Fibromyalgia + Original Articles

Pain is a communication system, but what is it trying to say? Focus on the different types of pain to uncover its secrets. Pain is your body's warning system that tells your brain something's wrong. It's part of your body's safety net that protects it in times of injury, illness, and trauma. While nobody likes feeling pain, imagine what might happen if you never felt the cut that's causing you to bleed profusely or the heart attack that's threatening your life? In both of these situations, pain is what grabs your attention so you can take immediate care of your body.

RA is a chronic disease. Choose to live your best by being mindful of these common mistakes. The secret to living a healthy, productive life when you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is all in how you manage your health. For too many RA patients, their management style leaves room for improvement. Check out these five common mistakes many RA patients make that can have a serious impact on their health, wellbeing and lifestyle.

It's easy to think the power to improve is all in the pill, but it's also in the lifestyle changes that help you live well. After your doctor tells you how to manage your medications, he'll recommend certain lifestyle changes to help you live better despite your chronic pain. It's easy to think the power to improve your symptoms is all in the pills, but it's really in the lifestyle changes that help you live well, support your body to heal, and promote your own well-being.

By taking care of your health on a daily basis, you’ll be better equipped to live well with fibromyalgia. How do you get through the day when you're living with pain, fatigue, and a foggy brain? How do you work, meet family responsibilities, and take care of your health when you live with fibromyalgia? We've got 15 tips for making every day a little easier.

Long associated with heart health, magnesium may offer other surprising benefits. Magnesium is finally getting the attention it deserves. This mineral can help treat everything from acute attacks of asthma in children to migraine headaches, and depression. Magnesium also protects against the development of type 2 diabetes, provides pain relief for people suffering from fibromyalgia, and may even prevent hearing loss.

This form of massage combines the relaxation of yoga and the muscular benefits of physical therapy. Deep inside your muscles, wrapped around your nerves and nestled next to your bones is a protective layer of tissue called the fascia. Myo is a prefix that means, "related to muscle." Myofascia's job is to protect and help your muscles, nerves and bones to glide, move and function in harmony with each other.

Although arthritis can be debilitating, there are a variety of treatment options to help keep symptoms in check. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. Arthritis, which can wreak havoc on the joints, causes a constellation of symptoms. Some individuals have just mild joint pain, while others find that their ability to walk, drive, or even do household tasks is compromised. Osteoarthritis, the more common form of arthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the part of the joint that permits easy movement.

How could this therapy help you manage your worst pain symptoms? Low back pain is among the most common reasons why people seek medical care. Very often that care consists of strong pain medication to relieve symptoms while they rest for a few days or weeks and recover. When patients suffer with chronic back pain, however, those months of pain medicine can cause problems of its own and doesn't really do anything to hasten recovery.

If you have ongoing back pain, OMT offers a holistic approach to pain relief that addresses a variety of physical conditions. You might be seeing a doctor of osteopathy (DO) when you visit your regular primary care physician and not even realize it. That's because DOs practice with the same privileges and responsibilities as medical doctors-MD's, but with additional training including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which works wonders to relieve pain for many patients.

Learn about the most common forms of arthritis, from causes and symptoms to treatment. More than 46 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis—a disease that affects 50 percent of adults over 65 and is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Your symptoms are not your life. Here are five tips to manage your condition with all the other aspects of your day. When you live with chronic pain and fatigue, like people with fibromyalgia do, it's hard to find the balance between taking care of your health and living your best life. This is because symptoms can be worse on some days and better on others. Finding your balance starts with taking care of your self so you can live well.

Painkillers are powerful medicines, but with them come the real risk of abuse. Understand the myths and determine how to use painkillers safely. Many people living with chronic pain struggle with the pros and cons of taking opiate-based pain medication. The pros include better quality of life, greater ability to function in daily activities and, of course, less pain. The cons include potential for addiction and abuse.

Mind over matter: You've heard it so many times, it may seem meaningless. But new research shows how emotional therapy helps to make pain symptoms easier to bear. Can mind-power reduce power chronic pain has over you? Experts say it can and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is among the best keys to do it.    What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?   The National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists defines CBT as "a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.

Fitness imparts a slew of health benefits, but if you’re living with certain diabetes-related complications, some exercises could end up doing more harm than good. Here’s how to navigate through the confusion and find a workout that works for you. Chances are, you've heard about the benefits of exercise so often, you could list them in your sleep: it can lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol, help you lose weight, reduce body fat, reduce your stress level, and give you more energy.

Tender point exams have been the gold standard for diagnosing fibromyalgia. But could the process be flawed? Ever since 1990, tender point exams have been the gold standard for diagnosing fibromyalgia. In order to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, most patients had to have experienced significant pain for three months or longer in at least 11 of 18 specific areas located throughout the body.

Typically thought of as a remedy for depression, some experts are studying the effects of talk therapy on chronic pain. Could talking it out help relieve your pain? According to recent studies, it might. It might also make living with chronic pain less challenging and debilitating. Pain is a subjective sensation that's experienced both in your head and in your body. Your brain incorporates your mood, state of health, anxiety level and other emotional components while processing pain sensations and transmitting messages about how to handle it.

Bringing a pet into your home is a big commitment, but it can come with serious rewards including a potential reduction of your pain. Pet owners love their companions for a variety of reasons. But can having a pet relieve your chronic pain? In fact, studies have found that, yes, pets can help relieve many of the symptoms associated with chronic pain conditions and help patients live better lives.

Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Muscle pain tops the symptom list for many illnesses and health conditions from the flu to fibromyalgia.

Chronic disease changes lives and not just for the patient. Sometimes, caregivers of patients with physically debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis let their dedication stand in the way of taking care of themselves. Chronic disease changes lives and not just for the patient. Sometimes, caregivers of patients with physically debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), fibromyalgia, and arthritis let their dedication stand in the way of taking care of themselves.

Losing that excess weight and becoming active can reduce and even eliminate your pain. But how can you safely get started? Our plan will get you exercising at almost any weight and with nearly any condition. Patients with chronic pain conditions like back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia may not realize being overweight can have a huge impact on their pain. Losing that excess weight and becoming active can reduce and even eliminate your pain. But how can you safely get started? Our plan will get you exercising at almost any weight and with nearly any condition.

It's perfectly normal to be skeptical of lifting weights, especially if you never have or if you've always been told that you couldn't. Here, we outline how strength training can benefit those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and common injuries. When your bones, joints or muscles hurt, the last thing you feel like doing is lifting weights or doing heavy exercise. The fact is, though, exercising and strength training are essential for breaking the pain cycle, strengthening muscles around tender joints and building up bone strength.

Research shows that as many as 60 percent of IBS patients also have fibromyalgia and as many as 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients have IBS. So what’s the connection? Get the answer here. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia have a lot in common. Both conditions involve increased sensitivity to pain, can be debilitating and affect more women than men. What's more, research shows that as many as 60 percent of IBS patients also have fibromyalgia and as many as 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients have IBS.

The effects of fibromyalgia are far reaching and may even extend to your love life. But it doesn't have to ruin everything. We've got five tips for coping with fibro, so that you can enjoy your relationship. The effects of fibromyalgia are far reaching and may even extend to your love life. But it doesn't have to ruin everything. Fibromyalgia is a challenging autoimmune disorder that causes deep muscle pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and joint stiffness.

While over-the-counter pain relievers are convenient and readily available, they still come with certain risks. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are readily available on your grocery and drug store shelves. No prescription is needed. Pop a couple and your pain, fever or headache disappear. While these common over-the-ounter (OTC) medications are generally safe, they're still powerful chemicals.

When you need something fixed, you need the right person for the job. That's never more important than when it's your body that needs fixing. When the problem is related to movement, muscles, joints, pain in the musculoskeletal system, the right person might be a physical therapist. When you need something fixed, you need the right person for the job. That's never more important than when it's your body that needs fixing. When the problem is related to movement, muscles, joints, pain and the musculoskeletal system, the right person might be a physical therapist.

New studies find that the power of positive thinking applies to how well pain medication works.   We hear a lot about the power of positive thinking these days. The premise is that your thoughts create your experience. New studies say that concept appears to apply to how well pain medication works too.  Research published recently in the journal Science Translational Medicine demonstrates how positive and negative thinking impacts the effects of pain medication.

