Another blog post from Ann Arbor chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.

Many of us experience mild to severe joint pain, stiffness and inflammation in, for example, in the back, neck, arms or legs. And, of course, many would like to avoid pharmaceuticals in attempt to reduce this pain, stiffness and inflammation. Listed below are a few natural remedies (non-medication) that we mention to our Ann Arbor chiropractic patients that can be used to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In addition, by reducing joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation using natural remedies one can often reduce the degenerative effect from long-term joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

One of the best ways to naturally help reduce stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation is to eat foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties. Below is a list of some of these foods:

* Green, leafy vegetables

* Wild-caught salmon

* Healthy fats like organic, unrefined coconut oil

* Probiotic foods (like yogurt)

* Fermented foods

* Bone broth

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Here is a list of some foods that should be avoided as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

* Refined sugars and grains

* Processed meat and red meat

* Alcohol and soda

* Packaged foods

* Margarine, shortening, lard

Essential Oils

Some essential oils can help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. One way to use essential oils is to mix a few drops with “carrier oil” such as coconut oil and apply them topically (onto the skin). Listed below are some of these oils:

* Peppermint

* German chamomile

* Sweet marjoram

* Eucalyptus

* Rosemary

* Clary sage

Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salts are high in magnesium and sulfates which are absorbed through the skin when bathing. Epsom salt baths are known to ease muscle spasm and taut and tender muscle fibers, as well as reduce inflammation. You can also add essential oils to the bath to enhance the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effect.

Get Moving

Exercise is known to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of exercise will reduce inflammation. Stiff and tense muscles can be relieved simply by movement and exercise. Movement forces oxygen into the muscles and joints, which is known to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles.

Weight Loss

If you are overweight, weight loss can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and

muscles. Simply having less weight on the musculoskeletal system reduces strain on the system and, in turn, reduces pain and inflammation.

If you have any questions about this blog post chiropractic, back pain, neck pain, or headaches, I can be reached at my Ann Arbor office at [email protected].

The information contained in this blog is general in nature and is intended to be used for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice.