PreDisease.com Blog

Many people are well aware of arthritis and its symptoms, but may be less well informed about ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the joints of the spine and pelvis. The condition causes considerable pain and can lead to deformity. Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation in other parts of the body, including the eyes and intestines.

Ankylosing spondylitis often affects younger people, with onset of disease generally occurring from the late teens to 40 years of age; more males are affected than females. Heredity plays a role, with most affected individuals having the HLA-B27 gene, which increases susceptibility to the condition. Symptoms include:

• Back pain and stiffness, often worse upon arising
• Fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite
• Flares, where the disease becomes worse and then subsides somewhat
• Pain in other joints, such as the knees, hips and shoulders
• Eye inflammation
• Breathing problems related to stiffness in the joints between the ribs and spine
• Progressive deformity of the spine

Diagnosis is made by history, physical examination, imaging studies, and blood tests to detect inflammation. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment is geared towards reducing inflammation, controlling pain and maintaining mobility.

Source: Ankylosing Spondylitis

NSAIDs are a class of drugs which inhibit prostaglandins. Prostoglandins are produced by cells in the body by the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Prostoglandins produce inflammation, fever and pain. They also protect the stomach from damaging acid and assist in platelet function. There are 2 COX enzymes:  COX-1 promotes platelet function and protects the delicate stomach, while COX-2 does not afford as much stomach protection. NSAIDs that block COX-1 are more likely to cause stomach bleeding.

NSAIDs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including fever, headache, injuries, menstrual cramps and arthritis. They can be very effective at reducing fever and pain; however, long-term use does not come without risk. NSAIDs can often cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite). In addition, prolonged use may lead to live damage, prolonged bleeding, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. They may also increase blood pressure in some individuals. People who take blood thinners, such as Coumadin (warfarin) should not take NSAIDs because of an increased risk of bleeding.

People with chronic conditions such as arthritis should be monitored by a physician if they are taking NSAIDs long-term to assess their risk for adverse events such as gastrointestinal bleeding and liver damage.

Source: Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Could a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis predict who will develop the debilitating disorder? A new study points to this possibility. The secret to prediction lies in cytokines, according to researchers.

Researchers studied blood samples from 86 individuals who did not yet have rheumatoid arthritis and compared these samples to 256 matched controls. The researchers were measuring 30 different cytokines and cytokine-related factors. The results? Those people who later went on to develop rheumatoid arthritis had elevated levels of cytokines; furthermore, the patterns of these elevations distinguished them from members of the control group.

What does this mean? The results show that it may be possible to predict with accuracy who will develop rheumatoid arthritis. Being able to identify individuals at risk of developing the disease will allow earlier diagnosis of the condition and may even allow for prevention of this debilitating disease. At present, rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, and persons with the disease may not be treated until the disease is advanced. Knowing earlier will permit aggressive treatment of the disease, before severe joint damage occurs.

Source: Can Blood Samples Predict Arthritic Rheumatism?

In the human body, collagen is the most prevalent connective tissue protein, acting as the scaffolding that holds the body together and giving it support. Now, researchers have created a collagen that is the strongest ever invented, with enormous potential to treat a variety of human conditions that result from collagen defects or breakdown, such as arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic condition in which cartilage in the joints breaks down. Loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness and pain.

Collagen in medicine has been used mainly in artificial skin substitutes. The ability to be used in the treatment of arthritis could be the breakthrough that many have been waiting for. At the present time, it is estimated that 46 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis; by 2030, it is estimated that 67 million Americans will be living with the debilitating condition.

Source: Super-strong Collagen Created By UW-Madison Scientists

A study by Canadian researchers illustrates the importance of monitoring bone density in patients who have decreased kidney function. Decreased bone density can predispose people to bone fractures, which can be deadly in the elderly population.

The study followed 635 people aged 50 and above for a total of five years. Kidney function and bone density were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results showed that people with impaired kidney function lost bone density at a faster rate than those with healthy kidneys. Bone loss occurred even in those who had mild kidney impairment.

Many people with kidney disease are not aware they have a problem. Screening for kidney disease in older individuals might prevent bone loss from occurring, thus decreasing the risk of fractures and death in the older population. Screening for kidney disease could involve simple measures such as checking blood pressure and obtaining a serum creatinine level, GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and urine protein. These tests are often done yearly as part of an annual physical. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes and a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk for kidney disease.

