Exercise and Arthritis: Good or Bad?

Someone recently asked me if it was ok to exercise if they had arthritis. They were recently diagnosed with it, were used to exercising but were currently in too much pain to do so right now. They wondered if their new diagnosis would mean the end of their regular exercise program. This got me to thinking about how often folks may wonder about such things.

Chronic debilitating disease conditions don't necessarily mean exercise should be stopped. In fact, in some situations, it might be the only thing that will enable a person's ability to function. The key is not whether to or not to, but HOW to and WHEN to. The answers to these questions should come from your doctor , physical therapist, or physiatrist.

Exercise is vitally important in the preservation of range of motion and muscular function. However, exercise comes a wide variety of types and almost countless regimens that can be tailored to the individual. First of all, it is important to resolve acute conditions such as flares or acute injuries. It is important to work with your healthcare team to get to the point of maximum benefit. Then discuss ongoing exercise programs.

The key is not to overdo. There may be some limitations as to what types of exercises you can or can not perform. There may be added benefits from exercising in water perhaps. Discuss options and work on a plan.

If you do not currently exercise on a regular basis, then I encourage you to talk with your doctor before taking on any exercise programs to be sure there are no hidden limitations you should be aware of. Then find a program you can join. You may want to start out by simply walking. This is a great exercise for many folks. Adjust your regimen as you continue regular exercise. Always keep your doctor informed of your progress and if you notice any flare up of symptoms, stop immediately and seek your doctor's direction on how to proceed.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Water Boot Camp Offers Aerobics with Attitude
• WebMD Video: Exercises for Daily Living

Technorati Tags: arthritis, fitness, exercise, aging

WebMD Pain Management Health Center Gets New Look!!

I just finished taking a mini tour of the new WebMD Pain Management Health Center! I am very happy to see the ease in site navigation. Many features are now easier to identify and locate. There are a variety of topical headlines that catch your eye. Hot topics and direct links make searching faster. Locating boards and blogs just got easier! I really like the Pain Management Glossary. This is really great! So many things on the site to explore. Have you taken a look yet? Let me know what you think!!

Technorati Tags: WebMD preview

Massages for Blackberry Thumb?

It never ceases to amaze me how gullible people can be. I was reading an article recently about spas earning big money treating things referred to as "tech neck" and "blackberry thumb" and I had to laugh. What will people think of next for marketing gimmicks? Sure, folks that use technical products may remain in various postures for extended periods of time. And in the case of using Blackberries, the thumbs get a real workout...but so what!

It is obvious they are making big bucks so for them that is a good thing, but what about the person who is spending their money at these spas? Could they receive the same treatments packaged under a more plain name and for a lot less money? Most probably so -- why not do so???

If a good hand massage were being performed all the time, then the there should be no difference between a simple hand massage and a "Blackberry thumbs" massage. The thumbs would be a part of both massages. Is it worth $10-15 or so more just to have your thumbs rubbed for a couple minutes more?

Same thing with a neck massage. A good massage will incorporate areas of the head and shoulders as well as the neck. What would be the main difference with a techie neck massage? The main posture used by techies is to have their head down with chin close to chest--right? Folks who read in bed may obtain that same posture perhaps...and the same muscles would be involved regardless of the cause.

Packaging of products and services has a lot to do with how they sell and this is what I am referring to here. Packaging of spa treatments is really no different than the packaging of common OTC pain relievers. One drug is called one thing and a manufacturer will take that same drug, add a couple of letters or a buzz word onto its name and all of a sudden that product is "stronger" and/or "lasts longer" -- amazing isn't it?

People who suffer pain syndromes often spend a lot of money in their quest for relief. I can appreciate that. Been there, done that myself, but over the years I have become a bit more savvy as a consumer and a bit more careful about where my hard-earned money goes.

So beware and take care not to waste your money on gimmicks that are out there and around every turn... Be sure to read labels. Find and use only reputable businesses. Ask questions regarding services and know the differences before deciding what to purchase.

Related Topics:

• The Right Touch: Can a Massage Hurt Your Health?
• Massage 101: The World of Touch

Technorati Tags: Blackberry thumb, hand massage, tech neck

Coping With The Flu

When folks with chronic pain syndromes experience other conditions, they often have to cope with additional problems others may not have to.

I was so hoping getting the flu shot would have protected me from getting the flu but this weekend proved that getting the shot doesn't guarantee you won't get the bug when it travels through. I was fine until Saturday morning, nothing consistent...just fleeting bouts of uneasy stomach. Then later in the day I went with my family to a favorite restaurant and during the meal suddenly felt nauseated. In fact the smell of food made me feel even worst. By the time I reached home I went straight to bed. Before I knew it I was starting a never-ending trek many face and it lasted all day Sunday and into Monday morning. By the time it reached Sunday I was already hoping someone would take me out of my misery.

Not only was I feeling horrible from the flu, but it felt like all of the muscles around my rib cage, abdomen and low back went into spasm from all of the retching. It hurt to cough, turn and even lay down. I was very weak and it hurt to stand up straight. The rough part of it was that I was so sick, I couldn't keep ice chips down let alone medications for back spasms or pain. So I suffered. My husband was very supportive and provided me with Ginger Ale and Gatorade and I sipped it very carefully and stayed still to try and keep it down.

Well perseverence is paying off and I am starting to feel better. At least I was able to do some work from my bed today and write this blog. So far I have kept down a nutritious shake and one egg with the Ginger Ale and Gatorrade. I have no appetite but I need to try and get something in my stomach so I can take the meds for my back. The heating pad has been on and I will continue to use it.

Sometimes it seems so unfair that people with chronic pain conditions experience flares of their conditions while fighting other ones. As if fighting the flu isn't enough. At least tomorrow is another day and one closer to feeling better!

Related Topics:

• All about Noroviruses
• Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Technorati Tags: flu, gastroenteritis, stomach virus

The Pain of being Overweight

The other evening I watched a movie about a teen who researched a school population on the issue of obesity. By wearing what was called a "fat suit" she was able to transform her slender proportionate body into one of a heavyset female and interact with various social groups within a local school. The students--some actually her friends--didn't recognize her.

She quickly began to realize the painful difficulties many heavyset people go through. The cruel jokes and rediculous comments kids spewed from their mouths, the non-verbal and judgemental postures often demonstrated by thin people cut deep and left lasting impressions. It was true -- slender people had no clue what it was like to be overweight. I felt it was a very good movie and really left the viewer with food for thought.

Pain patients are also seen through judgmental eyes. Just read the pain management and migraine boards here on WebMD and you can see and feel the hurt experienced by those in pain. Healthcare providers often label their patients and treat them with disrespect. People are denied treatment and accused of being drug-seekers. Employment opportunities are denied for capable and willing people because they are seen as more of a liability than an asset on their workforce. Loved ones and friends turn their back on family members in pain while others become accusatory and demonstrate their ignorance regarding issues of addiction, dependence and tolerance.

Unfortunately there are folks out there who are drug seekers and it is they who make it so difficult for true pain victims to find adequate treatment programs and physicians willing to manage their care.

It is not uncommon to find heavyset folks suffering from at least a couple of painful physical problems. It doesn't mean their weight was the cause of their conditions; however, their weight may be a contributing factor. Regardless of whether a person is heavy or light, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They should not be made to suffer any more than they already are.

Related Topics:

• Weight Loss Surgery Soars in US
• The Emotional Toll of Chronic Pain

Technorati Tags: obesity, pain, pain management