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.
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