A study that examined the risk of bone fracture in 2,300 older adults found that taking prescription opioids increased their risk of bone fracture substantially. Furthermore, larger dosages of opioids conveyed a higher risk than lower doses.

What are opioids? Opioids are narcotic analgesics (painkillers) prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. They may be used as a one-time treatment or may be prescribed for continuous use in certain chronic conditions. Although they are very potent painkillers, they are not without risk, including the risk of becoming addicted. Other side effects may include drowsiness, itching, gastrointestinal upset, constipation and dry mouth. Taking too much of this type of drug can result in respiratory depression, where the rate of breathing slows, low blood pressure, and other dangerous effects.

The study outlining the increased rate of bone fractures in older patients taking opioids serves as a reminder that opioids should be prescribed and taken with caution. Aside from their addictive potential, opioids can cause drowsiness and low blood pressure, increasing the risk for falls. The potential for these side effects combined with an increased risk of bone fracture in older adults using opioids means that older people may need to be particularly cautious when using opioids to control pain.

Source: Prescription Painkillers Increase Risk of Bone Fractures, Study Finds

Back pain is a common problem, estimated to affect up to 80% of the adult population at some point in their lives, and is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor. It is also a common reason for missing work. Yearly, Americans spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million dollars on back pain care. Most back pain is not related to a serious illness, but is instead the result of mechanical strain (ACA, 2010). Back pain not caused by organic disease can result from one or more of the following:

• Aging- Aging results in “wear and tear” on the spine that can result in pain in the neck and back. A previous history of back pain or injury makes it more likely to happen again.
• Occupation- Jobs that require excessive lifting, bending, standing and/or sitting can result in back pain.
• Weight- Being overweight, in combination with lack of exercise, can set the stage for chronic back pain.
• Sports- Many sports can contribute to back pain, especially if no warm up is done prior to engaging in the activity.
• Poor Posture- Slouching and poor lifting techniques can cause back pain, as can sleeping on a surface that is too soft and does not properly support the back.

Treating back pain can involve a combination of treatments, such as rest, application of ice and heat, physiotherapy, massage therapy, strengthening exercises and medications aimed at addressing the pain and inflammation that result from back injury. Weight reduction, attention to posture, proper lifting techniques and taking care to warm up prior to engaging in sports can aid in the prevention and improvement of back pain.

Source: American Chiropractic Association Back Pain Facts and Statistics http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68

When you suffer from debilitating joint pain, you may be tempted to decrease your level of activity, hoping that becoming less active will ease the chronic pain associated with arthritis. This could not be further from the truth- exercise can actually improve joint pain, as well as promoting restful sleep, an enhanced mood, and a sense of overall well-being.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can stabilize arthritic joints and strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, leading to less pain. The key to exercising for those who suffer from arthritis is to limit those activities that put too much stress on the affected joints. There are several types of exercises that may be more suited to those who have arthritis. These may include:

• Range-of-motion exercises- Yoga and similar exercise programs, such as tai-chi, increase flexibility and range of motion in affected joints, as well as strengthening supporting muscles. Relaxation is an added bonus.
• Low-impact activities- Walking, swimming and low-impact aerobics are safe activities for most people who have arthritis. These activities strengthen muscles, improve conditioning and increase endurance.
• Working with weights- Strength training builds muscles and can be done with machines, free weights or your own body as resistance.

Anyone with arthritis who wishes to engage in an exercise program should first be cleared by their physician, to ensure that there are no contraindications to the proposed exercise regime.

If you’re living with constant pain and fatigue that seem to have no apparent cause, it’s possible you may have Fibromyalgia (FM) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) — or both. People are often surprised to learn these two disorders are alike in many ways. Actually, often times a person will have both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

According to experts it’s entirely possible Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are actually the same disorder. The difference is in how it is expressed.

The common denominator for both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are pain and fatigue. With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, extreme tiredness is the main symptom. CFS often manifests itself after a bout with flulike symptoms. However, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome don’t experience the same tender points people suffering with Fibromyalgia do.

So how do you know which (FM or CFS) you may have?

