Joint Pain Supplements: Natural Relief

The treatment of joint pain usually constitutes the use of conventional medications prescribed by health practitioners. A number of therapies are also made available for patients to treat pain they experience. Joint pain supplements can play a vital role in alleviating joint pain and supporting healthy strong joints.

When it comes to choosing joint supplements, there are no shortages of available treatments. However, consumers should always be cautious of the supplement and brand they may be purchasing. Certain studies have shown that some joint pain supplement brands fall short of what they claim on their labels.

The following are a list of joint supplements that may be helpful to treat and support weak joints and healthy joints respectively:

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in one’s body. It is a predecessor to a molecule that is utilized in the production and restoration of cartilage. Treatment with glucosamine is based on the idea that oral consumption may elevate the rate of formation of new cartilage. Amino acids can provide the extra building blocks necessary. Glucosamine sulphate is the joint supplement most often taken by patients suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pain. Research has shown that it decreases the symptoms and slows the development of this chronic disease. The dose of glucosamine recommended by physicians is 1500mg daily for four to eight weeks. Patients who experience favorable results may continue treatment with glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride may also be taken as supplements at a dose similar to glucosamine sulphate.

Chondroiton
Chondroiton sulphate is frequently taken in combination with glucosamine sulphate. Chondoitin is a compound that is important for the development of the matrix structure of joints. The use of this can slow down the development of the disease by gradually narrowing the spaces between one’s joints. Even as studies have shown that Chondroiton alleviates pain, reviews of such studies have shown discrepancies in results. This supplement has not shown an advantage over glucosamine, and may just likely be considered an alternative way of alleviating pain. Recommended dosage of this supplement is 200mg to 400mg twice or three times a day.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that acts as a supplement for people with joint pain. This also helps people with osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that taking Niacinamide rather than a placebo was more effective in improving one’s flexibility and reducing inflammation. Nevertheless, you have to first consult your physician before you take Niacinamide.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural compound of bioactive methionine that enhances the production of cartilage cells. The methionine is converted by ATP, producing dopamine, norepinepherine, and serotonin used by the body. This helps with cartilage and decreases the chondrocyte damage by the cytokine that helps alleviate joint pain. Aside from being a treatment to reduce joint pain, it also helps medicate other conditions like liver disease and depression. SAMe supplements improve the symptoms of pain, but may take a number of weeks before any improvement is experienced. However, treatment with SAMe supplements is very costly and it is in itself an unstable compound.

Information on Neck Joint Pain

There are many causes of neck joint pain, including arthritis, muscles, nerves and ligament problems. Neck pain can be caused by changes in the structure of your neck, including your spine and spinal cushioning disks. Your upper arms, head, jaw and shoulders can also affect your neck joint and cause joint pain. If you have a lot of neck pain you may have difficulty moving your head, also known as having a stiff neck.

The vast majority of the time, neck joint pain comes from an everyday activity that causes you to strain your neck muscles. If you have bad posture, sleep in an uncomfortable position, bend over for extended periods of time, or twist and turn your neck frequently you have probably suffered from neck joint pain. There are more traumatic causes for neck joint pain, such as blood vessel injury, whiplash, vertebral fractures, meningitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and a herniated disk.

If you are experiencing only minor neck joint pain or stiffness then the following home treatments have found to be effective. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, heat or ice to the effected area, stretch your neck muscles, massage, or using a special neck pillow or changing to a firm mattress when sleeping. If your symptoms do not go away after a week, you have tingling, weakness or numbness down your arm and hands you should seek professional medical care. If you have swollen glands, have difficulty breathing or swallowing, experience neck joint pain after an injury, blow or fall; you should also seek professional medical guidance.

To prevent neck joint pain you can effectively stretch your neck and back daily, use ice after athletic activities, practice good posture, try to relax your neck as much as possible. If you frequently use the telephone, invest in a headset. Where protective equipment when doing athletic activities. If you read a lot make sure to keep reading material at eye level instead of bending your neck.