Skip to main content

Seven Ways to Reduce Chronic Hip, Back, or Knee Pain...without drugs or surgery!










Given the large number of knee an hip replacement surgeries that are performed on a daily basis, it's safe to say that hip and knee pain are common problems.  It seems that low back pain could also be added to the list as well.  I know lots of people who have a "bad back." Perhaps you could say the same.

If you or someone you know is dealing with one of these problems, and surgery is not on the radar just yet, here are some pain management methods that might just do the trick.  The best thing about this list is that you can use any or all of these methods together without risk of side effects!

1) Weight Loss
Being overweight puts stress on the back and the joints.  Weight loss can help to reduce the stress and delay or perhaps eliminate the need for surgery down the road.

2) Exercise
Osteoarthritis is one big contributor to back, knee and hip pain.  One of the very best ways to preserve joint function is exercise! This does not mean it's time to run a marathon or prepare for a body building competition.  Knee, back and hip issues put limitations on what is good exercise and what is not.  Consult your physician or a personal trainer to find out what's best for your circumstances.

3) Nutritional support
In addition to weight loss, it's important to make to eat a balanced diet.  Speak to your medical team or a dietitian to learn which foods should be added or eliminated from your diet to improve function and/or reduce inflammation. They can also advise you on dietary supplements such as glucosamine, omega-3 supplements, calcium, vitamin D, etc.

4) Orthotics
Sometimes these very common types of pain can be reduced by the use of orthotics, or shoe inserts. Some types of orthotics can be purchased at your corner drugstore...these can help with absorbing shock or  improve body alignment. A podiatrist can be a good source for custom orthotics--and while more expensive, they are of superior quality to ready made products.

5) Assistive Devices
This category consists of canes, walkers, and knee hip and back braces.  Seek advice from your medical team about which, if any of these, would be of benefit for your circumstances

6) Pain management Devices
This is an emerging market.  TENS units have been in existence for years...and in recent years many new types of devices have emerged.  They are too numerous too mention in this short post, but I have written about some of them in the three years I've been writing this blog.  Feel free to browse past posts if you are interested!

7) Physical Therapy
The benefits of physical therapy cannot be overstated.  Working with a  physical therapist will help to restore function and mobility to that sore hip, knee, or back. You can learn many exercise techniques that are suitable for your condition from physical therapists than can be incorporated into a long term exercise program.

Sources: USNews.com; Freestockphotos.com

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately?  Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members.  Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain.  This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story.  Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube
Post a Comment
Read more

Sciatica: A common pain in the butt!

Sciatica pain results from pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve.  This nerve originates in the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the leg...so if you've ever literally had a pain in the butt, it is possible that sciatica is the problem.  The cause of the pressure can be from a number of sources...for instance,  compression in the spinal cord due to disc injury or a tumor. The sciatica pain sensation can vary widely..it can present as a numbness or tingling, dull ache, burning, and in severe cases the pain can make movement quite difficult. Over time, it is possible for sciatica to resolve on its own.  If it does not, it is important to seek medical help to determine the root cause of the pain. The usual first course of remedies for sciatica include ice application to the affected area for the first 48-72 hours, followed by heat.  Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also appropriate.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Applying the 80/20 Principle

The idea for today's post comes from my husband, who has in recent years become a follower of the paleo/primal diet.  Most of the time he is very strict about this diet, making sure not to eat anything taboo.  On occasion, he breaks from the rigidity of his new found way of life and enjoys a few cookies, maybe a bottle of beer, or a new pasta dish. Why, you ask?  He says that according to others who follow this course, there is an 80/20 rule.  This means that that if you adhere to the rules 80% of the time, you can allow yourself some leeway the other 20% of the time.  It is important to bring this concept to the readers of this blog for a number of reasons: 1)If you have been following this blog at all, you know there are a lot of lifestyle changes that can tremendously enhance relief from chronic pain.  For a lot of people this not an easy thing to do.  By opting to follow the 80/20 rule these lifestyle modifications suddenl...
Post a Comment
Read more