Coming down with a cold or the flu means patients can expect to feel better at some point. When dealing with a chronic disease such as arthritis, there is often no end in sight for relief. But just because there is no cure for arthritis does not mean it should take over a patient’s life. At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, arthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions that our pain management specialists treat.
For patients who are suffering from arthritis, pain and fatigue may become a frequent part of the day. Physical changes from the disease process may also affect one’s appearance. These changes can diminish positive self-image. When you don’t feel good about yourself, you may prefer isolation and withdraw from friends and social activities.
Chronic illness also can influence how patients function at work. Morning stiffness decreased the range of motion, and other physical limitations may require modified work activities and environment. Decreased ability to work can lead to financial difficulties. For the homemaker, a specific task may take much longer to accomplish. Patients may need the help of their spouse, a relative, or a home health care provider. As one’s life changes, one may feel a loss of control and become anxious about the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Stress is another aspect. Dealing with arthritis can make stress build and influence how one feel’s about life. Prolonged stress can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, and, at times, depression. But the person with the illness is not the only one affected. Family members are also influenced by the changes in the health of a loved one.
Patients who feel less able to cope with their arthritis should seek help as soon as possible. Taking this kind of action early will enable them to understand and deal with the many effects of a chronic illness. Learning to manage stress will help them maintain a positive physical, emotional, and spiritual outlook on life.
A provider of mental health care can design a treatment plan to meet a patient’s specific needs. Strategies can be designed to help regain a sense of control over life and even improve quality of life.
There are many types of help available for people with chronic illnesses, such as support groups and individual counseling. Support groups provide an environment where one can learn new ways of coping with their illness. Sometimes people have problems that are better addressed in a one-on-one atmosphere. By participating in individual counseling, patients may be able to express sensitive or private feelings they have about their illness and its impact on their lifestyle and relationships.
Again, patients should always seek help as soon as they feel less able to cope. Talk to a mental health professional. He or she can design a treatment plan to meet specific needs. Strategies can be designed to help patients regain a sense of control. At times, if depression is present, medications other than those treating arthritis may be ordered to help lift the mood.
After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, the next step is starting a treatment plan that involves a change in diet and lifestyle habits. It’s also a good idea to start taking osteoporosis medications in order to prevent further bone loss and fractures. At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, the pain management specialists are able to assist in the management of osteoporosis pain.
Osteoporosis is difficult to reverse, which means that prevention is the key to preventing painful and disfiguring fractures. A diet high in calcium is the best way to prevent and treat osteoporosis. To help with the absorption of calcium, vitamin D supplements should also be taken. A regular exercise program—including weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and aerobics—can help keep bones strong and free of fractures.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—either estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin—used to be prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, now research has shown that hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke in some women. So while HRT is known to help preserve bone and prevent fractures, it isn’t generally recommended at this point for treating osteoporosis because the health risks are thought to outweigh the benefits. Findings show that in women who once took menopausal hormone replacement therapy and then stopped taking it, their bones begin to thin again—at the same pace as during menopause.
There are quite a few drugs available for women to take. Evista has some actions similar to estrogen, such as the ability to maintain bone mass. However, studies have shown that Evista doesn’t increase the risk of breast or uterine cancers as estrogen does. Evista often causes hot flashes and can increase the risk of getting blood clots.
Actonel, Binosto, Boniva, and Fosamax are drugs that treat osteoporosis by inhibiting cells that break down bone. Actonel, Binosto, and Fosamax are usually taken once a week while Boniva is taken once a month. There are strict ways to take these medications since if taken incorrectly, they can lead to ulcers in the esophagus.
Reclast is given as a once-yearly 15-minute infusion in a vein. Reclast is said to increase bone strength and reduce fractures in the hip, spine, wrist, arm, leg, or rib and works in a similar way as the drugs above.
Forteo is used for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men who are at high risk for a fracture. A synthetic form of the naturally occurring parathyroid hormone, Forteo is the first drug shown to stimulate new bone formation and increase bone mineral density. It is self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. Side effects include nausea, leg cramps, and dizziness.
