Why Swiss Medica's O24 Works for Pain Relief

Noted Herbalist Discusses the Active Mechanisms of Swiss Medica's (OTC BB: SWME) O24(TM) According to Mike Vertolli, who is recognized as one of Canada's foremost herbalists, "Although it is still in its infancy, research of herbal products and essential oils has increased significantly in the last ten years."

Vertolli was a member of Health Canada's advisory panel on natural health products (Canada's equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). He believes there are constituents within the O24(TM) Essential Oil pain relief product, which may act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Vertolli explained that the constituents within the O24(TM) pain relief product have undergone rigorous clinical testing. This could help explain why O24(TM) has become widely accepted in a short period of time.

Take for example carnosol, which is a naturally occurring phytopolyphenol found in rosemary. In a study published in the June 2002 issue of Carcinogenesis, biochemists researching anticarcinogenic properties at the College of Medicine's Institute of Biochemistry at National Taiwan University found that carnosol may suppress nitric oxide production. That may help explain the anti-inflammatory action of the rosemary essential oil component in O24(TM). Nitric oxide, which is released during inflammation, is a free radical that can damage DNA. Because cancer is often associated with states of chronic inflammation, O24(TM) may be a potential alternative to anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed to cancer patients. Historically, rosemary was used as an antispasmodic, but recent research confirms its medicinal properties may be broader.

According to the American Chemical Society, which recently named the 1,8-cineole its "Molecule of the Week," there may be a scientific reason why the O24(TM) Essential Oil Pain Neutralizer product has out-performed other topical products in comparative testing. The cineole molecule is a major constituent of white camphor, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. It is also a minor component of peppermint essential oil. Cineole produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostraglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene synthesis. Prostaglandin synthesis is one of the culprits which causes chronic pain to last for weeks, months or years.

An entire class of anti-inflammatory drugs has come into this culture in an effort to numb chronic pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin. Over the past few months, it has come to the general public's attention that this method of remedying chronic pain can be deadly, i.e. the solution is worse than the problem. "Most people look upon inflammation as if it is something bad," said Vertolli. "Like every physiological response, it has a purpose. Inflammation is an integral part of the healing process. If we apply a product that simply interferes with inflammation, it is going to interfere with healing as well. With O24(TM) that is not an issue because of the rubefacient (local vasodilator) effects, which increase blood flow to the region (thereby providing greater access to oxygen and nutrients and facilitating the removal of waste products and toxins) and because there are constituents in these herbs that actually stimulate tissue healing.

What Vertolli may be suggesting is that a functional solution for most people suffering from pain may have been right under their noses throughout the twentieth century to this present day: essential oils. What are essential oils? They are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils, some of which are artificially created or contain artificial substances. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant from which the oil is derived. Often, an essential oil does not have an oily feeling because it is a liquid generally distilled from a plant's leaves, stems, flowers, bark or roots. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Mr. Vertolli cited key components within O24(TM)'s US-patented proprietary blend of essential oils may be the reasons why this topical pain reliever has been quickly and widely accepted. In the case of the 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, recent clinical research has demonstrated the molecule's efficacy in reducing inflammation and pain, and in promoting leukemia cell death. In southeastern Asia, cineole-rich oil is a well-known remedy for the discomfort of bruises, sprains, and pulled muscles. Many use cineole-rich oil to stimulate blood circulation near the point of application. Four components of the US-patented O24(TM) pain relief product contain cineole: white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. "Cineole is only one of many constituents of O24(TM) that have scientifically documented anti-inflammatory action," said Vertolli, "The action of this product is a result of the synergistic interaction of hundreds of chemical constituents. Cineole may be an important one, but it is inaccurate to suggest that it is the only constituent that is important."

Other important constituents include camphor (white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary), pinene (eucalyptus, rosemary, white camphor), menthol (peppermint, white camphor), limonene (lemon, sweet orange, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint), menthone (peppermint), carnosol (rosemary), linalool (sweet orange, rosemary, lemon), geraniol (sweet orange, lemon), anthraquinone glycosides (aloe), and dozens of others.

Not a Placebo

Components within the essential oils have long been recognized to alleviate pain. Some people might wonder whether the benefits of O24(TM) are psychologically induced. That's what skeptics call the 'placebo effect.' In other words, O24(TM)'s fast-acting and long-lasting efficacy tends to leave some consumers with the thought: "Was it O24(TM) or did it make me feel better because I believed it would work?" That's called the placebo effect.

Scientifically, there are molecular reasons why components within O24(TM)'s essential oils quickly bring about pain relief and then extend the relief for longer than one might expect from a topical analgesic. Most topicals contain either capsaicin, often derived from chili peppers, or salicyclates. The former create a numbing effect and has historically used as an animal deterrent - added to bird seed to prevent squirrels from eating it. A new form is being proposed as a paint additive for boats to repel barnacles. There are also formulations for keeping dogs, cats and raccoons out of garbage areas. Dozens of arthritic creams incorporate capsaicin for relief from arthritic pains. Unfortunately, it may just provide those suffering from pain a distraction as opposed to effectively reducing inflammation.

Salicyclates, on the other hand, inhibit prostaglandin and thromboxane release. As with all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they bring about an analgesic impact on the body when topically applied. They work in the same way as aspirin does and attempt to provide a similar relief from pain, but on a topical level.

Both tend to give all topical pain relievers a bad name. With the addition of mineral oils, creams, paraffin or other additives (water, alcohol, glycerin or another binding agent), its pain-relieving properties can be diluted. This tends to explain why the scientific community denigrates topicals as an effective solution to pain. Medical doctors shy away from the general body of topical analgesics because relief is fleeting, or lead their patients to believe it is a "placebo effect."

Yet various forms of vapor rubs, to relieve the pains of congested chests and sinuses, have sold throughout the world for decades. Such brand names, or their generics, have been doctor recommended for as long a time. Many have active ingredients that include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol and carry the phrase, topical analgesic, on their labels.

How do these differ from the O24(TM) brand? Because many topical pain relievers contain some synthetic binding agent, its additives interfere with the deep penetrating and healing actions reportedly found in the essential oils. O24(TM) is different because its patented process does not require binding agents such as alcohol or other ingredients. Because O24(TM) is in a purer form than other topical relievers, many users have reported that the O24(TM) brand works faster to relieve their pains and provides a longer-lasting relief from their aches and pains.

The dramatic impact O24(TM) has had on those suffering from acute or chronic pain can be quite puzzling. Some have announced, "It's a miracle!" Many are bewildered as to why O24(TM) can effectively and consistently produce relief from pain, and it is often easier to question the pain relief. Understanding the mechanism of why O24(TM) works may help dismiss the inherent, and expected, skepticism many have (until they actually try it for themselves).

Inhibiting Prostaglandin and Thromboxane Synthesis

There are specific components within the essential oils, which parallel the actions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This requires a brief overview of how aspirin, aspirin-like drugs (such as the class of COX-1 inhibitors: ibuprofen, naproxen) and the COX-2 inhibitors (generically the coxibs sold as brand names: Vioxx(R), Celebrex(R) and Bextra(R)) impact the body.

Those with arthritis or rheumatism may be familiar with prostaglandins. These are pain mediators in the human body, and are found in nearly all tissues and organs. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances, a group of lipid compounds derived from fatty acids. They are produced from a precursor molecule called arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). The arachidonic acid pathway is one of the main pain- and inflammation-producing mechanisms. Not only are the prostaglandins produced, but so are thromboxane and the leukotrienes (which cause asthma symptoms). While prostaglandins participate in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, the control of blood pressure and the modulation of inflammation, thromboxane (A2) is involved in the constriction of vascular and respiratory smooth muscles.

Discovered in 1971 that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories could inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, biochemist Sir John Vane and his colleagues won the 1982 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their research demonstrated that the potency of the anti-inflammatory medicines were proportional to how well they performed as COX-1 inhibitors. But, they also discovered that cyclooxygenase inhibition led to toxic side effects: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories cause erosive gastritis and renal toxicity.