Don't let fibromyalgia rob you of the pep of a productive morning. These seven tips will help you give you the start you deserve. Fatigue is one of the hallmark symptoms of fibromyalgia and many experience it most acutely in the morning. What can you do about morning fatigue due to fibromyalgia? Try these seven tips to start your days off right. 1. Get a good night's rest. Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, pain, and frequent waking are common with fibromyalgia.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to combat widespread prescription painkiller abuse. How will it impact patients who take prescription medications for chronic pain? Get the facts here. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to combat widespread prescription painkiller abuse. How will it impact patients who take prescription medications for chronic pain?  Here, the facts to help you work with the FDA's painkiller abuse strategy.

People connect with friends and family through social activities and community events, sports and family gatherings. When it hurts to be active, however, it's hard to stay connected. Read on to break free from pain's captivity. People connect with friends and family through social activities and community events, sports and family gatherings.  When it hurts to be active, however, it's hard to stay connected. Friendships slip away and family members burn out. Chronic pain has a huge impact on people's social lives and often leaves them isolated, lonely and feeling socially rejected.

Patients with chronic pain have many choices and decisions to make when it comes to pain management. One of them includes Fentanyl Transdermic Patches. While they can provide strong, effective relief, they're not right for all conditions. Patients with chronic pain typically have many choices and decisions to make when it comes to pain management. One of these choices includes Fentanyl Transdermic Patches. Fentanyl patches provide a strong, effective, and continuous dose of pain medicine that helps prevent the pain peaks and valleys that come with other types of pain drugs.

If your standard therapies haven't provided you with the relief you need, there's one more option that might relieve your chronic pain–biologics. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may have to try a variety of treatments before you find the right ones for your symptoms. Some treatments may include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, diet and lifestyle changes, physical, occupational and support therapies.

Homeopathic medicine is gaining recognition as a natural, safe and effective treatment for pain, but what exactly is it and how does it work? Could homeopathic pain treatments be right for you? Homeopathic medicine is gaining recognition as a natural, safe and effective treatment for pain, but what exactly is it and how does it work? Could homeopathic pain treatments be right for you? Homeopathy is a total body medical and wellness system.

The healing power of music has been well known for as long as men and women have played and enjoyed it. But does it really possess healing power for pain patients? Find out here. The healing power of music has been well known for as long as men and women have played and enjoyed. Music's effect on the mind and body has been utilized as an official health discipline has played an important role in pain management and healing since World War I.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

While fibro affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women. But do men experience it differently? Find out here. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Fibromyalgia syndrome affects approximately 10 million Americans with widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and other debilitating symptoms. While it affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women.

Poor sleep and chronic pain often go hand-in-hand. While there are a variety of treatments to help you through the night, could Cognitive Behavioral Therapy be the best bet? Find out here. Poor sleep and chronic pain often go hand-in-hand.  Millions of patients who live with fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, and other painful conditions have trouble falling or staying asleep because of their symptoms. The more sleep they lose, the more stressed and exhausted they feel and the more pain they experience.

Restless leg syndrome is 10 times more likely to affect people who have fibromyalgia than those who don't and may be one reason why they have trouble sleeping. It has been described as a creepy crawly feeling and an overwhelming urge to move your legs.  Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that affects up to 10 percent of Americans.  Some experience only mild symptoms, but some feel so uncomfortable with RLS, it ruins their ability to sleep, sit still and eventually their overall health.

Learn more about how to balance your symptoms and work-life and when to consider disability. Managing fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression can feel like a full-time job. For some fibromyalgia patients however, their job is their saving grace, because it gives them something to focus on other than their symptoms.

Many patients with fibromyalgia, especially women, suffer with pelvic complaints and bladder problems. Fibromyalgia is more than just "a pain thing."  While pain is certainly one of its' defining symptoms, a host of other issues accompany fibromyalgia syndrome.  Many patients with fibromyalgia, especially women, suffer with pelvic complaints and bladder problems.

Choosing pain medication is challenging considering the dizzying array of options available. How do you know which one choose? That depends on what type of pain you’re treating and your individual health profile. Choosing pain medication is challenging considering the dizzying array options available.  How do you know which one choose?  That depends on what type of pain you're treating and your individual health profile. Pain is a widely subjective.

Our 5 tried-and-true tips will keep recurring or chronic pain from ruining your holidays so you can ring in the season with true holiday spirit. 'Tis the season to be busy, stressed out, painful and anxious or...jolly, merry and bright. Our five tried and true tips will keep recurring or chronic pain from ruining your holidays so you can ring in the season with true holiday spirit. 1. Simplify.

It's difficult to sleep because of pain, depression and anxiety and lack of sleep makes symptoms worse. What’s the solution? We have twenty tips for getting the sleep you need when you have fibromyalgia. Sometimes, fibromyalgia pain and sleep can be a catch-22.  It's difficult to sleep because of pain, depression and anxiety and lack of sleep makes symptoms worse.  What's the solution?  We have twenty tips for getting the sleep you need when you have fibromyalgia.

Do you know the difference between chronic and recurring pain? If not, learning more about these very different pain conditions may make a big difference in how you eliminate pain from your life. Do you know the difference between acute, chronic, and recurring pain?  If not, learning more about these very different pain conditions may make a big difference in how you eliminate pain from your life.  Pain conditions are a major health problem in the US.

If you're among those who can feel the weather in your bones via stiff, achy joints, here's what you need to know about what may (or may not) be causing it and what you can do to loosen up. If you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or another condition that makes your joints sore, cold weather may mean more pain and stiffness than ever.  Many doctors say it's a myth that weather changes cause flare-ups, but many patients say otherwise.

As if anger and sadness weren't tough enough, new studies indicate they may be even tougher on women with chronic pain, particularly fibromyalgia. As if anger and sadness weren't tough enough, new studies indicate they may be even tougher on women with chronic pain, particularly fibromyalgia. Researchers recently studied the affect negative emotions have on pain and showed that anger and sadness can actually increase pain for fibromyalgia.

Traditional medical doctors are now looking to ancient Chinese martial arts to help battle fibromyalgia. That’s because new research shows that practicing Tai Chi can be a powerful way to conquer this mysterious and sometimes debilitating condition. Traditional medical doctors are now looking to ancient Chinese martial arts to help battle fibromyalgia. That's because new research shows that practicing Tai Chi can be a powerful way to conquer this mysterious and sometimes debilitating condition.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points (where slight pressure causes pain).

If pain is part of your daily life, you're not alone and you're not helpless. Millions of people who suffer from arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain and other chronic pain conditions live with some level of pain every day. If pain is part of your daily life, you're not alone and you're not helpless. Millions of people who suffer from arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain, and other chronic pain conditions live with some level of pain every day. Those who function the best know there are many things they can do to live well and thrive, despite their condition.

There are many ways to approach chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Many patients find relief with complimentary and alternative practices including Chinese herbal medicine and vitamin supplements. There are many ways to approach chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Many patients find relief with complimentary and alternative practices including Chinese herbal medicine and vitamin supplements. While there's no regulation on the safety and efficacy of these over-the-counter products, many patients swear by them.

Tender points are the telltale sign that often leads to a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. But what are tender points and how do you know if you have them? Find out here. If you're struggling with chronic pain, the first step to getting help is getting the right diagnosis. For millions of people, the exact locations where they feel pain help doctors define their diagnosis. Tender points are the telltale sign that often leads to a Fibromyalgia diagnosis.

No longer considered a fringe practice, meditation has found its way into science labs and medical practice because of its proven results in reducing pain. One of the newest focuses for pain management has been around for thousands of years: Meditation. No longer considered a fringe practice, meditation has found its way into science labs and medical practice because of its proven results in reducing pain.

Expenses for treating chronic pain can really add up. There are doctor’s appointments, therapy appointments and prescriptions. But for people who live with chronic pain, relief is priceless. How do you balance the benefits of treatment against the costs? Expenses for treating chronic pain can really add up. There are doctor's appointments, therapy appointments and prescriptions. But for people who live with chronic pain, relief is priceless. How do you balance the benefits of  treatment against the costs? Read on for ideas for making treatment more affordable.

Although no specific test can definitively confirm the condition's presence, certain criteria can help physicians make a proper diagnosis. Since there's no specific test that can confirm whether a person has fibromyalgia, physicians often must perform a variety of tests in order to rule out hypothyroidism and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions. The following are the top criteria that health-care professionals consider when making a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Pain relievers are linked to increased risk factors for heart disease. If you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for minor aches and pains, you may be putting yourself at risk for cardiovascular disease.  At least that's what researchers say in a new report published in the July issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Millions of adults with chronic pain may be avoiding sex because of it. "Not tonight honey, I have a headache" (or back ache, fibromyalgia or arthritis), might be OK once in a while, but you don't have to let chronic pain interfere with your sex life. In fact, it might make you more creative than ever. Millions of adults live with chronic pain conditions that make sex challenging.

The hands-on approach of physical therapy to reduce fatigue, stiffness and loss of strength that accompanies fibromyalgia can help you become pain-free. If you have fibromyalgia, simple movement may be the last thing you want to do. But simple movements through physical therapy may be just the right treatment for you. How does physical therapy provide fibromyalgia relief? The answer: With a hands-on approach to reduce fatigue, pain, stiffness and loss of strength that accompanies fibromyalgia.

Since fatigue is one of the main painful characteristics of fibromyalgia, getting sufficient quality sleep is essential. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer daily with the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, according to National Fibromyalgia Association. While some fibro sufferers seem to get plenty of sleep, they awake up feeling tired and groggy. The reason, experts suggest, is that these fibro sufferers rarely reach the deep restorative stage of sleep.

Research shows that marijuana may relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat and, according to some studies, only 35 to 40 percent of people with the condition get relief from the available medications. Although there is controversy surrounding its use, some fibromyalgia patients are trying marijuana (legally and illegally) and are finding good results as it helps relieve some of their pain.

TENS therapy is a method of pain relief that might be the answer for you. If you are someone who suffers from chronic pain--whether it is back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, headaches, shoulder, elbow, or knee pain--you are probably not only tired of the pain, but also tired of being dependent on painkilling drugs just to feel like you can make it through the day.

Many of the foods that you eat may be making your pain worse. Knowing what foods to avoid and what other dietary changes you can make to eliminate your pain could be the key to changing the quality of your life. Those suffering from chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis patients, have reported a worsening of their pain and stiffness after eating certain foods. While it is agreed upon by medical experts that there are a variety of causes contributing to chronic pain, there is growing evidence that diet it one of these factors.

Perhaps you've tried all of the time and your body aches, but your doctor can't find anything specificly wrong with you. If this sounds all too familiar, you could have a chronic condition called fibromyalgia. Perhaps you've tried all of the time and your body aches, but your doctor can't find anything specificly wrong with you. If this sounds all too familiar, you could have a chronic condition called fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia and Allergies Often Co-Exist Fibromyalgia affects about two percent of Americans, and women are affected more often than men.

Staying away from certain foods and adding others might help your fibromyalgia symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in a person's muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as multiple tender points and fatigue. The condition affects about two percent of the population in the U.S., with women more likely to develop the disorder than men, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Many people living with fibromyalgia think that exercise will exacerbate their pain. The opposite is true. Exercise is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia symptoms. If you are living with fibromyalgia, then you well know the discomfort and pain that comes along with it. Many fibromyalgia patients fear that exercising will increase their pain, when actually the opposite is true. Research has shown that exercising twice a week for 25 minutes each time can result in immediate improvement of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Suffering from fibromyalgia? Learn more about the risks of depression and what you can do to protect yourself from this mood disorder. About 30 to 40 percent of people who have fibromyalgia also suffer from depression, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). The link between the two conditions is not clear, and health professionals believe that depression in fibromyalgia is often poorly treated.

Certain foods can improve fibromyalgia symptoms, while some can make them worse. Learn how to alter your diet to improve your symptoms. Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune condition that causes symptoms such as chronic muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration and even depression. Currently, there is no cure for fibromyalgia, and because of the diversity of the symptoms caused by the condition, treatment approaches vary considerably.

