. What most people do not know is that after an injury or illness, any misalignments with the bodily structures are still present, despite the symptoms disappearing. 

The truth is that, the symptoms may be gone temporarily, but the actual problem is left unresolved. While conventional treatment may mask the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, chiropractic can promote long-term relief for pain by restoring the spine’s natural alignment.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can provide warmth to the muscles and increase blood flow, promoting relaxation and pain relief. It is very important though that the therapist knows which areas are affected to avoid aggravating the condition.

Nutritional Counselling

Much of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis can be triggered by the food you eat. The goal of nutritional counselling is to help the sufferer work out a new dietary regimen that aids in the relief of pain and progression of the disease.

For example, if you have arthritis, you will be advised to avoid food that triggers inflammation, such as:

·         Dairy products

·         Alcoholic drinks

·         Fried food

·         Grilled, processed, and pasteurized food

·         Food high in sugar, salt, and preservatives

Alternative medicine focuses on treatment that is non-medical and non-pharmacological. It involves a natural approach that is meant to aid the person suffering from fibromyalgia and arthritis during a usually lifelong battle with these diseases.

Herbalism

Another very viable natural healing method for the pain experienced in arthritis and fibromyalgia is herbalism. There are numerous herbs that are known to be effective in helping to alleviate pain. Make sure to take care when using herbs and consult a professional expert herbalist of a Chinese medicine doctor.