"Wonder drugs," such as Celecoxib and rofecoxib, were designed to prevent gastric bleeding (gastric bleeding reportedly causes more than 16,000 deaths annually and has been called a "silent epidemic"). The COX-2 inhibitors are said to interfere with the prostaglandin production process. This restraining action is what made COX-2 inhibitors popular. By hindering prostaglandin synthesis, someone in chronic pain was able to alleviate his or her suffering. Unfortunately, because of the recent controversy surrounding the COX-2 class, such as Vioxx(R), Celebrex(R) and Bextra(R), many arthritis sufferers have returned to the COX-1 inhibitors (gastric bleeding that reportedly results in more than 100,000 hospitalizations annually). Common COX-1 inhibitors are probably found in your medicine cabinet: ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

In Vertolli's research into why O24(TM) works, he found evidence suggesting that constituents within several of the essential oils inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. He wrote, "Anthraquinones, the primary active constituents in oil-based extracts of whole aloe leaf, reduce inflammation by dilating local blood vessels via inhibition of thromboxane and prostaglandin synthesis." He also noted menthol, which is found in numerous topical pain relievers, and is a major component of peppermint essential oil. Vertolli wrote, "Menthol produces analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of prostaglandin, thromboxane and leukotriene synthesis. It also increases local circulation by dilating the blood cells."

Vertolli is very enthusiastic about the rosemary essential oil in O24(TM). Rarely is it found in a pain relief product, which is odd because of clinical research on the anti-inflammatory action of a main constituent, carnosol, discussed earlier in this article. He explained, "Rosemary reduces inflammation by protecting blood vessels, blood cells, and blood fats from oxidative stress. It also reduces inflammation and pain by inhibition of complement proteins. Rosemary essential oil improves local circulation by dilating the blood vessels (relaxing the smooth muscles that line the blood vessels) and reduces tissue swelling by reducing capillary leakage." Blood leakage physically manifests itself as a bruise on the skin. Dr. Allan N. Fields, Swiss Medica's medical spokesman, has recommended O24(TM) for bruises, as a mean to reduce swelling and to accelerate the recovery period.

Finally, Vertolli returns to cineole, which he calls a "fairly strong constituent" and is found in white camphor, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint. Vertolli also writes, "I specifically focused on the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, relaxant and antispasmodic properties because that is what the product is being used for. I am confident you would find that O24(TM) might reduce congestion in the nasal passages and lungs if applied to the chest. It might even help relieve tension headaches if massaged on the temples, although it is premature to recommend the use of O24(TM) for headaches."

COPYRIGHT (C) 2007 by StockInterview, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

James Finch contributes to StockInterview.com and other publications. StockInterview's "Investing in the Great Uranium Bull Market" has become the most popular book ever published for uranium mining stock investors. Visit http://www.stockinterview.com

The Effects of Inhalable Insulin

Since the 1920s, diabetics have had to go through the hassle of daily insulin injections. During that time, German researchers tried to discover more accessible and safer methods for diabetics to get their insulin needs and focused on an inhalable form of insulin. Their ideas eventually lead to the core concept of Exubera by Pfizer.

Pfizer Incorporated, based in New York (NYSE: PFE), is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. It produces the number-one selling drug Lipitor (Atorvastatin, used to lower blood cholesterol); the oral antifungal medication Diflucan (fluconazole), the long-acting antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin), the well-known erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate), and the anti inflammatory Celebrex (Celecoxib) (also known as Celebra in some countries outside USA and Canada, mainly in South America).

Delivering Insulin by Inhalation Exubera is a type of inhalable insulin. It is administered through an inhaler, which sprays a form of human insulin into the lungs. Exubera works on similar principles as to how oxygen is absorbed. Oxygen flows into the lungs with a deep breath, makes contact with circulating blood, blood absorbs the oxygen, and is administered throughout the body. Exubera too is absorbed into the blood and regulates the amount of sugar within your blood. The inhaler is about the size of your hand when it is compacted, and about one foot long when it is being used. Some folks refer to it as a "bong".

The drug Exubera is a powdered insulin that is sprayed into the lungs. This insulin is derived in the lab by using recombinant DNA technology. This method involves the use of laboratory 'factory cells'. Scientists expose these cells to specific chemical signals that result in the mass production of insulin. Scientists produce in the insulin in this way because it is difficult to synthesize consistently and in high quantities. The insulin they recover from these cells is the basis for what is sprayed into your lungs. This is a very innovative method for producing biological substances in mass quantities.

Exubera works by going into the blood and regulating glucose levels. In a normal pancreas, insulin is produced when blood sugar levels get too high in the blood. In other words, insulin is used to regulate high levels of blood sugar and low levels of blood sugar. Those who would benefit from Exubera are those with type 1 diabetes because of their daily need for insulin. Exubera is different from other forms of insulin intake because it is taken through an inhaler instead of an injection. Human insulin, derived from recombinant DNA technology, is put inside an inhaler. Then, a blister surrounds the insulin, acting like a medicine capsule to safely deliver the insulin into the body. Some of the insulin is absorbed and degraded inside the lung and some of it is absorbed into the blood.

Exubera's Safety Concerns

Exubera may sound like the end to needles for Type 1 diabetes patients who have to administer insulin intravenously. However, there are many issues and ongoing concerns with this drug. The first and foremost concern with the drug is the controversial approval by the FDA. Exubera is the first protein sprayed into the lungs that has been approved by the FDA. There has been much criticism of the FDA since 2004, and Exubera only adds to the list. Approval by the FDA was questioned by critics because of inconclusive clinical trials. For example, the effect of Exubera on those who have been smoking for the past 6 months is very serious. Lungs of smokers have the tendency to absorb more insulin, thereby decreasing blood sugar at a higher rate. Therefore, smokers run a higher risk of hypoglycemia. Absorption rates are increased anywhere from 2 to 5 times higher of non-smokers.

Many users, after the FDA had already given their approval, have reported trouble breathing after inhalation. There has been recent scientific discussion on decreasing lung capacity and damaging lung tissue. Although the FDA has approved of Exubera, there are still clinical trials testing for the long term effects on lung tissue. Exubera has been known to be especially dangerous with those with underlying lung disease. It is difficult to characterize those with stable or unstable lung disease. Because Exubera is so heavily dependent on healthy lung function, and the difficulty to characterize the stability of one's lungs, Exubera runs the risk of overdosing many patients.

The National Institute of Health in the United Kingdom did not approve of Exubera. Their opinion on the matter was that Exubera "should not be recommended because it could not be proven to be more clinically or cost effective than existing treatments." Their reaction reflected that the use of Exubera did not better control blood sugar more accurately or consistently or at a more competitive price. In fact, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Exubera estimated Exubera to be about $60 a year more than insulin injections. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has also shown concern about its prescription to users. The dosage of Exubera is not consistent with the units of traditional insulin injections. For example, Exubera is usually described in mg (milligrams) while insulin is described in units. This leaves room for error. Also, there is a non-linear relationship between mg and units of insulin. For example, 1mg is equivalent to 3 units of injected insulin. However, 3mg is not equivalent to 9 units of injected insulin. This non-corresponding relationship only increases the danger of dosage. This is a real danger because Exubera is oftentimes prescribed in addition to insulin injections.

FDA Fast Stamp of Approval

Critics believe the accuracy is nowhere close to the FDA's normal standards. The implications caused by lung disease, especially ones that are undetectable, create a risk for all users. This inaccuracy could have serious health risks. The only positive aspect of Exubera is that it is needle-free and may be less of a hassle during social situations. However, I do not think this is much of a positive aspect because if one were to use this inhaler in public, one should do it in a safe area such as a restroom. There are not many more locations you can use Exubera in that you can't also administer insulin intravenously. Also, the fact that it is more expensive puts Exubera in a worse position than before. Using Exubera requires routine trips to the doctor to ensure healthy lung function. These trips are not always covered by insurance companies, resulting in hidden fees and higher cost to the user. HMOs will likely not approve the costs of the Exubera treatments which are double the cost of insulin injections. Side effects for drugs are always an issue. The FDA generally decides if the health benefits outweigh the cost of side effects. Administering insulin with an injection has little side effects if the user is trained. Exubera, at the cost of compromising lung capacity and lung tissue damage, merely eliminates the user error.

