Currently, 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. 57 per cent of Americans suffer from chronic or recurrent pain. The Canadian statistics are probably similar, since our diet and lifestyle are similar.
Chronic pain disables more people than heart disease and cancer combined. Nevertheless, pain is not a normal part of aging. The causes of chronic pain are many, but the leading cause is osteoarthritis.
Even if other conditions are present, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a ruptured disc, a pinched nerve or fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis often aggravates the problem.
Surprisingly, half of arthritis sufferers are under 60 years old, so arthritis is not just "Grandpa's problem". There are more than 100 types of arthritis, many being auto- immune diseases. But the most common, by far, is degenerative joint disease, "wear and tear" osteoarthritis. It involves inflammation and the gradual degeneration of the joint lining, which is a very sensitive structure. Thus the pain!
CAUSES OF ARTHRITIS
Digestive problems, malnutrition, a high-fat diet, chemical sensitivity, food allergies and an overly acidic system may all cause arthritis. Infectious arthritis can be due to a little organism called the limax amoeba.
HELPFUL NUTRIENTS
You may wonder if there are natural dietary supplements that can effectively help with arthritic pain.
Essential fatty acids may help to calm inflammation. Either flaxseed oil or fish oil can provide a good source of Omega 3's.
Calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, and antioxidants are other nutrients required to keep our joints healthy and pain-free, so add a good-quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, preferably a liquid one for easier absorption.
Calli tea, a Sunrider beverage, is a very effective drink to help detoxify acid wastes from the body. Acid wastes can accumulate, causing inflammation and pain. So, drinking Calli on a daily basis is an effective long-term strategy.
LOW INTENSITY LASER THERAPY
All of our body cells contain light sensitive receptors. Simply put, Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) uses light energy to stimulate the cells to heal. The light interacts with the molecules in the cells, in order to restore normal cell function and enhance the body's healing processes.
It is non-invasive, non-toxic and safe. As a very significant added bonus, medications can often be reduced or discontinued by the doctor, as the direct result of the restoration of normal function in the body.
LILT promotes the repair of tissues from several different problems, including musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds.
It encourages healing in degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis, knee problems, vertebral and disk nerve pain, and calcifications, such as bone spurs.
It has provided great relief, increased range of motion and improved function in inflammatory conditions, such as tendonitis, myositis (inflammation of muscle tissue), synovitis (inflammation of synovial membranes), bursitis, plantar fasciitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
I am excited to offer you a therapy that shows significant clinical improvement, relief of pain, restored mobility and better quality of life!
Dr. Gail Smolinski, Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in Traditional Naturopathy and in Nutritional Wellness. She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, health consultations, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic. You may contact her at 306-783-1261 on weekdays from 9 to 5 or visit her website at www.drgail.ca
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