Calcitonin, another treatment option for osteoporosis, is a naturally occurring hormone that inhibits bone loss. It is available as a nasal spray or injection but is not considered as effective for fracture prevention as other available treatments. Side effects include nausea and skin rashes.
Prolia is a monoclonal antibody—a fully humanized, lab-produced antibody that interferes with the body’s bone-breakdown mechanism. It’s the first “biologic therapy” to be approved for osteoporosis treatment. It’s approved for women at high risk of fracture when other osteoporosis drugs have not worked.
At The Pain Center of United States, the pain specialists know that, while rheumatoid arthritis is known as a condition that affects the joints, unfortunately, it can also affect the skin. The disease itself and medications taken for RA can wreak havoc on a patient’s skin, causing many problems that range from sun sensitivity, to rash, and firm lumps of tissue called nodules. Let’s take a closer look at some of these problems.
Rash and Ulcers. Approximately one in 100 people with rheumatoid arthritis will find themselves dealing with vasculitis, which involves arteries that carry blood to the skin, nerves, and internal organs. When these small vessels that supply blood to the skin on the fingertips and around the nails come into play, this results in small pits on the patient’s fingertips or small sores or redness around the nail. When larger blood vessels are involved, this can cause a painful rash, often on the legs. In more serious cases, ulcers can form with the risk of infection.
Rheumatoid Nodules. 20% of people with rheumatoid arthritis can develop rheumatoid nodules. Nodules are hard lumps of tissue, about the size of a pea, that form under the skin over bony areas such as the elbow or ankle (but in some cases, they can also form on internal organs). For certain patients, treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to control RA or injections of corticosteroid medications may help shrink nodules. If rheumatoid nodules become infected or painful, surgery may be necessary to remove them. On rare occasions, nodules can mean the presence of rheumatoid vasculitis.
At The Pain Center of United States, the pain specialists know that, while rheumatoid arthritis is known as a condition that affects the joints, unfortunately, it can also affect the skin. The disease itself and medications taken for RA can wreak havoc on a patient’s skin, causing many problems that range from sun sensitivity, to rash, and firm lumps of tissue called nodules. Let’s take a closer look at some of these problems.
Rash and Ulcers. Approximately one in 100 people with rheumatoid arthritis will find themselves dealing with vasculitis, which involves arteries that carry blood to the skin, nerves, and internal organs. When these small vessels that supply blood to the skin on the fingertips and around the nails come into play, this results in small pits on the patient’s fingertips or small sores or redness around the nail. When larger blood vessels are involved, this can cause a painful rash, often on the legs. In more serious cases, ulcers can form with the risk of infection.
Rheumatoid Nodules. 20% of people with rheumatoid arthritis can develop rheumatoid nodules. Nodules are hard lumps of tissue, about the size of a pea, that form under the skin over bony areas such as the elbow or ankle (but in some cases, they can also form on internal organs). For certain patients, treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used to control RA or injections of corticosteroid medications may help shrink nodules. If rheumatoid nodules become infected or painful, surgery may be necessary to remove them. On rare occasions, nodules can mean the presence of rheumatoid vasculitis.
Side Effects of Medication. Medication can be very helpful in treating RA, but often times patients will experience unwelcome side effects. Certain arthritis drugs are associated with skin rashes. These drugs include the following:
DMARDs such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and minocycline (Minocin).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), tolmetin (Tolectin), and celecoxib (Celebrex).
But remember that a skin rash can also be a sign of an allergic reaction to a drug. Patients must let their pain management specialist know if their skin breaks out or starts itching. Depending on the type of rash and severity of the rash, the patient’s dosage may be lowered or the medications may be stopped altogether. In some cases, another drug may need to prescribe, such as a corticosteroid or antihistamine, to stop the reaction.
SkinSensitivity. Some arthritis medications can increase the risk of bruising by thinning the skin or interfering with blood clotting. These medications include aspirin and corticosteroid medications such as prednisone. Some medications can also increase a patient’s sensitivity to sunlight. These include:
DMARDs such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
NSAIDs such as diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ketoprofen, naproxen (Naprosyn), and piroxicam (Feldene).
