Ankylosing spondylitis
Under the spotlight: reflexology
Used to heal since ancient Egyptian times, we look at how reflexology may help people with arthritis
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that hinges on the belief that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to the organs and glands of the body. Stimulating these areas correctly can create a positive effect in the corresponding part of the body.
Evidence exists that reflexology has been practised since ancient Egyptian times. Today it is relatively common – and can be used to treat arthritis according to the British Reflexology Association. Continue reading
Molecule from centipede venom may fight chronic pain
A molecule in centipede venom could form the basis of a new drug that fights pain as effectively as morphine, says a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Australian and Chinese researchers studied the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede in an effort to bring hope to millions of people whose lives are blighted by chronic pain. Continue reading
Brain marker can predict chronic pain
People who have a particular abnormality in their brain structure are more likely to develop chronic pain after a lower back injury, says research published in Pain.
US scientists carried out MRI scans on 46 people who had developed a lower back injury in the past four weeks but had not experienced any back pain in the previous year. A year later MRI scans were redone. By then, half of the patients had improvements in their back pain (regardless of any treatment they had). Continue reading
Ongoing codeine use is linked to increased pain sensitivity
Large and frequent doses of codeine may increase sensitivity to pain and do not offer the same quality of pain relief as morphine, say Australian scientists.
“People who take codeine every now and then should have nothing to worry about, but heavy and ongoing codeine use could be detrimental for those patients who have chronic pain and headache,” said Prof Paul Rolan at the 2013 International Headache Congress in the US. “This can be a very difficult issue for many people experiencing pain, and it creates difficulties for clinicians who are trying to find strategies to improve people’s pain.” Continue reading
Under the spotlight: osteopathy
Osteopathy has become a conventional alternative medicine and is even available on the NHS. Arthritis Digest reviews the evidence
‘Have you tried an osteopath?’ is a common question, but how many of us actually know what they are, what they do or how to find the right one? We’ve checked out the science, spoken to an expert and found some true stories for readers to digest.
