What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints. The primary site of damage is in the articular cartilage. This is the white, shiny material on the ends of the bone. Normally, this material allows the joint to function smoothly without pain, catching, or grinding. When the articular cartilage becomes damaged, the cartilage breaks down and tiny particles are released into the joint. This can lead to inflammation in the synovium, or lining of the joint. The synovium normally creates a small amount of joint fluid, which is similar in consistency to oil. This fluid helps to lubricate the joint. In addition, it provides nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage cells so they can survive. When the synovium releases too much fluid, the joint will swell and may feel stiff and painful.

Once the cartilage is worn, roughened cartilage or bone may be rubbing together in the joint. These surfaces are no longer protected by healthy cartilage and the result can be pain when the joint is used. This pain may be felt in the joint or at a site distant from the joint. This is called referred pain and is seen frequently in the hip and knee. In this case, an arthritic condition in the hip may actually cause pain, which is felt in the knee, or a condition in the knee may cause pain in the thigh or shin. The sensation of pain is unique to the individual and can vary greatly in severity and duration.

The pain of arthritis will come and go in cycles that can be affected by activity, mood, and the weather. As for mild aching pains around the joints, heat and rest can be helpful for treating arthritis. Tylenol®, aspirin, or another analgesic can help with the pain. There are over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines available to help decrease pain and inflammation. You should discuss taking these with your doctor to make sure that they do not interfere with any other drugs you are taking.

There are more than 200 types of arthritis and rheumatic disease, and more than seven million people in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis or a related condition. Not only adults are affected - one child in every thousand has arthritis. Arthritis is the second most common cause of time off work in both men and women.

Arthritis and Pregnancy - a case study

A 30 year old woman who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 5 years ago: She was on many medications; Plaquenil, Azulfidine, Relafen, Prevacid. She became pregnant and had a miscarriage after 4 weeks. The next month she became pregnant again and suffered another miscarriage after 12 weeks. Nothing abnormal was found during tests. As soon as she found out she was pregnant the first time, she stopped all medications and continue to take none, but recently started Celebrex because she was in such extreme and constant pain.

She and her husband had been trying to conceive with no success for six months. Her rheumatologist didn’t believe that these auto-immune diseases were related to her fertility problems, but her gynaecologist believed that they may be contributing to the miscarriages and fertility problems. Now she has been referred to a fertility specialist, and has pursued this area to no avail.

Research shows that there are many articles that explain how pregnancy affects rheumatoid arthritis, but very few articles about how rheumatoid arthritis affects pregnancy. In 1988, in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease, an article entitled, “Adverse Reproductive Outcomes in Women Who Subsequently Developed Rheumatoid Arthritis,” was written by Silman. In a rather small group of women, he and his investigators found that the rate of spontaneous abortions was not different between a group of rheumatoid patients and a normal group of women.

Acupuncture for the Relief of Arthritis Pain

Acupuncture, one of the oldest medical procedures in the world, started in China more than 2,000 years ago. Widely practiced in Asia and Europe, acupuncture for pain relief is increasingly popular.  How much do we really know about the effectiveness of acupuncture for the relief of arthritis pain? Here's a look at the Western science behind Chinese needle therapy.

How acupuncture for arthritis pain works

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the belief that an essential life force called qi ("chee") flows through the body along channels called meridians. These meridians are like rivers that irrigate the body and nourish its’ tissues. Any obstruction along one of the meridians is like a dam that blocks the vital energy flow, creating pain and disease.

The insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points along the meridians is thought to help unblock the clogged energy channels. There are more than 2,000 such points on the body. Some practitioners use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or electrical impulses along with or instead of the usual needles, but the goal is always the same: to stimulate these points.

The first acupuncture session may last about an hour and a half, with follow-up sessions taking about 30 minutes to an hour. Generally, 3 to 15 needles are put in place and left there for several minutes. Getting stuck with needles may sound more like torture than therapy - yet most people say there's a slight stinging sensation as the needles enter, and no pain at all after that. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid with a smooth point, not hollow with cutting edges like hypodermic needles. So, having them inserted may not be as uncomfortable as getting a shot or having blood drawn. The number of sessions needed varies. For a complex, long-standing problem such as arthritis, one or two treatments a week for several months is not uncommon. In some cases, medical insurance may cover acupuncture for arthritis pain relief.

Most people do not experience side effects from acupuncture therapy. However, some side effects such as bleeding or infection can occur and may be minimized through the use of disposable needles. Some people who have never experienced acupuncture may feel dizzy after their first acupuncture treatment. Such feeling are unusual, however.

As with any complimentary therapy, you should consult your doctor if you're considering acupuncture for the relief of arthritis pain. He or she may choose to recommend it as part of your regular medical treatment. Your doctor may also refer you to a qualified practitioner.

When choosing an acupuncturist, you should ask about experience and credentials.  When considering a non-physician acupuncturist, you should look for one who is licensed and/or certified. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certifies practitioners who have passed written and practical exams and who have significant formal schooling or professional experience.

Can acupuncture help my condition?

The best answer will come from an experienced practitioner. The practitioner, based on your medical history, condition, and what other treatments you have been or are receiving, can best help you decide whether acupuncture is suitable by itself or as adjunctive therapy.

AcuMedic generally tell patients that if their treatment, according to a Western diagnosis with options, is not resolving the problem, is quite expensive, or has significant side effects/hassles associated with it, then clearly acupuncture is worth a try.

Always seek health advice from your doctor, or local  Health Outlet. AcuMedic will be very pleased to offer advice regarding difficulties with this condition. Please see our Clinic

Please note that although we are confident that our treatments will help the majority of our patients, we cannot absolutely guarantee a cure as the needs and difficulties of each patient can differ greatly