Dealing with osteoarthritis can be difficult, and sometimes the most frustrating part is the pain in the hands and fingers. But patients do not have to sit by and live with this pain. The following exercises can help patients strengthen their hands and fingers, increase their range of motion, and give pain relief. Just remember to stretch only until the feeling of tightness and the feeling of pain should not happen. The pain management specialists at Chronicillness.co Site of United States recommends that you do exercises frequently, but not if it causes a significant amount of pain.
Begin by making a fist. Make a gentle fist, wrapping your thumb across your fingers. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and spread your fingers wide, then repeat with both hands at least four times.
The finger stretch helps with pain relief and to improve the range of motion in your hands. Start by placing your hand palm-down on a table or other flat surface. Gently straighten your fingers as flat as you can against the surface without forcing your joints. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and then release. Repeat at least four times with each hand.
The claw stretch helps improve the range of motion in your fingers. First, hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing you. Bend your fingertips down to touch the base of each finger joint (your hand should look a little like a claw). Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release. Repeat at least four times on each hand.
The grip strengthener can make it easier to open door knobs and hold things without dropping them. Find a softball and hold the ball in your palm and squeeze it as hard as you can. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat 10 to 15 times on each hand. Do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don’t do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged.
The pinch strengthener helps strengthen the muscles of your fingers and thumb. It can help you turn keys, open food packages, and use the gas pump more easily. Find a softball or some putty and pinch either the ball or putty between the tips of your fingers and your thumb. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times on both hands. Do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don’t do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged.
The finger lift is helpful in increasing the range of motion and flexibility in your fingers. Place your hand flat, palm down, on a table or other surface. Gently lift one finger at a time off of the table and then lower it. You can also lift all your fingers and thumb at once, and then lower. Repeat eight to 12 times on each hand.
The thumb extension strengthens the muscles of your thumbs and can help you grab and lift heavy things like cans and bottles. Put your hand flat on a table and wrap a rubber band around your hand at the base of your finger joints. Gently move your thumb away from your fingers as far as you can. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release. Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands. You can do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions.
For those with a chronic pain condition like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the idea of exercising seems laughable. How can one possibly work up the energy to get physical when they feel so stiff, sore, and tired? The pain management specialists at Chronicillness.co Site of United States realizes how difficult this sounds, but it is vital to a patient’s health. Studies have shown that exercising, even when dealing with RA, can have a positive effect on the mind and the body.
Not only does exercising help reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but it also increases muscle strength and flexibility. For those who feel listless and tired, exercising can also give an energy boost. Walking, a weight-bearing exercise can even help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Other benefits of aerobic exercise, which gets the heart pumping faster, include keeping weight under control, protecting against heart disease, helping patients sleep better, and alleviating the stress and depression that often accompanies RA.
While there are multiple reasons to get moving, sometimes it’s hard to feel motivated, especially when patients are also struggling with RA. The best way to start exercising is by starting slow and setting a goal. This could be anything from getting in shape for an upcoming cruise to losing weight for a fall wedding or even running a 5K. After a goal has been settled on, set smaller goals along the way to chart progress, and then have a reward handy when that goal is achieved.
Before beginning any kind of program, patients should talk to a pain management expert to decide which exercise is best for them in light of how affected they are by RA. Also, remember to be realistic. If patients don’t have much time for exercise or feel overwhelmed about starting, just start with five minutes, adding one minute more each day. Do not attempt to overdo it, either. For those who find the gym too far away or too much hassle, try exercising at home or around the neighborhood. It’s best to begin exercising with some help, such as a physical or occupational therapist. This way patients don’t strain themselves too much, end up in pain and become discouraged.
Everyone is different when it comes to the exercise that will suit them best. Patients should be sure to pick one that they know they will do and won’t aggravate the joints. The ideal exercise program includes three different components. The first component to include is low-to-medium impact aerobics such as swimming, biking, walking, water exercises, and elliptical trainers. The second component, strength training, involves lifting weights (1-2 pounds) or using a resistance band to build or maintain muscle mass and strength to keep joints stable. Finally, patients must not forget flexibility exercises, which include range-of-motion and stretching exercises that help reduce stiffness and maintain or improve joint and muscle flexibility to prevent injury.
