RA Hand Pain Hacks

Pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, or (RA) can make everyday tasks a challenge. And there are assistive devices out there that can help save joints and minimize excessive energy output. There are hacks that for these devices can be used differently to save you money and further joint pain. Let’s start with hacks to save your hands, fingers, and wrists and repurposing some tools you may already have around the house in new ways. Here are four tips for giving yourself a helping hand Use a kitchen sponge for stability. When handling a mixing bowl with a pinching gesture, place…
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Exercising with Lower Back Pain

Should You Work through the Pain? If you suffer from a lower back condition—like a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis—your doctor will likely recommend exercise as part of your treatment program. But what should you do if your exercise regimen exacerbates your lower back condition? Should you work through the pain? Soreness vs. pain related to a lower back condition Before we talk about whether you should work through your lower back pain, let’s quickly look at the difference between soreness and pain related to a lower back condition. Minor soreness is a natural result of exercise, and it is especially prominent…
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Chronic Pain and Insomnia

Patients suffering from chronic pain often find their problems are compounded by insomnia and sleeping disorders. Among those with chronic pain, an estimated 50% to 80% have ongoing sleep difficulties. Back pain is the most common type of chronic pain problem, and is the most common medical disorder in industrialized societies. Back pain is also the chief cause of disability among those younger than 45. Not surprisingly, more than half of individuals with back pain frequently report significant interference with sleep. Research has demonstrated that disrupted sleep will, in turn, exacerbate chronic back pain. A lack of restorative sleep also hampers…
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4 Steps to a Back-Friendly Diet

Diet can have a grand impact on your health, and a healthy diet can greatly improve symptoms of chronic pain. Back pain can see an improvement if a few changes are made. Not to say that you have to give up the occasional brownie or fully loaded nachos, because what would life be without them. But by staying hydrated, adding a bit more of a healthy balance to your diet, and keeping some nutritious habits in mind you can see a big difference in your spine's health. If you have back pain, skimping on good nutrition might be making things…
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World Arthritis Day 6 Best Ways to Manage Arthritis

Though you may already know that arthritis is a common condition, it may surprise you to know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis symptoms may come and go and can be mild, moderate or severe. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or have been coping with the condition for years, here are a few tips to help you manage the pain of arthritis. Weight Management Maintaining a healthy weight is good for your general health and wellness and it also can improve your…
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Turmeric and Curcumin for Arthritis

Research suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and color—it gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest curcumin may provide relief for some people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions. Curcumin Supplements Analysts estimate curcumin accounts for only about 3 to 5% of turmeric. Arthritis pain relief may require ingesting more curcumin than…
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6 Back Care Reminders

As busy as we are, we often forget the fundamentals of taking good care of our backs. Get back to the basics of spine health with these 6 simple tips: Stay hydrated and practice good nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well -hydrated will optimize blood flow and nutrition to your organs, joints, and spine. Blood transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and it eliminates cellular waste. The discs in our backs are made mostly of water, so staying well hydrated will keep them healthier and more pliable. Ideally, try to drink 8 large glasses of water every day.…
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Preventing Muscle Loss as We Age

Muscle loss can contribute to the loss of independence as we age. Similar to what osteoporosis, sarcopenia is the decline of skeletal muscle in older adults. Sarcopenia is one of the leading causes of functional decline in older adults and is associated with a number of chronic illnesses. By continuing to keep active older adults can help slow and even prevent worsening muscle loss as they age. Sarcopenia, a decline in skeletal muscle in older people, contributes to loss of independence. “Use it or lose it.” I’m sure you’re familiar with this advice. And I hope you’ve been following it.…
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10 Tips for Posture and Ergonomics

Everyday habits, like prolonged sitting or standing, staring at screens, carrying heavy bags on the same shoulder, driving, or even sleeping; can over time may cause poor posture. Poor posture can become second nature, creating and aggravating back and neck pain. On a positive note, you can control and even changed the main variables affecting posture and ergonomics causing back and neck pain. Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics The following guidelines suggest several ways to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for people who work sitting in an office chair for most of the day. Identify the warning signs…
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5 Exercises to Help Prevent Knee Pain

Pressure on joints, especially your knees, increases over the years, and can cause pain during activity. Keeping joints healthy during your lifetime can be helped by healthy diet and lifestyle. Exercise, doesn't have to be a strenuous hours long activity to give you benefit, and keep your joints healthy. Moderate and easy exercise such as cycling and swimming are great ways to exercise that have minimal impact on joints like the knees. Think of it like a car, you have to keep the mechanics of the car oiled for it to run smoothly. Exercise is like oil for your knees and…
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