Is Ibuprofen making your arthritis worse?

If you suffer from arthritis, you probably know it is often caused by the cartilage in your joints breaking down and wearing away. Dr. Christie Fleetwood, a pharmacist, naturopathic physician and vitalist, explains that taking NSAIDS, technically called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, are counterproductive for suffers of arthritis. While NSAIDS do relieve pain by reducing inflammation, they also inhibit your body's ability to heal cartilage and can, therefore, exacerbate joint damage. For most people, arthritis is a lifelong condition that isn't going to go away if they stop taking ibuprofen. It can get worse, however, as a result of taking NSAIDs, especially when taken on a regular basis. Acupuncture for arthritis can be an effective complementary treatment option with long-lasting benefits that does not cause more issues, like NSAIDS can. How much of a benefit you receive may depend on the severity of your arthritis, and how often you get treated. Your acupuncturist should work with you to develop a plan that is personalized to your condition, treatment goals and budget. Some areas with arthritis that can greatly benefit from acupuncture include:

- Arthritis in hands and arthritis in finger joints

- Arthritis in hip

- Arthritis in neck

- Arthritis in feet

- Arthritis in knee

- Arthritis in back

Acupuncture may also be effective in helping to reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. If you are suffering from arthritis pain, and have been relying on NSAIDS to get through your day, let's talk about an acupuncture plan that may help you to live more pain-free and pill-free!