Arthritis Advisor

ASK THE DOCTORS 12/06

Subscribers Only I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, wrists, and elbows, as well as chronic pain in my neck. Is there any danger in getting chiropractic treatment for my neck while RA is present? According to chiropractic literature, patients who have pain caused by acute inflammation, as in rheumatoid arthritis or spondylitis, rarely benefit from neck manipulation. …

Add Water, Hold The Decaf

Subscribers Only The benefits of hydrating your body by regularly drinking water should come as no news. But for arthritis sufferers, it has special importance.

7 Ways To Know When You Need A Second Opinion

Subscribers Only You owe it to yourself to be satisfied with a treatment plan.

Artificial Disc Clears First Hurdle

Subscribers Only An artificial spinal disc, designed as an alternative to spinal fusion, has been judged to be as safe and effective as surgery, according to a panel of experts recently appointed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Gene Study May Spark New OATreatments

Subscribers Only Research is underway at Cleveland Clinic to determine whether two genes required to form the cartilage structures that progressively change into bone as we grow older may lead to new ways of replenishing destroyed cartilage. According to a recent report in Cleveland Clinic Magazine, molecular biologist Veronique Lefebvre, Ph.D., and her research team have discovered two genes Sox5 and Sox6 required to form cartilage that progressively changes into bone as we age. On reaching adulthood, we…

4 Ways To Healthier Hips

Subscribers Only If you’ve been racking up miles of exercise through walking, be warned: You may not be doing enough.

New Life For Old Knees

Subscribers Only For the past 30 years, countless osteoarthritis patients have gained relief from persistent knee pain by having the entire joint replaced. After trying and failing with everything from prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers to aquatic therapy and massage, you may conclude that total knee replacement is your only alternative as well. But there’s another option: unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, also known as partial knee replacement. …

IN THE NEWS 12/06

Subscribers Only Aspirin and ibuprofen don’t mix. That’s the conclusion of a recent study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found that people who take low-dose (81 mg) aspirin daily to protect against heart attack and stroke can nullify that protection by taking 400 mg of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) less than a half-hour after taking aspirin.

What’s Causing Your Pain?

Subscribers Only If you have chronic pain, you’re in good company. Some 50 million Americans have persistent pain at any one time, and about a third of us can expect to deal with it at some point in our lives.