In order to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the following symptoms must be apparent:

1. Bone-crushing fatigue (a minimum of six months) that diagnostic tests cannot explain.

2. The presence of at least four of the following symptoms:
• Forgetfulness and lack of focus
• Joint pain not accompanied by swelling or redness
• Aches and pains in the muscles
• Not feeling refreshed even after a good nights sleep (constant tiredness)
• Headaches that are not typical for you — they may be stronger than usual, of a new type or occur more frequently than usual.
• Sore throat
• Lymph nodes that are tender to the touch in the neck or under the arm
• Feeling “not yourself” or uncomfortable for more than 24 hours after engaged in normal activities

The symptoms of Fibromyalgia are very similar but can also be characterized by these other symptoms, too:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Painful menstrual periods
• Morning stiffness
• Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
• Sensitivity to temperatures and light
• Restless leg syndrome

Though Fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to as an arthritis related condition, it’s not a true form of arthritis because it doesn’t actually damage or inflame the joints and muscles. But in any event, Fibromyalgia is extremely painful and causes incredible fatigue — to the point that a person cannot get through the day as they once did.

So what can you do to feel better?

If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you’ll be pleased to know there is a way to ease the terrible joint pain so you can start feeling better.

A 100% Safe and Natural Alternative To Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and naproxen (Aleve®), COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex®. While effective, these drugs all have large and potentially dangerous cardiovascular side-effects.

Why continue to suffer from fibromyalgia pain or risk the potentially dangerous side effects of prescription drugs when there is a new 100% natural alternative available to you right now?

PreArthros™ and PreArthros+ ™ are natural botanical formulations that work together to reduce inflammatory joint pain caused by arthritis. These natural substances contain plant-based components that not only relieve arthritis pain, they also serve to protect the cardiovascular system, they are easy on the stomach, and will not harm the kidneys.

Hundreds of doctors have used PreArthros™ and PreArthros +™ to treat thousands of patients for over two years. The results have been remarkable — these two supplements have been shown to lower pain and inflammation on an average of 80%.

PreArthros™ is completely affordable at only $9 per week. You can find out more about PreArthros™ and PreArthros +™ right here. There IS help for your fibromyalgia pain. Take control of your life staring today and don’t spend another minute worrying about how you’re going to manage your pain.

If you suffer from debilitating, widespread pain, crushing fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression, fibromyalgia could be responsible.

For year, the mainstream medical community largely ignored this disorder. Those struggling to find answers to their disrupted lives where often told, “It’s all in your head” despite the crippling symptoms. And as if the above symptoms aren’t harsh enough, people often have to deal with other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as:

• Morning stiffness
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Headaches, including migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”)
• Painful menstrual periods and other pain syndromes

Who Is Likely To Get Fibromyalgia?

Over 5 million adults suffer from fibromyalgia. Women are much more likely to contract the disease – the Female: Male ratio is 7:1. However men and children can also have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during the middle age and prevalence increases with age.

Unique Characteristics

While the precise cause and/or risk factors are still unknown, there are some characteristics associated with the onset of the disease:

• Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Repetitive injuries
• Illness such as viral infections
• Certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and lupus
• A genetic predisposition for fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia react strongly to things other people wouldn’t find painful. This is due to abnormal pain perception processing associated with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia Treatment

In treating fibromyalgia, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. This includes screening and treatment for depression. Scientific evidence suggests that aerobic exercise and anti-depressant therapy are effective in reducing the symptoms.

Lyrica, the first fibromyalgia drug to be approved by the FDA, is often prescribed for managing fibromyalgia pain. However, it does come with a long list of side effects, some of them potentially life threatening.

These side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Drowsiness
• Infections
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Memory loss
• Vomiting
• Vertigo
• Flu like symptoms

The more serious side effects of Lyrica include symptoms of congestive heart failure or arrhythmia, bruising and bleeding, changes in vision, anxiety or confusion, allergic reactions, and the risk of becoming dependent or addicted to the drug.

Fortunately, there is a better option.

A 100% Safe and Natural Alternative To Fibromyalgia Pain

Why continue to suffer from fibromyalgia pain or risk the potentially dangerous side effects of prescription drugs when there is a new 100% natural alternative available to you right now?

PreArthros™ and PreArthros+ ™ are natural botanical formulations that work together to reduce inflammatory joint pain caused by arthritis. These natural substances contain plant-based components that not only relieve arthritis pain, they also serve to protect the cardiovascular system, they are easy on the stomach, and will not harm the kidneys.

Hundreds of doctors have used PreArthros™ and PreArthros +™ to treat thousands of patients for over two years. The results have been remarkable — these two supplements have been shown to lower pain and inflammation on an average of 80%.

PreArthros™ is completely affordable at only $9 per week. You can find out more about PreArthros™ and PreArthros +™ right here. There IS help for your fibromyalgia pain. Take control of your life today and don’t spend another minute worrying about how you’re going to manage your pain.