At this point, it is remarkable how Exubera has been approved by the FDA. Upon closer inspection, there have been some controversial techniques of marketing the drug to the public. Dr. Edward Ryan, a Canadian Endocrinologist, commented on the convenience and efficiency of the drug, claiming that Exubera is "obviously an advantage...I would say the majority like it." Although this may appear wholesome, the Canadian Diabetes Association has found his research to be funded by Pfizer, the manufacturer and producer of Exubera.

The FDA has been under heavy criticism in the past few years. After knowingly allowing the drug Vioxx to stay in the market for four years, despite its proof of serious side effects, the FDA has come under careful scrutiny. The approval of Exubera has lead to ever closer investigations. Of the nine voting board members, three have been found to have consulted with or spoken with Pfizer. Which is more surprising is that the panel chairman has stock with Pfizer as well.

Should you use Exubera?

If you are considering Exubera, the best decision you can make is an informed one and of course talk to your doctor. Be aware that the side effects are much more serious than other FDA approved drugs and may be a large price to pay just to avoid insulin injections. Exubera is an alternate delivery method of insulin, nothing more. Remember, the FDA approval is not an indication of safety. It is an indication of research; be sure to know all of its effects on your body. Pfizer has pulled Exubera from the market, there are other similar products in the pipeline from competitors. Although inhalable insulin has been associated convenience with some diabetics, it should also be associated with consumer caution.

Mr. Sudeep Misra is a research associate for http://www.BlueSparrowMedical.com - Innovations in Diabetic Care. He is a senior undergraduate student in the bio-medical program at the University of California, Irvine. His research interests are in endocrinology and nephrology.

Living Your Life In Spite of Pain

What we perceive as "pain" is an interaction between several chemicals in the brain and spinal cord. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters conduct nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another, and on to the brain. They do this by stimulating receptors found on the surface of nerve and brain cells, which function somewhat like gates, opening and closing to allow messages to pass from one nerve cell to the next. Many pain-relieving drugs work by acting on these receptors.

Pain can be roughly divided in to two types: Acute pain, and chronic pain. Pain is described as acute when it basically doesn't last very long - it is usually caused by an injury, illness, or surgery, and subsides as your body heals.

Chronic pain is usually said to persist for at least 6 months after your body has healed from the illness or injury that first caused the pain in question. There are forms of chronic pain that defy diagnosis. This usually adds to the emotional lows, anger, and self esteem problems that can already arise from experiencing the chronic pain in the first place. Many patients who experience chronic pain can also find that it interferes with the day to day activities of their lives.

Up to one-third of the entire population of the United States is affected by acute or chronic pain during the course of a year1.

Given the passage of a significant amount of time, all of these problems, compounded with anxiety, can lead to poor response to treatment, and set up a vicious cycle of unending discomfort.

You can, however, take steps to reclaim your life, and break the hold that pain can have over you!

Find, and Bond With Your Doctor

If you, like many other people, have had care from many different physicians, you may want to pick one, and stick with them. In addition to your family physician, you may want to consider also seeing a speCialist, if you know what is causing your symptoms. If you don't, you may want to consider a pain management speCialist. Bear in mind that you will still need to have a primary care physician to coordinate care and manage your general health. This is especially important in avoiding harmful drug interactions or conflicts in therapy.

When you're choosing a doctor, you'll want to make sure that, besides being someone that you feel you can trust, they are also knowledgeable about chronic pain issues. Beyond that, they should encourage and allow you to ask questions, and even to disagree with them. You should have a positive, proactive outlook on the road ahead, and your doctor should also share that.

Tell Your Doctor Everything

Your doctor can only help you if you give him or her as much information about your pain as possible. You should explain to your doctor the nature of your pain, where it is, how bad it is, and how often it occurs. If there are triggers that cause your pain, explain them also. Also, tell your doctor if anything makes the pain better. Don't forget to think about other, external factors that may not be readily apparent. Changes in your day-to-day schedule or even activities within the course of your day may be affecting you without your knowledge.

Your doctor will want to also go over other health problems with you. Besides directly affecting your pain, they may also affect his or her choice of treatment for you.

All of this will also assist in what is traditionally the first step in treating chronic pain: assessing the cause.

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe various combinations of different therapies and medications to treat your pain. Generally, treatment can take the form of physical, behavioral, or occupational therapy, combined with various pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatories.

Physical therapy can include walking, biking, etc, according to your situation, while behavioral therapy can teach you other pain control methods, such as meditation. Occupational therapy involves teaching you to more safely and efficiently accomplish everyday tasks, to minimize the risk of injury.

A little about drugs:

There are many pain-relieving drugs being used today. Opioid drugs block pain by locking onto opioid receptors in the brain. Other drugs control pain outside the brain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, inhibit hormones called prostaglandins, which stimulate nerves at the site of injury and cause inflammation and fever. Newer NSAIDs, including Celebrex (Celecoxib) and Vioxx (rofecoxib) for rheumatoid arthritis, primarily block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2. Known as COX-2 inhibitors, these drugs may be less likely to cause the stomach problems associated with older NSAIDs, but their long-term effects are still being evaluated2.

To learn more about purchasing prescription drugs online, please visit http://www.prescriptiondrugplanet.com

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be invaluable in the treatment of chronic pain. If you smoke, or drink alcohol fairly frequently, you may want to modify your behavior. Quit smoking and drinking, or at the very least, cut back drastically.

A healthy diet will help not only directly, but indirectly, by reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system, and reducing stress.

Using recreational drugs can also impact your health in a myriad of ways that you could not possibly foresee.

Again, communication with your doctor is paramount. You and your primary care physician can map out all the things that you can do to try to reduce pain, and, if they work, you can modify your treatment accordingly. The key is to identify goals and obstacles to reducing pain, and tackling those goals and obstacles one at a time; then you can move on to the next challenge. Don't set unrealistic goals, because this will only lead to failure and frustration.

It is most important for you to take a long, hard look at your life, and how your pain has affected the way you live it. Then, take the necessary steps to "take your life back' - to change your behavior to reflect that you will no longer allow yourself to be controlled by pain.

References

1. NIDA Research Monograph, No. 36 (1986)


2. FDA Consumer Magazine, March/April 2004. Pub No. FDA 04-1336C

To learn more about purchasing prescription drugs online, please visit http://www.prescriptiondrugplanet.com.

Facts and Treatments Regarding Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammtory disease which affects both women and men, (especially women) and usually occurs on different parts of the body, such as skin, blood, joints. As we know, the body systems produces antibodies which have the role to fight against bacteria and viruses. In addition, lupus appears when the body system stops to work properly and produces antibodies known as auto-antibodies causing inflammation and pain. Much more there are two forms of lupus: one of them is called erythematosus (SLE) and usually affects the skin, muscles, joints, lungs and even heart, causing in most cases muscle and joint pain. Another common form of lupus is known as discoid lupus, which appears on the skin, producing rash on the head, scalp and neck.

First of all, lupus symptoms don't occur to all people in the same measure. For instance some people can face an easy form of lupus and on the other hand other people may show severe symptoms that can easily lead to complications. Some of the most common lupus symptoms are: muscle and/or joint pains, swelling and redness of other parts of the body, severe headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to light, fever, weight and hair loss, swelling of the feet or legs and others.

Lupus is an affection that has been known for more than 100 years and it shows its presence through different forms still. It is important to know that people can find out if they suffer from lupus only by visiting a doctor. So, after a special examination of the symptoms and various tests, the physician can easily settle a proper diagnosis. Even though, lupus can cause severe complications and needs specific treatments and even hospitalization, it is not considered a fatal disease and patients can have a normal life if they follow the medical instructions.

