How Do Arthritis Pain Supplements Work
The basic mechanism behind arthritis pain supplements is tissue repair. Osteoarthritis and other medical conditions cause painful inflammation and degenerative tissue damage primarily in the joints. As the body loses its natural lubricants and protective cartilage, the nerves, muscle tissue, and bones can become inflamed and painful to the touch. Prescription pain medications usually address inflammation and swelling, but they do not always address the loss of fluids, cartilage, and bone tissue over time.
This is where arthritis pain supplements enter the picture. Natural ingredients ordinarily produced in the human body, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are supposed to encourage the regrowth of cartilage and other protective tissues. MSM is a sulfur-based substance that penetrates inflamed tissue and helps ease inflammation. Other ingredients found in these supplements may also help improve overall bone density, restore lubricating synovial fluids, or reduce inflammation.
Types Of Pain Medications
Pain medications are drugs used to relieve discomfort associated with disease, injury, or surgery. Because the pain process is complex, there are many types and drug classifications of pain drugs that provide relief by acting through a variety of physiological mechanisms. Thus, effective medication for nerve pain will likely have a different mechanism of action than arthritis pain medication.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs act on substances in the body that can cause inflammation, pain, and fever.
- Corticosteroids are often administered as an injection at the site of musculoskeletal injuries. They exert powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They can also be taken orally to relieve pain from, for example, arthritis.
- Acetaminophen increases the body’s pain threshold, but it has little effect on inflammation.
- Opioids, also known as narcotic analgesics, modify pain messages in the brain.
- Muscle relaxants reduce pain from tense muscle groups, most likely through sedative action in the central nervous system.
- Anti-anxiety drugs work on pain in three ways: they reduce anxiety, they relax muscles, and they help patients cope with discomfort.
- Some antidepressants, particularly tricyclics, may reduce pain transmission through the spinal cord.
- Some anticonvulsant drugs also relieve the pain of neuropathies, possibly by stabilizing nerve cells.
Are There Guidelines About The Use Of Cbd For Chronic Arthritis Pain
Until recently, little guidance has been available for people with arthritis pain who were interested in CBD treatment. Depending on availability and interest, patients and their doctors had to decide on their own whether CBD was a reasonable option in each specific case. To a large degree thats still true, but some guidelines have been published. Heres one set of guidelines for people pursuing treatment with CBD that I find quite reasonable :
Dos:
- If considering a CBD product, choose one that has been independently tested for purity, potency, and safety for example, look for one that has received a Good Manufacturing Practices certification.
- CBD should be one part of an overall pain management plan that includes nonmedication options and psychological support.
- Choose an oral treatment and start with a low dose taken in the evening.
- Establish initial goals of treatment within a realistic period of time for example, a reduction in knee pain that allows you to walk around the block within two weeks of starting treatment later, if improved, the goals can be adjusted.
- Tell your doctor about your planned and current CBD treatment monitor your pain and adjust medications with your medical providers, rather than with nonmedical practitioners .
Donts:
Read Also: What Can I Take To Help Arthritis
Side Effects Of Nsaids
Use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly in higher doses. However, the most common side effects of NSAIDs are heartburn, indigestion, abdominal or stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You can reduce the risk of side effects by taking the medicine with food or milk.
Other possible side effects include:
- dizziness
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors , inhibit serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake selectively, e.g., duloxetine and milnacipran. Overall, SNRIs are better tolerated than TCAs but may be less effective analgesics they are not recommended as first-line drugs for analgesia in RA patients, although they may be useful to manage sleep-related symptoms . A recent study found duloxetine was an effective analgesic in patients with OA of the knee .
Don’t Miss: Is Red Light Therapy Good For Arthritis
Who Needs Arthritis Medicine
People who have any arthritis are the ones who need the right arthritis medicine. It is essential to first consult with a rheumatologist before taking any medication to be sure that what you are experiencing is arthritis or symptoms related to it.
