Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Blog
A blog for and by people living with ASArchive for Medication
3 Natural Remedies to Quell Pain
Many people with arthritis or chronic backache mix prescription meds with over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. But doubling up on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may trigger further health troubles (such as gastrointestinal problems) and lead to a poorer quality of life health-wise, finds a new study. Though not as fast-acting as most NSAIDs, these three remedies — recommended by Scottsdale, Arizona-based naturopathic physician Nicole Barreda — can quell pain by easing inflammation.
Ginger
Research has shown that ginger, which is high in anti-inflammatory compounds, may work as well as NSAIDs for arthritis pain.
How to Take It
Look for supplements that deliver 2,000 to 4,000 mg per daily dose. Drinking ginger tea and eating fresh ginger can also help cool inflammation, says Barreda.
Bromelain
Shown to ease arthritis pain in a number of studies, this pineapple-derived enzyme appears to inhibit inflammatory compounds in the body called prostaglandins.
How to Take It
Swallow a 500-mg capsule of bromelain three times a day, preferably on an empty stomach. Even better, says Barreda, opt for a product containing multiple enzymes, like papain and chymotrypsin.
Curcumin
Research suggests that this staple of the curry spice turmeric — long used as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic medicine – can improve symptoms of inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and IBS.
How to Take It
Three times each day, get 400 to 600 mg of curcumin in capsule form, preferably on an empty stomach.
Enbrel SubQ
Drugs and Treatments – Enbrel SubQ – Patient Handout from WebMD – this is currently what i’m on as far as my primary medication (i’m also on a pain killer). i’ve been on enbrel for 10 weeks now and i’ve seen moderate improvements. it hasn’t show huge results for me yet but i hear it could take 3 months or more to feel it’s full effects. let’s hope i start to see more than moderate improvements because the injection is extremely painful! and that’s coming from someone with chronic pain!!