Research suggests that vitamin D may play a role in fibromyalgia pain and other chronic pain conditions. It's been common knowledge for quite some time that vitamin D helps to build strong bones. But, research in recent years has shown that low levels of vitamin D is associated with fibromyalgia pain, musculoskeletal and bone pain, and other chronic pain conditions.

Natural and alternative treatments for fibromyalgia can be effective. If you’re suffering from memory problems, poor concentration, and have widespread pain—in your back, shoulders or neck—you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, which may be relieved by natural and alternative treatment. However, the first step to treating this condition is knowing that you have it, which may be a challenge.

Although no specific test can definitively confirm the condition's presence, certain criteria can help physicians make a proper diagnosis. Since there's no specific test that can confirm whether a person has fibromyalgia, physicians often must perform a variety of tests in order to rule out hypothyroidism and multiple sclerosis, among other conditions. The following are the top criteria that health-care professionals consider when making a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Make life easier despite your arthritis. Thanks to many products on the market, living with arthritis isn't as limiting as it used to be. These devices make daily tasks easier-from standing to cooking, bathing, dressing, walking and driving. We've rounded up some of the best: KITCHEN HELPERS Open-It Universal Opener: This is must-have tool for opening bags, cans, boxes, or containers.

Here are 10 disabilities arthritis causes that you should be aware of. Over 44 million Americans are living with arthritis, which includes over 100 different conditions. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, which affects 27 million people, and rheumatoid arthritis, which about 1.3 million people have. According to the CDC, by 2030 about 67 million people over 18 years old will have arthritis.

Crohn’s disease shares symptoms, treatment and possibly causes, with many other illnesses, including fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the bones, muscles and joints. People who suffer with fibromyalgia are usually fatigued. Approximately two percent of the population has this disease. It affects more women than men. Like Crohn's, fibromyalgia is a chronic disease.

Find out why acupuncture is growing in popularity with arthritis sufferers. Over 39 percent of Americans use some form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), according to a survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics. Most people turn to these treatments for musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain — and joint pain, which is a common symptom of arthritis.

If you’re one of the 1.3 million Americans living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know that flares are a part of the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and fatigue. Women are three times as likely as men to suffer from the disease. Even though RA is a long-term condition, short-term bouts, or flares, of acute pain with inflammation and swelling can occur.

It may sound more like a fantasy than a reality, but some believe that this water can help ease arthritic pain. Imagine reaching into your fridge for a bottle of water that can reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain caused by your arthritis. It may sound more like a fantasy than a reality, but these are the claims being made about Deeside mineral water. This health-boosting water flows from Pannanich Wells in the hills of Scotland near Balmoral castle, the Scottish home to the British monarchy.

If you have arthritis, knowing about the common surgeries is crucial. For some arthritis patients-not all-surgery may become necessary. It can be critical in the early stages of the disease to prevent or delay joint damage and improve movement. In the later stages it can mean the difference between living a full, active life with reduced pain, swelling stiffness and further joint deterioration.

Here are three medical advances you should know about. By 2030 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that over 67 million Americans will suffer from arthritis. With so many people currently suffering from arthritis and millions more who will be affected in the future, treatment innovation and progress is critical.

Don't let arthritis stop your active lifestyle. For some people, a diagnosis of arthritis can seem like a life sentence of pain, inactivity, and frustration, but this doesn't have to be the case. And because there's currently no cure for arthritis, it's very important that you find ways to not just survive, but thrive.

Find out how the treatment for your arthritis can be all natural. When medications don't relieve arthritis symptoms, or drug side effects become overwhelming, many people turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Center for Health Statistics over 38 per cent of Americans use some form of CAM, which includes herbal supplements.

Be in the know when it comes to arthritis medication. Whether you suffer with acute or chronic pain, you need relief. However, as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) states in their booklet Questions & Answers about Arthritis Pain, the type of pain differs from person to person, and so do the causes.

Working and arthritis can be challenging, but these tips can help make it easier. Approximately 20 percent of Americans are living with some form of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation. And more than half of those affected are under the age of 65. This means that there are millions of arthritis sufferers working either full- or part-time in the United States.