Arthritis does not choose any age or gender. Men, women, young, and old anyone can develop arthritis. So, children with arthritis can also take medication prescribed by the doctor.
Natural Therapies For Arthritis Pain
Medication isn’t the only way to manage arthritis pain. Look at these eight natural therapies for arthritis.
1. 8 Natural Therapies for Arthritis Pain
2. Acupuncture
Best for:
3. Massage
Best for:
4. Tai Chi
Best for:
5. Yoga
Best for:
6. Weight Loss
Best for:
7. Physical Therapy
Best for:
8. Topical Gels
Best for:
9. TENS
Best for:
Also Check: How To Find Out Arthritis
What Is Arthritis Medicine
The best medicines for arthritis pain help people manage their symptoms. These medications are intended to alleviate swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and of course, joint pain. Most arthritis medicines are formulated to relieve pain, but there are quite a few that can also heal and repair.
However, it is important to note that there are different medication options to choose from. Moreover, what you choose or will be prescribed to you will depend on your doctor. A rheumatologist decides from several arthritis medicine classes. The most common ones are acetaminophen, corticosteroids, NSAIDS, DMARDS, and Biologics. Each of these medications has their characteristics and ingredients.
Aside from medicines, arthritis pain and symptoms can also be alleviated by certain lifestyle changes, particularly diet and exercise. Your doctor may also recommend you undergo therapy.
The ideal diet for someone who has arthritis is one that includes nutrient-rich food, especially one that is good for the joint. A perfect example for this is all the food on a Mediterranean diet, which means olive oil, nuts and seeds, beans, fish, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.
Staying physically active is essential in ensuring proper arthritis management.
Additionally, weight is a significant factor. So as much as possible, move around. Make sure that you stand up and stretch once in awhile. Also, do not overstress your joints. Learn to rest and relax.
Prescription Medication For Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans. Characterized by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, arthritis symptoms can range from uncomfortable to debilitating. There are several types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the break down of cartilage surrounding joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the bodys immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Gout, infections, psoriasis, lupus, and other diseases can also lead to forms of arthritis. Arthritis symptoms include: swelling, pain, varying degrees of stiffness, limited range of motion, and skin redness. Treatment is available in the form of prescription medications to relieve symptoms and improve joint performance. Below are the major categories of prescription medications for arthritis:
Analgesics
Hyaluronic Acid Substitutes
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
Analgesics relieve pain, but do not treat inflammation. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic and can be purchased over-the-counter in the from of Tylenol and Excedrin. Higher dosage acetaminophen in combination with other other drugs such as Oxycodone or Tramadol require a prescription. Brands names for analgesics: Codeine, Ultram, etc.
Also Check: Where Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect
What Otc And Prescription Drugs Treat Spinal Osteoarthritis
Over-the-counter and prescription medications for spinal arthritis are usually the same as those taken to treat joint-related arthritic pain in the hips and kneesunless the diagnosis is rheumatoid or another type of inflammatory arthritis. For patients with symptoms of pain or numbness affecting the arms or legs, a spinal injection may be considered.
Today, people with spinal arthritis have access to different types of pain medications that can be taken or applied to relieve pain. Some require a doctor’s prescription, some do not. However, do not assume that just because a drug is available without a prescription, or over the counter, that it is safe for everyone.
What Are The Side Effects Of Pain Medications
NSAIDs
All NSAIDs come with the risk of gastrointestinalulceration and bleeding. A newer class of anti-inflammatories, the COX-2 inhibitors, was developed to reduce this risk. It did not, though, eliminate it. In fact, another major issue emerged with these drugs: the possibility of severe and deadly vascular problems with long-term use, including heart attack and stroke.
Acetaminophen
Most users of acetaminophen experience few, if any, side effects. But the drug can cause liver damage, especially when taking too much or if taken with alcohol.