Furthermore, lupus like any other disease needs a special treatment and it depends on how severe or not is the affection. By asking medical help, people who are diagnosed with lupus should fallow a treatment which usually includes non-steroidal anti-imflammatory, drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. Moreover, these drugs have the role in diminishing discomfort and symptoms that lupus produces by reducing pain and sweeling in the affected areas. However, NSAIDs have a negative part too, taking more medicines than is necessary may lead to other complications such as ulcers or bleeding. During the years has been discovered different methods to heal lupus, methods which are sub-classes of NSAIDs. Some of theses are frequently prescriebed and are known as Cox-2 inhibitors, Celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib and meloxicam. Moreover other prescribed medicines for treating lupus are Acetaminophen which are pain killers; Corticosteroids, used in diminishing swelling and inflammation, balancing the immune system too; Anti-Malarials medications usually help in removing, skin rashed, the fatigue and joint pain and not in the last place a medicine which has the role in improving the quality of life and it is known as Nutricol.

In spite of the long term experience gained in more than 100 years of practice, diagnosing acute appendicitis is still a tricky and doubtful charge. This is why surgeons often choose to risk removing a healthy appendix instead of gambling other complications like perforation or gangrene of the organ. The pain in appendicitis is most assembling to aches caused by other major abdominal pathology; cases of negative appendicectomy are found in about 20% of the situations.

Although sometimes negative appendicectomy might seem common and without risks, there are studies confirming high rates of complications and mortality in such mistakes; much higher than in well diagnosed appendicectomy.

The use of scoring system Alvarado has proved to decrease at about 0-5% the risk of negative appendicectomy. A closer and more objective or specialized expertise of the case can highly lower the further explorations until making them unnecessary. Replacing clinical skills of the surgeon by newest domain technology can have, in spite of the expectations, high risks.

In a study comparing patients suspected of acute appendicitis diagnosed by clinical exams and patients investigated through ultrasound technology, scientists have proven no major differences between the two methods. Patients undergoing ultrasound examination got earlier to the operation room as the others but the rate of negative appendicectomy remained high. No major changes were discovered although the operation was restricted to the patients with an Alvarado score of 4-8.

Other clinical studies proved no important differences. Concluding, we can assert that the Para clinical such as ultrasonography is highly dependent on the physician executing it.

The most helpful radiological investigation in avoiding negative appendicectomy seems to be computerized tomography. It reveals differential diagnosis and other possible abdominal pathology and offers more clear images of the explored area. More recent studies have verified the hypothesis that CT-scan reduces the risk of a false appendicitis diagnosis.

Despite of the major benefits of the computerized tomography this type of new technology isn't always available to the clinician in emergency cases when suspecting appendicitis.

So if you want to find more about Lupus or more details about symptoms of lupus please follow this link http://www.lupus-guide.com

Pain Medication You Can Legally Order Online

Millions of American live with pain. Chronic pain, daily pain, short term severe pain. Of all the medications sold by online pharmacies, by far the most common type is pain relievers. You might think then that online pharmacies are a great source of pain relievers.

Well, did you know the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States (DEA) has busted and close over 5000 online pharmacies? Did you know that many online pharmacies sell counterfeit medication? Did you know it is a federal crime for you to order prescription drugs from outside the United States?

It is true, online pharmacies are a great source of pain relief medication. This article teaches you to order pain medication legally, from within the United States, with a legal prescription. It's the only way to go!

First, the caveats: You cannot legally order medication from outside the United States, even if you have a prescription. We always hear about the elderly taking buses to Canada to buy cheap medicine. The fact is, as of this writing, this course is illegal. Also, you cannot legally order medicine from a pharmacy without a prescription. Many online pharmacies (including my own) have physicians on staff who review your medication request and write you a prescription if they think it's safe. In addition, NEVER order narcotics through the mail. Forget codeine, Tylenol #3, oxycontin, demerol, percodan and percocet. You can be charged with a federal crime for buying these substances. Lastly, regardless of the medication you buy, be sure to read the package insert (or a monograph on my web site). Drugs interact with each other and with your body- the package insert will tip you off to potentially dangerous behavior with respect to the medication you ordered.

The following are quick summaries of common pain relief drugs you can order through the Internet with very little risk:

Fioricet (butalbital)

Fioricet is a combination drug. It is made up of Acetaminophen, caffeine and butalbital. Acetaminophen is the same medication in Tylenol You know caffeine from coffee (or even your favorite candy bar.) Butalbital is a mild barbiturate. It relaxes you.

Medical Science does not have an explanation for the reason this combination of drugs works so well, but the fact is Fioricet (and its generic form butalbital) is highly effective for tension headache. Presumably, it relaxes the muscles in the head and neck which typically tighten during tension headaches.. This is the top selling drug at our pharmacy month after month- it really helps headaches!

Soma (carisoprodol)

Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical signals among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. Carisoprodol, combined with rest and physical therapy, is prescribed for the short term relief of painful muscle conditions- particularly muscle spasm (where the muscle tightens and does not relax). Most back strains result in muscle spasm, so patients find carisoprodol highly effective in relieving back pain.

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Celebrex is used in the treatment of symptoms of arthritis. This includes joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation. The medication does not cure arthritis, but does provide symptomatic relief. It s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation. The drug works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins contribute to the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Ultram (Tramadol)

Ultram is used for treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. It binds to the opiod receptors on nerves (the same mechanism used by narcotics), but it has a far lower potential for dependency. It's the closest medication to a narcotic you can order legally in the US online. It is not a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug) and does not carry the risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding which can accompany the use of such medications. It is often prescribed for pain associated with shingles, fibromyalgia and other chronic diseases.

Ulracet

Ultracet is a combination of Acetaminophen and Tramadol. It is typically prescribed for the short term (up to five days) relief of moderately severe acute pain. It is often prescribed for post-surgical pain or after dental procedures.

The Ultram mechanism as described above is very similar to the mechanism employed by narcotics. Acetaminophen of course is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It works by increasing the threshold to pain (i.e. it takes more pain stimulus to cause the sensation of pain). These two drugs work by different mechanisms, and they combine to be more effective than either drug alone.

Pain relief medication can be ordered safely online, but one should exercise appropriate caution before doing so. Specifically, it's important to determine whether you need to see a physician before ordering pain medication. If you have a sudden onset of pain which is not readily explained, you should consult a physician first. If in doubt, go to the emergency room. If however you are a patient who has been diagnosed, and pain is a recurring problem, you can conveniently order pain medication online- typically at a lower cost than the combined cost of a doctor's appointment and the medication itself.

Copyright 2005 DeepDiscountPharmacy.net

David Altfeder is the owner of http://www.onlinepharmacyzone.com and http://www.buyfioricet.biz . He has written a series of articles on medication, medicine, health and the pharmacy industry.

Searching for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief?

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a wear and tear disease of the joints typically seen in the older adult (usually over 60 years of age). Cartilage within the joints breaks down causing pain as the bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the knees, hips, hands, spine, and feet.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis in the knees and hips. These weight bearing joints carry much of the weight causing increased wear and tear. Weight loss can significantly reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis and can alleviate pain in people who currently have osteoarthritis.

Currently osteoarthritis treatment is limited because no medications are capable of preventing or retarding the disease process. Osteoarthritis treatment involves focusing on pain relief, the maintenance of quality of life, and functional independence. Let us take a look at some of the treatments that currently exist for osteoarthritis.

Many doctors recommend Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the initial analgesic (pain medication) of choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen has very few side effects. When using Acetaminophen as a pain reliever, remember to follow the directions correctly. Acetaminophen is commonly overused by patients. You are recommended to not exceed 4,000 mg of Acetaminophen in a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophen is metabolized or processed by the liver. Excess Acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. Acetaminophen is also found in other pain medications such as Darvocet, Percocet, and Tylenol Cold. In fact, Acetaminophen is found in quite a few prescription pain medications.

