Back and Joint Pain

Curos Health supports patients in Florida, New York and Texas who are suffering from joint pain of all levels. Curos Health uses medical and naturopathic approaches to ease the discomfort associated with all types of joint and back pain.

What is joint pain?

The hip bone connects to the… Well, we have all heard the nursery rhyme which auspiciously leaves out the joints between the bones!

Quite literally, Joints are the parts of your body where your bones meet. Your joints are the functional component of your skeletal system which allows your body to move. Examples of joints are:

• Knees
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Wrists

When we discuss ‘joint pain’ we are often referencing the common sensation that many feel throughout their lives as aches, pains, soreness or discomfort in the area which connects our bones. Arguably, joint pain is one of the most common complaints which people have about the quality of their day-to-day lives.

While joint pain can be result of injury or indicative of illness, there are many other reasons why we may be experiencing such discomfort. One common condition that occurs as we age with results in joint pain is arthritis.

What causes joint pain?

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint pain.

Throughout the world, one of the most common reasons for joint pain is arthritis. There are two primary forms that arthritis manifests, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

People aged 40and over are more likely to suffer from OA – it is a condition which progresses slowly and more often impacts ‘high use’ joints such as:

• wrists
• hands
• hips
• knees

The cause of OA is result of cartilage breaking down between the joints. The cartilage between joints serves as a cushion and shock absorber for general smooth and painless movement of the joints.

On the other hand, RA is more likely to affect women and is present in about 1.5 million Americans.

RA is often thought to be more severe because it can lead to the joint becoming deformed and ultimately lead to the inability for the joint to function properly over time.  Rheumatoid Arthritis can be very painful and lead to inflammation and a build of fluids in the joints. To complicate the matter more, the body’s own immune system can attack the membrane that lines the joints.

When should you see a doctor about joint pain?

While joint pain is very common and can often pass without intervention it’s always advisable to seek professional support if the problem is persistent, too intense to function or in line with any of these other occurrences:

• if the joint area swollen, red in color, tender to the touch or warm to the touch.
• If it has been three days or more of the same pain.
• If you have an elevated temperature (fever) but no other signs of sickness.

There are certain instances which you should go directly to an emergency room:

• If you have been involved in a serious accident that caused injury
• If the joint appears deformed.
• When swelling of the joint area occurs suddenly.
• If the joint is completely immobile.
• If the joint pain is unbearable and causing you immense discomfort.

How does a doctor diagnose joint pain when it’s so common?

More often than not, your doctor will start with a physical exam. During which time they will ask a series of questions regarding the nature of your joint pain. Your doctor will probably perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask you a series of questions about your joint pain. Ultimately, if your doctor is unsure what might be the cause or has reason to believe more information is needed, they may order x-rays.

If again, the results are inconclusive on how best to treat you the doctor may order blood tests.

How is joint pain treated?

Medical Treatment for Joint Pain.

Fortunately, there are many highly successful medical treatments for joint pain. These are not all centered around “pain management”.

Many doctors, in particular the doctors who practice integrative medicine will have access to and knowledge of alternative therapies which aim to fix the problem, not just mask the pain.

It is best to see a qualified medical professional about your joint pain, however you can rest

assured it is not something you have to suffer through.

Naturopathic treatment for Joint Pain.

There are many different treatments that naturopathic doctors can use to support the reduction of joint pain symptoms. Among the many tools these doctors have at their disposal include advanced therapies for inflammation reduction and ‘joint lubrication’.

When seeking a naturopathic doctor (or holistic doctor) for your joint pain it’s important that you ask questions as to ‘how’ and ‘why’ these treatments work. This is not only because you should know, but also because it may give you further insight into additional changes you can make in your life to improve the symptoms of joint pain.

Here at Curos Health we have a tremendous amount of success treating the symptoms of joint pain. If you are interested in hearing a different, and probably refreshing approach, scheduled your free consultation: www.curoshealth.com/free.