At Chronicillness.co Site of United States, the pain specialists stay educated about all of the latest developments in healthcare, including alternative therapies and programs. It has long been known that certain ways of eating can help or hinder one’s pain level, but recently, light has been shed on the Paleo style of eating, and its possible benefits for those with chronic pain.
The Paleolithic diet is also referred to as the caveman diet. It is based on the ancient diet of wild plants and animals that various hominid species consumed during the Paleolithic area (a period of about 2.5 million years that ended around 10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture).
But why do people think that eating more like our caveman ancestors by consuming mostly meats and vegetables while eschewing dairy and grains will ward off many different diseases, including arthritis.
Unlike most diets, the Paleo diet does not involve controlling portions or counting calories. Like most diets, however, it does provide a list of foods you can eat (lean meats, eggs, fish, produce, nuts, and seeds), foods you may consume in moderation (certain oils, and coffee or tea), and foods to avoid.
Forbidden foods on the Paleo diet include dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk, and ice cream), grains (wheat, rice, barley, corn, and rye), legumes (beans, peas, and peanuts), starchy vegetables (potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes), processed foods (this includes processed meats such as bacon and sausage), and candy.
So can a protein-heavy diet such as this one really help patients suffering from arthritis?
Researchers are on the fence. While there is some evidence the Paleo diet works, doctors and researchers cannot say for sure that it eases pain from arthritis, mainly because there have been no randomized human trials.
The reason the diet may be beneficial is that it’s an anti–inflammatory diet that has been shown to ease pain from arthritis in some people. The Paleo diet encourages fish consumption, and the types of fish patients are encouraged to eat—salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines—are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (as are walnuts, another pro-Paleo food). Studies have shown that omega-3 fish oils tend to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which includes joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately, their effect on osteoarthritis isn’t clear. Another benefit is grass-fed meat, which is also higher in anti-inflammatory essential fats.
Good sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to be important anti–inflammatories are encouraged during the Paleo diet, such as fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Another important aspect is the discouragement of eating refined sugars and grains, saturated and trans fats, salt, processed foods, and high-glycemic carbohydrates which can all cause weight gain and other health problems.
As always, it is recommended to speak with your pain specialist at Chronicillness.co Site or with your physician before beginning any new diet or eating plan.
Dealing with knee osteoarthritis usually means dealing with pain and stiffness all day long, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Not only are medications available to be taken by mouth, but knee injections are quickly becoming just as popular. If you are interested in injections for knee osteoarthritis, be sure to talk to your pain management specialist at Chronicillness.co Site of the United States to find out if it is a good option for you.
There are different types of injections that can be especially helpful for patients who haven’t gotten relief from NSAIDs like ibuprofen, or people who can’t take those drugs due to side effects.
It’s important to understand how knee injections work. First, a doctor will inject a shot of anesthetic to numb the knee. Then, a needle may be used to draw out any extra fluid that’s in the knee. After that, the patient will receive the pain-relieving injection, usually just below the kneecap. The shot shouldn’t hurt, and the drug will work throughout the joint.
Different treatments have side effects that patients should discuss with their doctor beforehand. The two most common types of knee injections for OA are corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid.
Corticosteroid injections are useful for treating flare-ups of OA pain and swelling with fluid buildup in the knee. These injections help relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation in the joint.
However, they are not a perfect solution in every case. Those considering this treatment should keep in mind that they work quickly, meaning these injections offer “very rapid” relief, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Also, the benefit is short-term. On average, the pain relief lasts from 6 to 12 weeks, which is long enough to get patients through a flare-up of osteoarthritis until their symptoms subside.
Patients should also not use them frequently. A corticosteroid shot often works best the first time and after that, they tend to give less relief. In most cases, patients are advised to use these shots two to three times a year. Using them too often may damage cells in the knee that make cartilage.
Most of the fluid in a healthy knee is hyaluronic acid but for those who have knee OA, the hyaluronic acid in the knee thins. Doctors can inject more hyaluronic acid into the knee to boost the supply.
Studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injections may help more than pain-relief medications for some people with OA. Other studies have shown they may improve symptoms as well as corticosteroid injections do.