Traditionally NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis associated pain. One major concern with the use of NSAID's is irritation to the stomach lining. In more severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers may form. NSAID's can affect the body's blood clotting ability and interfere with kidney function. NSAID's should always be taken with food to decrease stomach irritation or upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking NSAID's. However, these drugs should not be taken for extended periods of time unless directed otherwise by a qualified medical provider. Some common types of NSAID's are ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors) are a class of NSAID's. COX-2 inhibitors suppress arthritis pain much the same way but with less stomach irritation. Many of us know of COX-2 inhibitors but not by this name. Vioxx (refecoxib), Celebrex (Celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib) are COX-2 inhibitors. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market. These drugs can significantly increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Celebrex remains on the market but does have a black box warning stipulating this drug also can increase the risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Capsaicin (Capsagel, Zostrix) which is derived from chili peppers can be applied topically for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin will cause vasodilation, itching, and burning to the skin but after repeated applications desensitization will occur, decreasing one's pain. Methyl salicylate creams such as Ben-gay can also be used for osteoarthritis pain. Studies have shown that oral glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have a mild to moderate analgesic effect with arthritis.

For osteoarthritis patients who cannot tolerate their pain, glucocorticoid injections may be done. Glucocorticoids are similar to the hormone cortisol in the body. Glucocorticoids help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and swelling within the joint. Side effects are typically seen if you receive these injections too frequently.

Hyaluronan (viscosupplementation) injections can be injected directly into the joint for treatment of osteoarthritis. This medication helps supplement the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid allowing the bones to move smoothly within the joint. This injection should relieve pain and improve your mobility of the joint. This treatment involves 3-5 shots within 5 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling after the injections but this should dissipate. Reduced osteoarthritis pain may last up to 6 months.

For patients that have decreased function and mobility of the joint, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical involvement should also be considered in patients whose pain has progressed to unacceptable levels. However, good surgical candidates are usually considered ideal for surgery. Certain health conditions can affect post-operative rehabilitation and healing. Surgery can hold just as much of a health risk as medications have side effects.

Osteoarthritis is not curable but there is hope for the future with advancements in medicine. Along with the above treatments for pain management, it is also important to remain active and healthy. Exercising regularly can help maintain mobility of the joint. Exercise also creates natural pain relievers such as endorphins. Pain may be a part of osteoarthritis, but pain doesn't have to be a part of your life!

Copyright 2006 Kristy Haugen

Kristy is a mother and experienced nurse. She has a Bachelor in Biology and Chemistry and writes to inform individuals interested in health information.

Arthritis Cures And Determining The Correct Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is meant by 'Inflammation of the joints'. There are various types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main arthritic disorder among human population. Rheumatoid arthritis, JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis), Gouty arthritis is the other prominent forms of arthritis.

The cause varies from one disease to the other. OA occurs when the defensive, cushion like articular cartilage wrapping the facing bones of a joint get destroyed, resulting into the bones rubbing against each other. This friction causes pain in the joint and swelling. As a result of this bone rubbing most medical examiners think there is no Arthritis Cures.

OA gets worse as the cartilage breaks down further bringing more and more bony surfaces into the rubbing process. The cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is miscalculation of body's natural defense system. This gives raise the joint lining to swell and pain. It also spreads to the surrounding tissues. Uric acid deposition in the joint spaces causes inflammation and pain in the joint.

JRA is genetically determined.

The modern concept of treating arthritis is to control the pain as to maintain a healthy, normal life and management of the deformity if any. It is important to understand the specific arthritis symptoms.

There are some drugs that can modify the disease process of Rheumatic fever but do not offer a cure for arthritis. But once arthritis is there, we have to stick to the basic principle of pain management.

The first thing to treat arthritis is lifestyle modification. Arthritic joints become weak and can not bear the weight that it was used to. So, reduction of weight is the first target area. Reduction of weight reduces the load in the joint and improves its function.

Arthritic patients tend to work less due to pain and sedentary lifestyle is predisposing factor for other diseases like hypertension, Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Dyslipidemia etc. To combat this, light, free hand exercise is offered initially. Gradually, the method and frequency are changed that suits the patient.

Another effective and age old means to lower the pain is to apply temperature. Hot fomentation and hot water bath have a soothing effect over the tissues. Many people say this technique is the closest they get to an arthritis cure.

Normally the best arthritis cure is to keep the body stress free, which is critical to eliminate inflammation. Arthritis symptoms are sometimes not correct the first time they are discovered. Therefore, further tests may be needed to determine the best modern concept to treat different forms of arthritis.

Sometimes, cold compress may produce better analgesia (relieve of pain) than application of heat. That again depends upon the disease profile. Often, the patients suffering from arthritis become so crippled by pain, they tend to avoid the directions given by the doctor.

This includes the exercise part also. These patients need to be reassured, encouraged to accept the situation and to be injected moral support. They also need appropriate supervision towards suitable pain relief.

The first line of medication is still the Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesulide, Ketorolac are among the most preferred analgesics used by the rheumatologists.

Selective COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib, Rofecoxib and Valdecoxib have proven their worth for effective pain relief without increasing the gastric acid output, thus minimizing the acid peptic disorder. The invasive methods include intra articular injection of Steroids (Triamcenolone- Kenacort(TM)) and Hyaluronan. They produce valuable pain relief for a longer duration.

There is virtually NO CURE for Arthritis. Believe me, if you come across any website or anybody who claims that your arthritis will be completely cured by their management, you are in the wrong hands. Please do not pay attention to them and follow the advices given by your doctor.

Want to read more information on alternative arthritis cures for various arthritis symptoms? Check out the best Arthritis Cures

Chronic Pain - Natural Remedies For A Safe And Effective Pain Relief

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than six months at a stretch and there is nothing more debilitating than chronic pain. Chronic pain affects millions of people the world over. It can affect an individual at any time in life and in most cases it often long outlives the actual cause of pain. In the long run chronic pain is destructive to the body. Over time not only does the pain worsen but also unleashes a cascade of hormones like Cortisol which in turn destroys the immune systems and kidneys.

Most people with chronic pain inevitably resort to a gamut of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Piroxicam amongst others. These drugs have been implicated in causing serious gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, liver dysfunction and renal failure when taken for long duration (unfortunately most people with chronic pain do take them for long periods). The newer agents called as COX-II Inhibitors (Celecoxib, Rofecoxib, Valdecoxib) are marginally better in their gastrointestinal safety profile but have come under flak with some of them having been withdrawn from the markets due to serious cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Thus the answer to chronic pain? Nothing safe though several are effective.

Chronic pain is very closely linked to depression because both conditions share the same neuronal circuits in the brain. Serotonin and Endorphins that regulate a healthy brain functioning also regulate depression. Chronic pain results in depletion of Serotonin from the neuronal cells leading to an aggravation of depression. In fact many physicians treat chronic pain with the same drugs used to treat depression. Chronic pain sufferers respond with increased pain to stressful stimuli.

Some common causes of Chronic Pain include: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, stiff joints, tendonitis, neck pains, low back pains, muscle and joint pains, carpal tunnel syndrome, shingles and pinched nerves and sprains. Cancer pain can be chronic but responds significantly only to Morphine-like drugs.

The pharmaceutical cupboard for the management of chronic pain is virtually threadbare and search is on for the ideal pain-killer. Is there anything natural that is not only effective but safe as well? Many herbs have the propensity to relieve pain while leaving the body intact! Some of these herbs include:

1. White Willow (Salix sp): The bark of this stately white willow has been used for centuries in China to relieve pain and lower fevers. The active ingredient is Salicin which the body converts to Salicylic acid. Thus the white willow is often called as the "herbal aspirin". At a cellular level the white willow helps lower the levels of Prostaglandins (a powerful chemical released at sites of pain and inflammation) and thus reduces pain and inflammation. People with arthritis who have used the bark of white willow have reported dramatic changes in pain intensity and also improved mobility after few weeks of use.

2. Lobelia inflata: Lobelia is a very powerful muscle relaxant and is rich in Vitamin A, C and Manganese. Lobeline, an active ingredient, stimulates the nervous system. Lobelia has helped treat mild depression, calm frayed nerves, ease muscle tension and reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Boswellia serrata: Also known as Indian Frankincense, the gummy resin of its bark called as salaai guggal has been known from centuries to help fight pain and inflammation. Boswellia is known to block the entry of inflammatory cells to the sites of inflammation, improve blood flow to sites of inflammation and block the pre-inflammatory chemicals. Boswellia has proven its merits in the management of pain in conditions like arthritis, in reducing inflammatory process in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Boswellia can be used both orally and also topically over the sites of pain and inflammation.

