<h2>Joint Pain</h2>Presentation<ul><li>Commonly osteoarthritis (OA)1</li><li>Intermittent pain upon weight bearing or more persistent chronic pain1</li><li>Reduced joint function (joint stiffness and limitation of movement)1</li><li>Commonly involves knees, hips, neck, lower back, and hands2</li></ul>Cause<ul><li>Joint cartilage degeneration1</li><li>Joint space narrowing1</li><li>Bone spur formation1</li><li>Eroding meniscus1</li><li>Joint becomes inflamed and triggers the pain1</li><li>Reduced muscle strength and instability of the joint1</li></ul>Integrative approach<ul><li>Reduce inflammatory pain</li><li>Improve joint function</li><li>Slow the progression of OA</li><li>Support healthy cartilage</li><li>Improve muscle mass, strength, and function</li></ul><h2>Back Pain</h2>Presentation<ul><li>Ache, tension, and stiffness2</li><li>Lower back pain is common2,3</li></ul>Cause<ul><li>Result of spinal nerve impingement4</li><li>Abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal causing restriction and nerve pain5</li><li>Muscle strain, spasm, or weakness2</li><li>Other specific spinal cause2</li><li>Non-specific in nature – common2</li></ul>Integrative approach<ul><li>Reduce pain (inflammatory and neuropathic)</li><li>Support spinal joint health</li><li>Support muscle strength and function</li><li>Alleviate muscle spasm</li><li>Prevent collagen degradation</li></ul><h2>Complementary medicines for the management of joint and back pain</h2><table> <tr><td> </td></tr> </table><h2>Key complementary medicines to support healthy joint and muscle function</h2>CeleryAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.11 Used to manage hyperuricemia and reduce gout recurrence.11CollagenThe most abundant protein in the body,12,13 with type II collagen being the primary protein in cartilage.14,15Cartilage degradation is a common feature of joint discomfort and loss of function over time,16,17 making type II collagen a powerful ingredient solution for supporting dietary health. There are two main types of collagen dietary supplements18,19 for joint health;18 hydrolysed collagen and undenatured collagen.CurcuminA potent antioxidant with significant anti-inflammatory properties and cartilaginous protective effects, supporting the reduction of pain and inflammation, improving joint function, and enhancing musculoskeletal health.6Green lipped mussel oilEvidence supports the use of green lipped mussel for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and the amelioration of debilitating symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases such as OA.7Many bioactive lipids found in green lipped mussel, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and other novel lipids, resolve inflammation, improve wound health, and support tissue regeneration.7HMB (hydroxy-beta-methyl butyrate)HMB reduces pain and supports joint function by improving immune function21 and decreasing inflammatory biomarkers.22 HMB supports muscle mass by enhancing protein synthesis, regulating muscle anabolism, and reducing muscle catabolism,23 assisting in the prevention of sarcopaenia.MagnesiumPowerful anti-inflammatory effects24 for the reduction of joint and muscle pain and to enhance musculoskeletal health. Assists with the maintenance of normal muscle contraction and relaxation, reducing muscle cramps and spasms.25MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)MSM supports joint and muscle health.26 It supports cartilage formation and promotes osteoblast differentiation.26 It also has anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing inflammatory cytokines to reduce cell damage and decrease pain.26Omega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with OA.8 They may also decrease cartilage catabolism, alleviating joint pain and stiffness, and supporting healthy musculoskeletal function.8PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide)PEA has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.10 Chronic inflammation depletes endogenous synthesis of PEA.10 Supplementation of PEA can help to resolve inflammation, counteract potential damage, and reduce pain.10Vitamin DSupporting muscles, bones, and joints, vitamin D is crucial for musculoskeletal health. It promotes the maintenance of muscle function and improves articular cartilage structure.27 It also helps to decrease inflammation,28 reducing damage to cells and subsequent pain in joints and muscles.<h2> </h2><h2>Other supportive recommendations for pain management</h2><ul><li>Adequate hydration.29</li><li>Physical therapies - remedial massage, physiotherapy, osteopathy and acupuncture.5</li><li>Activity modification and rest.5</li></ul> <table> <tr><td> </td></tr> </table> For full list of interactions please go to the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=4471DACF65C148EA8FD82B23FD6712D4&_z=z">Complementary Medicine Interaction Guide</a>. <h2>Download PDF</h2><table> <tr><td><a href="-/media/ab93b40d77bf452ca23a706c801fff24.ashx">-/media/ab93b40d77bf452ca23a706c801fff24.ashx</a> </td></tr> </table> References available on request

Managing joint and back pain

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