Are there any natural health products for osteoarthritis?

Question

Hello, I had an X-ray of my neck and I was told that I had mild to moderate osteoarthritis almost 1 year ago. Since then, I have had pain regularly to the point of not turning my head enough when I'm driving because of the pain. At night, it is very difficult to change my head position. I now have pain in my lower back, I don't take any medication and I am 51 years old. I also have a spina bifida but not severe, it causes me more urinary infections, I'm wondering if it is not that which would begin to harm my health having a weakness at L4-L5

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello ma'am, I'm sorry to read about your troubles! First of all, non-pharmacological measures are to be put forward in your situation, if it is not already done. The worst thing you can do is to stop your activities. I encourage you to remain active, according to your abilities of course. I am not asking you to join a weight training program or run a marathon or climb a mountain; active walking for 30 minutes 5 times a week, gardening, yoga, swimming, and other low-impact activities can help you manage the situation better. To this end, I suggest a physiotherapy consultation: they are the best professionals to help develop a treatment plan to reduce pain and maintain a level of function that is both realistic and acceptable to you. Most group insurances cover this type of service. From a pharmacological point of view, if you have no contraindications, allergies or other (your pharmacist will be able to tell you), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) or naproxen (Aleve available at the back of the counter), can help relieve pain. However, their use can cause side effects such as stomach irritation. It is therefore suggested that they be taken with food, and at the lowest possible dose and duration. As for natural health products, some studies have shown that glucosamine may be effective in reducing pain somewhat, but only after several weeks of treatment I hope I have been helpful. I want to reinforce one last, but very important point: It will be more frustrating to focus only on your pain level... Reducing pain to zero may not be possible. The most important thing will be to maintain (or even improve) your level of function and activity. If you are able to perform your activities, whatever they may be, the treatment, or a combination of the above, may be considered to be working. Sincerely Tom Samaha, Pharmacist