A combination of the white willow, Lobelia and Boswellia would be an ideal pain-killer that has the same efficacy (but without the potentially lethal side effects) as conventional pain-killers.

Tired of Chronic pain? Is chronic pain limiting your capabilities?

Fight chronic pain the natural way!

http://theonlinepharmacy.blogspot.com

Relief For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. But rheumatoid arthritis can also affect young children and adults older than age 50. About 60% of RA patients are unable to work 10 years after the onset of their disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, affecting more than two million people in the United States. The disease is three times more common in women as in men. It afflicts people of all races equally.

RA can affect any joint, but the most common places are the hands or feet. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes redness, pain, swelling or a hot (or warm) feeling in the lining of a joint, the place where 2 or more bones come together. Worldwide, about 1% of people are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis, but the rate varies among different groups of people.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. Rheumatoid arthritis is rarely associated with pyoderma gangrenosum, a necrotizing, ulcerative, noninfectious neutrophilic dermatosis. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues.

Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints, such as those of the hands and/or feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and/or ankles. RA may start gradually or with a sudden, severe attack with flu-like symptoms. It's important to remember that RA symptoms vary from person to person. In some people the disease will be mild with periods of activity or joint inflammation and inactivity. Along with painful, inflamed joints, RA can cause inflammation in other body tissues and organs. In 20% of cases, lumps called rheumatoid nodules develop under the skin, often over bony areas.

Treatments for arthritis have improved in recent years. Corticosteroids. These medications, such as Prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), reduce inflammation and pain, and slow joint damage. Medications used to control RA fall into two categories: those that relieve symptoms and those that have the potential to modify the course of the disease. Exercise is also an important part of a treatment program. Immunosuppressants medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in rheumatoid arthritis.

Some of the commonly used immunosuppressants include leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). These medications can have potentially serious side effects such as increased susceptibility to infection. Rituximab-Rituximab reduces the number of B cells in your body. B cells are involved in inflammation. The most common antidepressants used for arthritis pain and nonrestorative sleep are amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) and trazodone (Desyrel).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Tips

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin and others), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), Celecoxib (Celebrex) and many others.

2. Light exercise may be beneficial for improving blood circulation to joints.

3. Various anti-cytokine medications are now being used to treat painful disease states such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a type of medicine that reduces pain and swelling.

5. Severely affected joints may require joint replacement surgery, such as knee replacement.

6. Corticosteroids are man-made drugs that closely resemble cortisone, a hormone natural produced by the body.

7. Immunosuppressants medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in rheumatoid arthritis.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health and fitness and diseases treatment. For more information visit our site at http://www.healthfitnesstips.org/.

Do Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Products Really Work?

Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in America today. It is now one of the most prevalent chronic health problems. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 3 Americans (nearly 70 million) live with some form of arthritis, costing the United States $86 billion a year in healthcare costs related to treating the illness. New science confirms nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are the right combination for effective knee pain relief. The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), funded by NIH, rigorously evaluated the efficacy and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin in 1,258 people, concluding in its abstract that the "combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis."

GAIT lead researcher Daniel O. Clegg, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chief of Rheumatology at the University of Utah, presented his landmark findings at the American College of Rheumatology's Scientific Meeting in San Diego, California.

Funded by NIH, the $14 million GAIT study is the largest placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial ever conducted to test the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. All 1,258 patients who completed the study were over the age of 40 with knee pain and randomly assigned placebo; glucosamine 1500 mg; chondroitin 1200mg; glucosamine/chondroitin at above mentioned doses; or Celecoxib (Celebrex) 200 mg daily for 6 months. The abstract published each treatment group's response rate to pain. Of particular note, the group taking the glucosamine/chondroitin combination experienced greater relief for the treatment of moderate to severe knee pain than the Celebrex group.

GAIT was designed to test the safety and efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin alone and in combination in reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The study's abstract concluded that when taken together, "glucosamine and chondroitin is effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to OA [osteoarthritis]."

Naturally occurring in the body, glucosamine stimulates the production of cartilage, the connective tissue which cushions joints. Chondroitin is also naturally occurring in the body and like glucosamine stimulates the production of cartilage. Previous research has indicated that glucosamine is just as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing osteoarthritis pain and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDs.

After extensively researching treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, a natural non-prescription treatment that seems to be gaining a lot of attention recently is a nutraceutical product called Flexcerin. This arthritis supplement contains all of the natural arthritis relieving nutrients, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and other special ingredients to help reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness as well as protect the joints and provide long lasting pain relief. World renowned arthritis speCialist, Dr. Andrew Weil MD., states "Supplements such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may actually help restore damaged tissue structure in joints, perhaps because these two substances are natural constituents of healthy cartilage." Flexcerin could definitely provide relief from your painful arthritis. Widely used in Europe for years to treat osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective nutritional supplements, as proven by the GAIT abstract.

Whether you are interested in all things "natural," want to avoid side effects from prescription drugs, or want to leave no stone unturned in your quest for relief from arthritis pain you should realize that leaving yourself open to waiting for a viable option could prove to be a very unwise choice. Arthritis causes the most damage in the first six months if left untreated.

Janet Hanh is a published author in the field of pain management. Many of her insightful health related articles can be found online at http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com

My Son Has A Stiff Back When He Gets Up in the Morning - Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is one of the more common forms of arthritis affecting about 0.5% of the population. It affects men more often than women in a ratio of about 2.4-5:1. The disease is categorized as a "spondyloarthropathy"... a type of arthritis that preferentially affects the spine. It usually starts in the sacroiliac joints- the joints that join the pelvis to the low back- and spreads upwards to involve the rest of the spine. Peak age of onset is between 15 and 30 years.

Typically, a patient will complain of stiffness in the low back or neck or both that is worse with rest and better with activity. Often, a young person will pursue sports as a way to relieve the pain they have! Stiffness during the day after inactivity is also common. Other joints affected include the hip, knee, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. Typically, patients will have not only joint symptoms but they will also have enthesopathy... meaning inflammation at points where tendons connect to bones. Fatigue is a very common symptom. Occasionally low grade fever, appetite loss, and weight loss may be seen.

Patients will sometimes present with the extra-articular (outside of the joint) symptoms. Examples include inflammation of the eye, lungs, and rarely, the heart. The most common extra-articular symptom is eye inflammation which occurs in about 40% of patients and must be diagnosed and treated aggressively. Blindness is a dreaded complication.

The physical exam will show limitation of range of motion in the low back. Chest expansion is also restricted since many patients with AS will have limited ability to expand their lungs due to involvement of the thoracic spine.

Occasionally, women with AS will have more symptoms in the neck than the low back.

Laboratory testing will show abnormalities that indicate the presence of inflammation. Patients with AS will also have the genetic marker HLA B27 in about 90% of cases.

Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging will show the presence of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. Inflammation of the tendon insertions at different affected joints will also be evident.

Treatment goals consist of relieving pain and stiffness as well as maintaining function.

A comprehensive program consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory medicines to help with symptoms as well as disease-modifying therapy to slow down the rate of progression. Examples of anti-inflammatory drugs are drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosys), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), meloxicam (Mobic), and Celecoxib (Celebrex). Disease-modifying drugs that are used extensively for this condition are sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate. Biologic therapies like etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humnira), and infliximab (Remcade) are considered important for inducing remission. A solid program of physical therapy to help with range of motion is also mandatory.

For patients with suspected eye disease, close supervision by an experienced ophthalmologist is also recommended.

Patients with far-advanced disease may suffer complications including compression of the spinal cord (cauda equina syndrome), and fractures of the neck. In particular, care should be exercised in preparing patients with AS for surgery. Intubation (placing a breathing tube into the airways) for general anesthesia carries the risk of inadvertent spine fracture.

Surgery is reserved for far advanced cases that have not responded to medical therapy.

The clinical course and prognosis is highly variable and also highly dependent on the rapidity of diagnosis and the effectiveness of therapy.

Dr. Wei (pronounced "way") is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: Types of Arthritis

How You Can Beat Rheumatoid Arthritis Part 5: "Putting It Into Remission"

The options available for treatment have expanded greatly in the last 10 years.

Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs: These help to reduce pain and improve function. They do not have an effect on the underlying disease. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxyn, sulindac, etodolac, nabumatone, Celecoxib, and meloxicam.

These drugs are effective but they have potential side effects including peptic ulcer disease, kidney and liver damage, rashes, and fluid retention. Another problem associated with these drugs is the slight increase in cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. These drugs require careful monitoring.

Corticosteroids: These drugs suppress inflammation but also have no effect on the underlying disease. Examples include Prednisone, methylprednisolone, and prednisolone. Used long term they may have undesirable side effects including ulcers, cataracts, osteoporosis, adrenal gland suppression, thinning of the skin, and diabetes.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS): These drugs slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Examples would be medicines such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune).

Most DMARDS act slowly.

The workhorse of DMARDS is probably methotrexate. All DMARDS have the potential for significant side-effects and must be monitored slowly.

Biologics: Most recently, biologic therapies such as etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and anakinra (Kineret) have helped tremendously.

These drugs target the cells and cytokines that are the primary cause of rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs work quickly. Etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab are anti-TNF drugs. They block tumor necrosis factor- the major culprit in RA - and by doing so keep it from doing damage. These drugs have a slightly different mechanism of action from each other but they essentially all do the same thing. And they do it well. These drugs have revolutionized our approach to RA.

Rheumatologists are using this group of drugs earlier in the course of disease to hopefully prevent damage from occurring. There is also some evidence that early aggressive treatment may prevent some of the long term complications of rheumatoid arthritis such as lymphoma and cardiovascular events.

Potential side-effects of anti-TNF therapy include an increased susceptibility to infection, the reactivation of latent tuberculosis, and the development of lupus-like or MS-like syndromes.

Kineret, unfortunately, does not have the same salutary effect and is not used very often.

The second wave of biologic therapies are available and offers hope for patients who fail anti-TNF treatment. The two newest drugs are abatacept (Orencia) and rituximab (Rituxan).

Abatacept is a co-stimulatory blocker. This means it prevents T cells from being activated to produce cytokines. Rituximab is a B-cell depleter. It removes B cells from a patient's system. B-cells are felt to play a big role in the development of RA by some experts.

Both drugs are given by intravenous infusion. Side effects include infusion reactions and rashes. The long-term consequence of B-cell depletion is still uncertain.

More biologic therapies are on the horizon. These new drugs may prove to be more effective and safer than what is currently available.

In patients with more severe disease, a procedure where blood is passed through a special filter (Prosorba column) may be of use. As one might guess, it is not used very often.

Dr. Wei (pronounced "way") is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: Arthritis Treatment

New Hope for Thousands of Arthritis Sufferers

Initial Results of National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funded Study Reveal Glucosamine and Chondroitin Effective in Treating Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis Knee Pain.

Findings Bring New Hope for Millions of Americans Suffering from Arthritis

For 21 million Americans hobbled by osteoarthritis, new science confirms nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are the right combination for effective knee pain relief. The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), funded by NIH, rigorously evaluated the efficacy and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin in 1,258 people, concluding in its abstract that the "combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis."

GAIT lead researcher Daniel O. Clegg, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chief of Rheumatology at the University of Utah, will present findings from the full study on November 14, 2005 at the American College of Rheumatology's Scientific Meeting in San Diego, California.

"GAIT brings good news to adults suffering from the wear and tear of cartilage degeneration, particularly those who cannot tolerate the side effects of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)," said C. Thomas Vangsness, Jr., MD, Professor Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. "For years glucosamine and chondroitin have been well recognized alternative solutions to pharmaceutical options in treating osteoarthritis patients in Europe, Asia and Russia. In fact, preliminary results reported in the GAIT abstract indicated glucosamine and chondroitin were found to be more effective than Celebrex(R) in treating moderate to severe knee pain. Clearly, the GAIT abstract suggests glucosamine and chondroitin together may be a good non-surgical pain relief choice for arthritis patients," added Dr. Vangsness.

Funded by NIH, the $14 million GAIT study is the largest placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial ever conducted to test the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin. All 1,258 patients who completed the study were over the age of 40 with knee pain and randomly assigned placebo; glucosamine 1500 mg; chondroitin 1200mg; glucosamine/chondroitin at above mentioned doses; or Celecoxib (Celebrex) 200 mg daily for 6 months. The abstract published each treatment group's response rate to pain. Of note, the group taking the glucosamine/chondroitin combination experienced greater relief for the treatment of moderate to severe knee pain than the Celebrex group.

GAIT was designed to test the safety and efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin alone and in combination in reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The study's abstract concluded that when taken together, "glucosamine and chondroitin is effective in treating moderate to severe knee pain due to OA [osteoarthritis]."

Naturally occurring in the body, glucosamine stimulates the production of cartilage, the connective tissue which cushions joints. Chondroitin is also naturally occurring in the body and like glucosamine stimulates the production of cartilage. Previous research indicates glucosamine is just as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing osteoarthritis pain and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDs.

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans (nearly 70 million) live with some form of arthritis, costing the United States $82.5 billion a year in healthcare costs related to treating the illness.(2) For arthritis knee pain sufferers who find relief in taking glucosamine and chondroitin, they will also find the supplements to be great values. Widely used in Europe for years to treat osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective nutritional supplements, as proven by the GAIT abstract.

As an Arthritis sufferer I am pleased that Glucosamine is getting the recognition it deserves,for more information on how glucosamine helped me and how it can help you go to http://www.shortenurl.com/8jkoe

Osteoarthritis Treatments

A person's lifestyle is seriously affected by osteoarthritis. Not only does it come with pain and swelling in one's joints but also it impedes any person suffering the condition from normal day-to-day activities such as walking, climbing a flight of stairs, and running. The pain induced by osteoarthritis sometimes depending on the severity of the ailment, can even pose a threat to one's occupation.

Diagnosis

The first and most important step in the treatment of osteoarthritis is the diagnosis. Why? First, because correctly diagnosing the arthritis could spell the difference between pain and relief, aggravating and alleviating the condition, the safety of the treatment and also treatment costs.

Medication for Pain Relief

What everyone looks for in any medication or treatment, and perhaps it is the most explicit gauge of the efficacy of treatment for osteoarthritis, is how well it soothes the pain in the joints. In fact, most oral medications target pain relief more than stopping the condition from progressing.

NSAIDS - also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, meloxicam, ketoprofen, naproxen, and naproxen sodium provide osteoarthritis sufferers quick pain relief but do not treat the condition itself.

Cox-2 Drugs - such as Celecoxib and valdecoxib are a special kind of NSAIDS that are less likely to have side effects.

Analgesics and Topical Analgesics - People experiencing mild to moderate pain from osteoarthritis can take analgesics (oral medicine) and or topical analgesics (externally-applied medicine) which are both easy to obtain from any drugstore counter. Tramadol, propoxyphene hydrochloride, and Acetaminophen are some examples of analgesics while creams and rubs that have a counterirritants or a combination of counterirritants such as wintergreen oil, camphor or eucalyptus are examples of topical analgesics.

Injectable Glucocorticoids - Knee pains caused by moderate to severe pressure or trauma to joints surrounding the knees can be treated with injectable glucocorticoids which are steroids that provide quick pain relief. However, these may only be administered only 3-4 times a year on the same area.

Alternative Treatment

An alternative oral medicine to treat osteoarthritis is a dietary glucosamine supplement. Glucosamine supplements such as Synflex Liquid Glucosamine which fortunately comes in liquid form making absorption easier and faster, do not only provide pain relief but also reverses symptoms of osteoarthritis by repairing damaged cartilages in the joints. Synflex glucosamine contains ample amounts of anti-inflammatory substances such as yucca, manganese ascorbate, and boswellin that soothe pain and swelling in the joints. Ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate serve to stimulate the production of essential components in cartilage.