Opioids
Opioid analgesics commonly cause drowsiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression. However, these side effects usually disappear with continued use. However, constipation, another common side effect, tends to persist. In addition, opioid use may lead to addiction or dependence. Other possible side effects of opioid analgesics include:
- Urinary retention
Mixed opioid agonist-antagonists
Patients can experience symptoms of opioid withdrawal if a straight opioid analgesic, such as morphine, is taken at the same time as an opioid agonist–antagonist drug. Some of these medications include pentazocine , butorphanol, and nalbuphine .
Muscle relaxants
Anti-anxiety agents
Antidepressants
A few of the newer antidepressants also reduce pain — and with less risk of anticholinergic issues. Still, the serotoninnorepinephrinereuptake inhibitors may cause the following common side effects:
Read Also: Does Walking Help Knee Arthritis
What Are The Strongest Pain Medications
- Opioid analgesics, in general, are the strongest pain-relieving medications. The benchmark drug in this class is morphine — with other opioids falling above or below it in terms of pain-relieving potential. Near the bottom of the list is codeine, usually prescribed in combination with acetaminophen to relieve, for example, pain resulting from dental work.
- Codeine is only about 1/10th as powerful as morphine.
- Opioids more powerful than morphine include hydromorphone and oxymorphone .
- But the strongest opioid in community use is fentanyl which, in its intravenous form, is 70 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is also available as a long-release patch and as a lozenge that dissolves in the mouth .
- Sufentanil is even more powerful than fentanyl, but its use, at present, is restricted to the intravenous route.
- However, a transdermal patch containing sufentanil is in clinical trials.
Nutritional Supplements And Dietary Changes
There’s no strong evidence to suggest that specific dietary changes can improve rheumatoid arthritis, although some people with rheumatoid arthritis feel their symptoms get worse after they have eaten certain foods.
If you think this may be the case for you, it may be useful to try avoiding problematic foods for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
But it’s important to ensure your overall diet is still healthy and balanced. A Mediterranean-style diet, which is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, is recommended.
There’s also little evidence supporting the use of supplements in rheumatoid arthritis, although some can be useful in preventing side effects of medicines you may be taking.
For example, calcium and vitamin D supplements may help prevent osteoporosis if you’re taking steroids, and folic acid supplements may help prevent some of the side effects of methotrexate.
There’s some evidence to suggest that taking fish oil supplements may help reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Further information
- National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society : diet and rheumatoid arthritis
Page last reviewed: 28 August 2019 Next review due: 28 August 2022
Don’t Miss: What To Do For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Prescription Medications For Spinal Osteoarthritis
- Prescription strength NSAIDs are stronger doses of a chosen non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps block certain pain-producing chemicals in your body.
- Muscle relaxants have a sedating effect and are prescribed to ease muscle tension.
- Opioids may be prescribed to manage severe pain.
- Lidocaine in an adhesive patch form may be prescribed for placement on the skin over the painful area.
The Most Effective Medications For Arthritis Pain Relief
With over two decades of experience in medicine, Melissa Flagg writes patient education articles, keeping you informed about your health.
For many people, the symptoms of arthritis can be debilitating. Whether its rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, pain is pain, and any form of arthritis can be excruciating. I, myself, suffer from osteoarthritis and have a lifelong battle with chronic pain.
My battle started 13 years ago. I was left with a neck injury due to a car accident, and this injury gave me not only chronic neck pain but migraines as well. For 13 years, I have searched for the one medication or herb that would cure my pain. I did find one thing that alleviated all of my pain, but unfortunately, the government wont let me or anyone else have it.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Difference Between Plaque Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
Are Arthritis Pain Supplements Safe And Effective
In terms of consumer safety, most arthritis pain supplements do not contain controlled substances or other prescription-strength medications. They are classified as food supplements, not medication. However, you should consult with your physicians before beginning a regimen of this type. Diabetics should be careful when using sugar-based ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and those with severe shellfish allergies should also use caution.