But patients should be aware that it’s often not the first approach due to hyaluronic acid treatments being more expensive. They are often covered by insurance, however. Hyaluronic acid may be suggested to patients if their symptoms aren’t improved by pain-relief medications or non-drug treatments such as heat or ice.
Patients who can’t take pain relievers such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen sodium), or Tylenol (acetaminophen) are encouraged to try hyaluronic acid injections.
Hyaluronic acid injections are often used if a steroid shot doesn’t help enough, or if patients and their doctors are concerned about its side effects.
After an injection, hyaluronic acid helps cushion and lubricate the moving parts of the knee. This effect is fairly short-lived, but the treatment seems to also provide more long-term benefits by relieving pain and inflammation.
Patients may need more than one injection. Five versions of hyaluronic acid injections are available in the U.S. Some types require only one injection while others require up to five injections, usually within a five-week period. If needed, patients can get another shot after six months.
Believe it or not, chemotherapy drugs can actually be used to treat arthritis. Most people assume these drugs are for cancer treatments only, but that is not the case. The doses of medication used for rheumatic or autoimmune conditions are lower than the doses used for cancer treatment. While the pain management specialists at Chronicillness.co Site of United States is not able to administer this treatment at this time, we are always at the forefront of pain management, and can help you look into this treatment if you are interested.
In many rheumatic diseases, inflammation causes damage to parts of the body, such as what happens to the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases, inflammation results from autoimmunity, a malfunction of the immune system in which a person’s own tissues or organs are mistakenly attacked by the body’s immune system.
Chemotherapy slows cell reproduction and decreases certain products made by these cells, and therefore may help people with certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Because of the suppressive effect of chemotherapy on autoimmunity, these drugs are sometimes called immunosuppressive drugs.
There are quite a few chemotherapy drugs on the market, but only three are widely used in treating rheumatic diseases today. They are Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Azathioprine (Imuran), and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
Methotrexate is the chemotherapeutic drug most widely used by rheumatologists. It’s widely used for two main reasons; it is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and certain other rheumatic diseases (especially polymyositis and certain types of vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels), and it is relatively safe. Most patients are able to take methotrexate by mouth in a single, weekly dose, although some patients prefer to take it as an injection once a week.
Azathioprine has been used for many years as an immunosuppressive drug to prevent rejection in patients receiving kidney transplants. It is also used to suppress the abnormal immune response in some patients with vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. However, patients should be aware that azathioprine has been linked to lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes.
Cyclophosphamide is considerably more powerful and toxic than methotrexate and azathioprine. It is used to treat the most aggressive and dangerous rheumatic diseases, such as severe lupus and some forms of vasculitis. This drug directly attacks rapidly reproducing cells such as those in the immune system. Resting cells, that are not multiplying, can be affected if there is enough drug present. It is taken either by mouth or by injection.
Side effects of chemotherapy drugs are common, even though the doses are typically lower than the doses used to treat cancer. All of these drugs can suppress the formation of blood cells, resulting in anemia (low red blood cell count), leukopenia/neutropenia (low white blood cell count that may cause decreased resistance to infection), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count that may cause impaired blood clotting).
In addition to those side effects, methotrexate and azathioprine can damage the liver, and cyclophosphamide can damage the urinary bladder lining and cause bleeding or cancer in the bladder lining. Cyclophosphamide also causes hair loss and sterility while methotrexate and cyclophosphamide can damage the lungs.
Patients should remember that no drug is entirely safe, and it’s best to talk to one’s rheumatologist about the possible benefits of these drugs, as well as their side effects. The occurrence of side effects depends on the dose, type of medication, and length of treatment.
It is very important to have the appropriate follow-up exams and laboratory testing while taking chemotherapy drugs, as careful monitoring can minimize all of these risks.
There are many different kinds of arthritis that can affect people, and one of the not-so-well-known types is called reactive arthritis (formerly referred to as Reiter’s syndrome). It’s a form of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), and skin.
The disease is recognized by various symptoms in different organs of the body that may or may not appear at the same time. It may come on quickly and severely or more slowly, with sudden remissions or recurrences. Reactive arthritis primarily affects sexually active males between the ages of 20 and 40. Those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are at particularly high risk.
While the cause of reactive arthritis is still unknown, research suggests the disease is caused, in part, by a genetic predisposition: approximately 75% of those with the condition have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27.
In sexually active males, most cases of reactive arthritis follow infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum, both sexually transmitted diseases. In other cases, people develop the symptoms following an intestinal infection with shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or campylobacter bacteria.
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent reactive arthritis besides using a condom during sexual activity.
The first symptoms of reactive arthritis are painful urination and a discharge from the penis if there is inflammation of the urethra. Diarrhea may occur if the intestines are affected. This is then followed by arthritis four to 28 days later which usually affects the fingers, toes, ankles, hips, and knee joints. Typically, only one or a few of these joints may be affected at one time. Other symptoms can include mouth ulcers, inflammation of the eye, keratoderma blennorrhagica (patches of scaly skin on the palms, soles, trunk, or scalp), back pain from sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement, and pain from inflammation of the ligaments and tendons at the sites of their insertion into the bone (enthesitis).
Due to the fact that symptoms tend to occur several weeks apart, diagnosis of reactive arthritis can be complicated. A doctor may diagnose reactive arthritis when the patient’s arthritis occurs together with or shortly following inflammation of the eye and the urinary tract and lasts a month or longer.
There is no specific test for diagnosing reactive arthritis, but a doctor may check the urethral discharge for sexually transmitted diseases. Stool samples may also be tested for signs of infection. Blood tests of reactive arthritis patients are typically positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, with an elevated white blood cell count and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)—both signs of inflammation. The patient may also be mildly anemic (having too few red blood cells in the bloodstream).
X-rays of the joints outside the back do not usually reveal any abnormalities unless the patient has had recurrent episodes of the disease. On an X-ray, joints that have been repeatedly inflamed may show areas of bone loss, signs of osteoporosis, or bony spurs. Joints in the back and pelvis (sacroiliac joints) may show abnormalities and damage from reactive arthritis.
Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, will need to be treated with antibiotics. Joint inflammation from reactive arthritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Skin eruptions and eye inflammation can be treated with steroids.
Those with chronic disease may be prescribed other medications, including methotrexate. Patients with chronic arthritis also may be referred to a physical therapist and may be advised to exercise regularly.
17 Expert-Backed Ways to Dramatically Minimize BackPain While Doing Dishes and Cleaning the Floor
Backpain is one of the most common complaints among adults, and surprisingly, everyday household chores like washing dishes and cleaning the floor can be significant contributors. These tasks, though simple on the surface, require repetitive motions, bending, and prolonged standing, all of which can strain the lower back. The good news is that by making small changes to your daily routine and technique, you can dramatically reduce your risk of discomfort or long-term injury.
This article explores practical, expert-backed strategies for minimizing backpain while doing dishes and cleaning the floor. By implementing these techniques, you can keep your spine supported and your muscles relaxed, ensuring your home stays clean without taking a toll on your body.
Understanding the Root Causes of BackPain During Chores
The human spine is designed for movement, but it thrives on proper alignment and balanced activity. When you bend forward at the waist, twist repetitively, or remain in one position too long, you stress your lumbar spine and surrounding muscles. Dishwashing often involves leaning forward over a sink, while floor cleaning requires bending and twisting—especially when using traditional mops or cleaning on hands and knees. These positions lead to muscle fatigue, poor posture, and increased pressure on spinal discs.
Ergonomic Positioning at the Sink
Standing at a sink for long periods while doing dishes can cause a slight but continuous forward lean, which puts pressure on the lower back. To counter this:
Elevate one foot on a small stool or open cabinet base while you stand. This shifts weight and eases spinal pressure.
Lean slightly forward by hinging at your hips, not curving your back. Maintain a straight spine.
Stand close to the sink, so you’re not stretching your arms out for too long. This reduces upper back and neck tension.
You can also place a thick anti-fatigue mat under your feet to cushion your stance and encourage better posture.
Choosing the Right Tools for Floor Cleaning
Floor cleaning often leads to discomfort because of repetitive bending, kneeling, or twisting. Consider these tool upgrades:
Use a long-handled mop or broom that allows you to stand upright. Avoid hunching over.
Choose lightweight cleaning tools to reduce strain on your back, arms, and shoulders.
