Mailbag! 10 Tips to Conquer Spinal Arthritis
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 14, 2022
I have arthritis in my spine. What would you suggest to help manage it?
–George from Cedar Rapids, IA
George,
Believe it or not, many people learn that they have spinal arthritis as they age. It’s very common.
There’s a lot you can do to help keep it from advancing or even reverse some of the symptoms.
It begins with maintaining a healthy weight. Your mainstream doctor will tell you that you have to reduce weight if you have arthritis because more weight puts more pressure on your joints… but that’s only true if you’re very heavy.
There is a better reason to drop those extra pounds, however. Fat produces chemicals called adipokines that increase inflammation throughout your body – which, in turn, makes arthritis much worse.
The second thing you can do to help your pain is exercise. The best way to exercise when you have arthritis is using a stationary bike or taking a water exercise class. If you can, walking is great too. Simply stretching is another great way to lower pain, as is (surprisingly) lifting weights.
Also, try these suggestions:
- Bone broth. Try adding bone broth (which contains the amino acids proline and glycine that help rebuild cartilage) to as many foods as you can. There are powdered bone broths you can mix into hamburgers, lasagna, and spaghetti sauce that makes these foods taste better and also gives your joints the nutrients they need.
- Glucosamine is a normal component of cartilage and kind of acts like a lubricating oil by smoothing the joints for movement. You can take glucosamine as a supplement at around 1500mg a day.
- Chondroitin is very similar to glucosamine, a building block of cartilage. Many studies show chondroitin helps reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. Take about 400 to 800mg two to three times a day for the best benefits.
- SAMe or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is an amino acid people use for conditions like depression and osteoarthritis. SAMe is essential for the repair of cartilage. People usually take 200 to 400mg, three times a day.
- Turmeric is well known to reduce inflammation. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin that’s been used for hundreds of years for inflammation.
- Boswellia (also known as Indian frankincense) has been used for thousands of years to reduce inflammation. Recent studies show that it has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces pain in people with joint pain.
- Fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which both have anti-inflammatory effects. There are many studies that show it helps people with joint pain. I recommend between 1000 to 3000mg a day.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is another amino acid people take to help rebuild or maintain joint health. People take large doses, between 1500 and 6000mg, a day.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...