Alternative Therapies for Rheumatic Diseases

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A number of alternative therapies are available for treatment of rheumatic diseases. Read out some therapies that may be helpful for reducing pain, improving flexibility, and even halting development of disease.

Rheumatic diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases which are characterized by inflammation and loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. Swelling redness and/or heat and pain are symptoms of inflammation during rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases especially affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles of the body. Internal organs are also involved in some rheumatic diseases. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the common symptoms of rheumatic diseases. There are number of therapies to treat rheumatic diseases.

Alternative Therapies for Rheumatic Diseases

Therapies for rheumatic diseases do not cure the disease but it reduces pain and inflammation, while ensuring optimal joint function. However, infectious arthritis can be treated antibiotics if detected or diagnosed early. Each treatment plan which is designed by a physician should be distinctively modified to the patient’s type of rheumatic disease, and also the severity of the disease. There are hundreds of rheumatic diseases. Some of them are:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Scleroderma
Spondyloarthropathies
Gout
Infectious
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyositis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Bursitis
Tendinitis (Tendonitis)

Common Symptoms of Rheumatic Diseases:

Difficulty using or moving a joint normally
Swelling in one or more joints
Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning
Warmth and redness in a joint
Constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint

Alternative Therapies for Rheumatic Diseases:

In the treatment of rheumatic diseases, medication plays an important role. However, alternative therapies can also provide temporary pain relief and improve mobility in rheumatic diseases. Alternative therapies for rheumatic diseases include acupuncture, meditation, and hot and cold therapies. Moreover, topical creams are frequently used by patients to reduce joint pain.

Acupuncture:

According to a recent study on knee osteoarthritis, acupuncture also helps in pain and physical dysfunction to relieve muscle tightness. “Acupuncture and acupressure are effective for helping manage pain of osteoarthritis, but not for inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis [except] as an adjunct,” according to Wong.

“Acupuncture is only just beginning to be looked at scientifically. Some studies have shown that pretend [sham] acupuncture, where they stick needles in random places, seems to work, so it’s hard to distinguish whether it’s acupuncture or a placebo effect,” added by brown.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES):

Pain signals are blocked by TENS devices via small electrical pulses. NMES devices stimulate muscle tissue to strengthen it. Both devices may be effective for some rheumatic diseases, although effects are moderate. Both may be effective for some, although effects are moderate, and some studies have shown little to no benefit.

Heat and cold therapies:

Heat therapy helps to raise blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Paraffin wax, microwaves, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and moist heat are examples of heat therapy.

Cold therapy produces numbness effect on nerves which may reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy can involve cold packs, ice massage, soaking in cold water, or over-the-counter sprays and ointments that cool the skin and joints.

From a variety of heat and cold therapies for rheumatoid arthritis patients, it was concluded that “thermotherapy can be used as a palliative therapy or as an adjunct therapy combined with exercises.” Most people have question that what’s better ice or heat. Calvin Brown, MD, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Northwestern University in Chicago said, “The truth is we don’t know that one is better than the other. It’s oftentimes just a preference that simply provides a modest degree of comfort to a patient.”

Relaxation therapy:

Relaxation therapy can also help to relieve pain from rheumatic diseases. Meditation, progressive tensing then relaxing of muscles, and breathing exercises are involved in relaxation therapy, which can relax muscles and relieve pain.

“Relaxation therapies are beneficial and it’s important to recognize that not only is treating the disease or condition important, but so is helping individuals to cope with this condition. We rarely cure them, so relaxation therapy can be a part of learning to cope”, said by Dr. Brown.

Chiropractic manipulation:

For people with osteoarthritis, a recent study has suggested chiropractic treatment combined with heat reduced lower back pain. Andrew Wong, MD, chief of rheumatology and program director at UCLA Medical Center said, “I think that chiropractic care has a place in overall arthritis care and management, [especially treatments that] overlap with what physiotherapists do. It tends to help more musculoskeletal pain conditions, and spine related conditions, but is not as beneficial for inflammatory arthritis.”

Topical creams:

Menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil act as counter-irritant when applied on skin. Actually, it works by irritating the nerve endings in the skin and distracting the brain. Methylsalicylate, which is related to aspirin, blocks chemicals that contribute to pain. Capsaicin, an ingredient found naturally in chile peppers, has been shown to relieve pain for many people.

According to the American College of Rheumatology’s guidelines for osteoarthritis, topical analgesics such as methylsalicylate or capsaicin cream may be effectual by themselves to allay joint pain, or they can be added on to other treatments.

Note: It is necessary to consult with your rheumatologist or your doctor before you make a decision to go the alternative therapy.