Readjusting one's Lifestyle

Of course treatment for osteoarthritis is highly dependent on the patient's willingness and participation. Sometimes the most effective treatment is the will of the patient to get well again. When the will is strong, the patient is motivated to find other ways of helping himself or herself (of course consultation with one's physician is still a must before attempting any independent treatment) such as remodeling one's lifestyle. Incorporating a nutritious diet and regular exercise to one's life can be a big help in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

You can try Synflex and Synflex 1500 products here http://www.syn-flex-usa.com/

Vioxx Lawsuits Abound-Where Does This Leave the Arthritis Sufferer?

Vioxx, a popular pain medication was fetching it's manufacturer, Merck Pharmaceuticals, millions of dollars in sales in 2004. Today it has been withdrawn from sale and is the subject of several Vioxx lawsuits. It's demise, due to unacceptable risk factors, leaves doctors and patients confused and wondering how many more "time bombs" there are lurking out there

What is Vioxx?

Vioxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) mainly prescribed for pain relief for people suffering with various forms of arthritis. The product was launched in 1999 and was available in several countries.

Vioxx is one of the family of COX-2 inhibitors. Drugs with this label block the Cox 2 enzyme while allowing the Cox 1 enzyme intact. The Cox 1 enzyme is necessary as it protects the stomach lining. Without this protection, patients are at risk of ulcers, stomach bleeding and intestinal damage.

The main risks from taking Vioxx are an increased risk (4:1) of heart attack or stroke. While this risks were said only to affect people who have been taking the drug for 18 months or more, there is some evidence that they may also affect short term users as well.

Vioxx lawsuits

There are currently over 7000 vioxx lawsuits, both individual and class action, pending against Merck. The number of lawsuits are growing by the day. To be eligible to claim compensation from Merck, a person must have been taking Vioxx medication and have suffered some ill effects from doing so.

Merck must be shown to have breached their "duty of care" towards their customers and have acted irresponsibly in information them of the health risks that Vioxx could cause. Although Merck pulled Vioxx from the shelves voluntarily in 2004, there is evidence that they knew of risks associated with Vioxx as early as 2000, but didn't pass on any warnings to the public.

If you believe that taking Vioxx has caused you to suffer a heart attack or stroke, it is important to act before the statute of limitations expires. At the time of writing there have not been any successful Vioxx lawsuits. Those who have experienced any lost earnings or mental pain and suffering due to taking Vioxx are also being advised to claim compensation.

What are the alternatives?

There are other COX-2 selective NSAIDS on the market, Celebrex (Celecoxib) and Bextra (valdecoxib).These are now undergoing stringent testing by the FDA to ensure they are safe alternatives.

The manufacturers of other NSAIDS such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen have been requested by the FDA to change the labelling on their products to include warnings about any side effects that may be experienced - for example gastro intestinal bleeding.

Natural arthritis pain relief is a safe and effective option. The medical profession is fond of pointing out that natural remedies are not controlled or tested by the FDA. After the Vioxx debacle you have to wonder it this really matters!

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Wendy Owen is a natural health writer and researcher. visit her site at http://www.natural-arthritis-medication.com for arthritis information, articles and a natural arthritis remedy.

Arthritis - Best Remedies For Arthritis

Arthritis has been a serious medical condition most people suffer from across the globe. The disease turns ugly when people find it really difficult to been the pain and inflammation that usually occurs in the joints. This also tends to interrupt in their daily activities.

Fortunately there are many effective treatments available for arthritis, these days. You would find all types of treatment options such as natural remedies, massages, over-the-counter medications, prescription medicines and surgery.

Here is a description on the kind of medical treatments available for arthritis widely all around the world:

a) Natural remedies:

Natural remedies have gained immense popularity among people, these days. There are several reasons behind this. First wide availability of these remedies and the fact that these don't result in side effects. Natural remedies are highly effective.

Here are some of the most preferred natural remedies for arthritis:

- Ginger: It is rich in gingerols and extremely effective in treating inflammation.

- Cinnamon: It is anti-inflammatory and work towards inhibiting the release of inflammatory acids.

- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables: These are rich in carotenoids facilitate reducing inflammation.

- Olive oil: Extra virgin oil act as an anti-inflammatory drug and provide a good effect in case of heart disease.

b) Over-the-counter products:

Over-the-counter medicines are widely available in drug stores. Almost all these medicines claim to provide good and sometimes instant relief from painful symptoms of arthritis. Here are some of the common non prescription medicines you can go for.

- Ibuprofen: These reduce pain and inflammation.

- Acetaminophen: It is a great and one of the most effective pain relievers.

- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These are components derived from natural joint cartilage. These are effective in alleviating joint pain.

c) Prescription medications:

You can get these only on the prescription and consultation of the health care practitioner. These medications are more effective and work really well as a long term treatment of almost all types of arthritis. Here are some of the most common prescription medicines advised for patients of arthritis.

- Vioxx or Rofecoxib

- Celebrex or Celecoxib

- Bextra or Valdecoxib

All the above mentioned medicines are categorized as COX-2 inhibitors. These work towards blocking an enzyme that can result in an inflammatory response. Other types of prescription medications include Biological Response Modifiers, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs or DMARDs and Corticosteroids.

d) Natural therapies

There are also several natural therapies available for treating arthritis. These are quite different from natural medication. These work towards curing the disease with natural methods such as hot and cold suppression, joint protection, massage, weight reduction and exercise programs.

e) Medical related methods

These are very effective when it comes to providing relief from arthritis symptoms. There are several medical related methods such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS and surgery. Surgery is usually considered to be the last option in the cases of arthritis.

Treatment for arthritis is possible. You need to look for the symptoms and then rush for medical help.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about ARTHRITIS please visit and ARTHRITIS GUIDES and PAIN RELIEF BASICS and HEADACHE ADVICE

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Side Effects - Results From 5 Scientific Studies

Are there any side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin?

Do glucosamine and chondroitin supplements cause any adverse reactions?

Is there anything unpleasant about taking this supplement?

I have been looking into these questions for the past 3 years or so. That's how long I've been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for my formerly-aching knees.

Recently I updated my research on the subject, and I am very glad to be able to say that expert studies are still finding no serious side effects from taking glucosamine and chondroitin.

Five of the larger studies and their results are:

1 - GAIT -The Glucosamine/Chondroitin sulfate Arthritis Intervention Trial, a $12.5 million National Institutes of Health study, found that adverse events were generally mild and evenly distributed among the glucosamine, chondroitin, glucosamine and chondroitin, placebo, and Celecoxib groups.

For a summary of the GAIT report from the American College of Rheumatology (2005) click on: glucosamine chondroitin side effects

2 - The Osteoarthritis Research Society International (http://www.biocel.co.nz/downloads/pdfs/osteoandcartilage.pdf)

studied one specific formula of glucosamine and chondroitin in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

What was found was that adverse events such as constipation, indigestion, gas, bad taste, and fatigue were equally reported by those receiving the placebo and by those receiving glucosamine and chondroitin.

They noted that the studied combination of glucosamine and chondroitin have no known serious side effects.

3 - An American Diabetes Association study (http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/55/11/3142?etoc)

found that glucosamine, at typical doses, does not effect blood sugar control in those with diabetes.

4 - Published in 2003, an exhaustive systematic research (http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/163/13/1514) of clinical assessments of glucosamine and chondroitin, performed between 1980 and 2002, found that safety was excellent for both compounds.

5 - A 2003 study (http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/163/13/1587)

showed that FCHG49 glucosamine hcl does not effect blood sugar control in people with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

In summary, among the people taking glucosamine and chondroitin in 5 scientific studies:

• No serious side effects occurred.
• No adverse reactions were found.
• Among participants with Diabetes, blood sugar control was not effected.
• Reports of any unpleasant effects were as likely to be reported by those receiving the placebo as by those actually receiving the glucosamine and chondroitin.

For a report on my experience with glucosamine and chondroitin, click here: http://www.expert-advice-by-buffalo-ny-specialists.com/cosaminds.html

Would you like to learn more about the CosaminDS brand of glucosamine and chondroitin supplement? Click here: http://www.expert-advice-by-buffalo-ny-specialists.com/cosaminds-glucosamine-chondroitin.html

Art Scrivner is a freelance writer who is especially passionate about health maintenance for the baby boom generation.