Opt for a microfiber mop that glides easily across surfaces, requiring less physical effort.
If you’re cleaning manually, such as scrubbing a floor by hand, consider using knee pads and placing one hand on a surface for support while the other scrubs.
How to Bend Safely
Incorrect bending is one of the fastest ways to trigger or worsen backpain. The key is using the hips and knees, not the spine.
Always bend at the hips and knees, not your waist.
Engage your core muscles for additional support during movement.
When picking something off the floor, use a squatting technique instead of bending forward.
Pacing Yourself with Breaks and Movement
Even when practicing good posture, prolonged periods of dishwashing or floor cleaning can still cause fatigue. It’s important to introduce frequent breaks:
Take a break every 20 to 30 minutes. Walk around, stretch gently, or shift tasks.
Alternate between tasks that require standing and those that allow you to sit.
Perform light back stretches before and after chores to keep your muscles flexible and warm.
Keeping a small timer or reminder can help ensure you don’t forget to pause and reset your body.
Engaging the Core and Improving Strength
One of the most effective ways to minimize backpain during chores is to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, particularly the core. A strong core stabilizes the lower back and reduces the chance of injury.
Incorporate these habits into your routine:
Practice light core exercises such as planks, bridges, or abdominal tightening routines.
Engage your abs gently while doing chores, particularly when bending or twisting.
Focus on posture throughout the day, even when not cleaning.
Over time, stronger muscles will make household tasks feel less tiring and risky.
Wearing Supportive Footwear
Many people do chores barefoot or in soft slippers, which may not provide adequate support. The result is misalignment through the legs, hips, and back.
Choose firm-soled, supportive shoes when standing or walking for extended periods.
Avoid flip-flops or completely flat footwear.
If you’re working on tile or hardwood floors, proper shoes can prevent slipping and help with posture.
Smart planning can reduce the physical toll of housework.
Break large cleaning jobs into shorter sessions over several days.
Use tools like robot vacuums or automatic scrubbers for basic cleaning.
Store cleaning supplies at a mid-level height to avoid bending or reaching.
This proactive approach helps reduce cumulative strain on your back while still keeping your home in top shape.
Using Temperature and Relaxation Techniques
After cleaning, your muscles might feel tight or sore. Taking care of your body post-task is just as important.
Apply a warm compress or heating pad to your lower back to soothe tense muscles.
Try gentle yoga or stretching to increase blood flow and flexibility.
A short warm bath or shower can relax overworked muscles and reset your posture.
When to Seek Help
While mild backpain is common, recurring or severe discomfort may signal an underlying issue. If your pain persists:
Consult a physical therapist for personalized ergonomic advice.
Speak to your doctor if you notice pain radiating to the legs or worsening over time.
Consider a chiropractic evaluation for alignment issues.
Early attention to symptoms can prevent chronic issues and help you return to pain-free living faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dishwashing really cause backpain? Yes, standing in one position for extended periods and leaning forward over the sink can strain the lower back, especially without proper posture.
2. What’s the best posture for mopping or sweeping? Keep your back straight, bend slightly at the hips, and use long, sweeping motions with minimal twisting. Switch hands regularly to balance the strain.
3. Should I wear shoes while doing chores? Yes, supportive footwear can reduce the impact on your spine by aligning your feet, knees, and hips correctly during movement.
4. Is it better to use a mop or scrub on my hands and knees? Using a mop is generally better for your back. If you must clean by hand, use a cushion under your knees and keep your back as straight as possible.
5. How can I strengthen my back to prevent pain during cleaning? Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like planks and pelvic tilts into your weekly routine. This builds support for your spine during physical activity.
6. Are ergonomic tools really worth the investment? Yes. Long-handled, lightweight, and well-designed tools can drastically reduce the need to bend or twist, preventing fatigue and injury.
Conclusion
Minimizing backpain while doing dishes and cleaning the floor isn’t just about avoiding discomfort—it’s about protecting your long-term health. By applying ergonomic principles, using proper tools, and staying mindful of posture and movement, you can transform your daily cleaning routine into a safer, more comfortable experience. These small adjustments may take time to adopt, but they offer lasting benefits for your spine and overall well-being.
