Do You Snap, Crackle and Pop?

Walking around one of my favourite furniture stores the other day I watched an electronic arm push down on a chair many times to show how strong the chair was, and how it did not creak or break.

Reflecting on our own wear and tear; how much are you demanding from your body? Whether you place higher demands on yourself through sport, lifting things, repetitive movements like stacking, bending or turning, then you may find that you are creating above the average wear and tear on your joints.

And don’t think that doing less is better, because not moving can be just as bad for you as moving too much! If you find yourself sitting most of the day, continued compression on your lower spine and hip joints can create stiffness and lessens your free range of movement.

It is no surprise therefore that treatment for joints and muscular problems is one of the top issues dealt with in doctors’ surgeries and private practices and if you’re an employer then this is one of the most likely reasons people go off sick. In fact there are some employers who have recognised this and have created an environment at work to help employees. How?

For individuals with spinal, joint and/or muscular issues, visiting a structural practitioner such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath is essential. Some work places now have such practitioners on site so that quick corrective measures can be taken to help alleviate pain and restore movement as quickly as is possible, helping the employee back to work.

It is vitally important to manage structural health both on the outside and inside. One area may be to supplement with Glucosamine sulphate. As people age, many lose the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of glucosamine. The result is that cartilage loses its gel-like nature and its ability to act as a shock absorber. This is a major factor leading to osteoarthritis. There is much research on this substance and it has been clinically shown to improve pain and movement even only after four weeks of use. It is available on prescription so you can ask your doctor about it.

There are various herbs which are used to help joint problems. Boswellia serrata is one such herb that I sometimes prescribe which has shown good results for addressing joint pains in both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

Much of course can be done with the diet and my clients often tell me what a difference it makes being on a diet low in animal products.

Our bodies need movement and moderate exercise is always good. For those of you who really don’t like the gym, walking, regular stretching, take the stairs at work, or joining a dance class are other options to consider.

Having a good programme for your joint health is important; deal with symptoms as soon as they arise but also give yourself long term support.

 

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

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