The effectiveness of arthritis pain supplements is a matter of debate. The beneficial effects may not appear for several months, as the body slowly begins to rebuild lost tissue or fluids. Anecdotal testimony from satisfied users indicates a noticeable degree of relief from pain and swelling, but these claims are not fully supported by scientific studies.
Naproxen And Naproxen Sodium
Naproxen and naproxen sodium are used to treat OA pain and inflammation.
Naproxen is only available by prescription. Naproxen sodium is available over the counter, and higher doses are also available in prescription forms.
An analgesic is another type of pain medication. Unlike NSAIDs, analgesics dont treat inflammation.
This class of drugs works by blocking signals in your body that produce pain.
Examples of analgesics include:
Acetaminophen is an OTC analgesic. You take it by mouth as a:
- gel capsule
- tablet
- liquid concentration
In 2011, the FDA set the maximum dosage for acetaminophen at 4,000 milligrams per day.
After the FDA made its announcement, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the company that makes Tylenol, set its maximum daily dosage for acetaminophen at 3,000 mg.
Its important to monitor your daily intake of acetaminophen. Taking high doses of acetaminophen for a long time can lead to liver damage or liver failure, which can be fatal.
Dont drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day if you use this drug. Drinking more than the recommended amount can increase your risk for liver problems.
Read Also: What To Take For Arthritis Pain
Our Choice For The Best Medicine For Arthritis Pain
Choosing the best medicines for arthritis pain is not easy as the products on this list have quite the same advantages and disadvantages. However, among the five, the one that has the best effect is Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy. It may not be as strong as Aleve or as popular as the other brands on the list, but it works effectively and efficiently.
One of the things that make this a strong contender for the best medicines for arthritis pain is the fact that it does not contain complicated ingredients, the ones that are difficult to read. This gives us a guarantee that applying the medication will not cause any harm or adverse reactions.
Additionally, the product is not difficult to use. In fact, it can be applied in a matter of seconds. Moreover, after a few minutes, you will already feel it making its way to that part of your body that is badly bruised or in pain. Moreover, it works quickly. No need to wait for hours or days.
Best of all, Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy rightfully belongs to the list of the best medicines for arthritis pain because it helps eliminate and treat the pain. Unlike other medicines that offer temporary or superficial relief, this arthritis medication does not simply hide or mask the pain. Instead, it heals and then repairs. So Penetrex offers complete relief and healing from whatever arthritis pain that may be hounding you.
What The Experts Say
It is advised to look at the ingredients list of a cream to see if it is formulated with topical anesthetics which can help numb the affected area and lessen pain. If you are someone with extremely sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to look for an arthritis cream that caters to sensitive skin and is less irritative. The side effects list can show you what symptoms you may be subjected to after using the cream. If you already suffer from any of those conditions, it is advised to consult your doctor prior to use. Niket Sonpal, M.D., an internist practicing in New York City
You May Like: Does Collagen Help With Arthritis
Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Alternative Or Adjunct To Medication For Spinal Osteoarthritis
If youve taken several medications for your spinal osteoarthritis with little relief, your doctor may recommend spinal cord stimulation , also known as neuromodulation to help relieve your chronic back or neck pain.
Spinal cord stimulation generates mild electrical impulses that block pain signals from reaching your brain. Pain is perceived in the brain. Neuromodulation involves implanting a small generator either in your abdominal or buttock area and thin wires called leads into the spinal canal. Some patients are not candidates for SCS, such as people who are pregnant, have a heart condition, epilepsy or have an existing implanted device such as a pacemaker. If your doctor recommends SCS, the first step is a trial period where the system is temporarily worn outside your body. If your pain improves using the stimulator, the device may be implanted surgically.
For some patients, spinal cord stimulation also helps them reduce their dependence on opioids or other pain medications. If youre concerned about tapering or weaning off your pain medication, talk to your doctor about strategies that may ease this process.