A Recipe for Treating Arthritis Pain

This article is used with permission from the new book, PAIN RELIEF in 4 Simple Steps by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. If you’re interested in this topic and would like to see all the articles published so far, visit Healing from Chronic Pain, a Multipart Series.

Background

Natural remedies can dramatically decrease most kinds of arthritis pain and improve function.  Fortunately, arthritis pain is very treatable naturally—with many natural options being as effective, or more so, than the medications. Instead of side effects, the herbals usually cause "side benefits," such as a lower risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s, and premature death.

It is not necessary or expected to see changes on your X-rays. All it takes is the regrowth of a microscopic layer of cartilage to be feeling much better. 

Treatment

Natural remedies can dramatically decrease most kinds of arthritis pain and improve function. Give them 6 weeks. You will often be amazed at how much better you feel and, although you should stay on a multinutrient powder forever, people can often lower the dose of their other treatments (as able) after 3 months.

Recommended Supplements to Improve Joint Comfort and Function

The first two help joints to heal and rebuild. The last two help restore healthy and balanced immune function. Give the program 6 weeks to work (though benefits are often seen sooner).

STEP 1: Feed Your Joints

• Multinutrient Powder. Take daily.
• Cartilage Repair. Glucosamine sulfate 1,500 mg a day, with chondroitin 400 mg twice a day, hyaluronic acid and Type II collagen. These can be found in combination in a product called Be Mobile. The label recommends 3 capsules daily, but I recommend 2 capsules twice daily.

STEP 2: Restore Healthy Balanced Inflammation

Herbal mixes are excellent and can generally be taken along with arthritis medications. Give them 6 weeks to do their healing work to show their full effect.

• BCM-95® Curcumin and Boswellia. A combination of a special highly absorbed curcumin and boswellia plus DLPA (to enhance your body’s natural pain-relieving endorphins) and nattokinase to melt inflammation is, simply put, a pain relief miracle. This mix has been shown to markedly help in both regular and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Topical Comfrey. This is wonderful for joint pain. Just rub it over the key affected joints 3 times a day. Give it 6 weeks to work.
• Medications. The above supplements can be taken with prescription pain medications. If on the blood thinner Coumadin®, however, consult with a holistic physician before taking these or any herbals.

STEP 3: Exercise and Stretching

Walking (in a pool, if it is too painful on the ground) is good exercise for arthritis below your waist. If you have decreased flexibility, put heat on the affected joints (herbal "beanbags" that can be heated in the microwave are very good for this). After 5–15 minutes in the heat, while still applying the heat, slowly and gently stretch the joints (as able) to reclaim your full range of motion. Do this 2–3 times a day until your joints are limber.

STEP 4: For Stubborn Cases

Research is mounting that for chronic pain, taking the supplement PEA 600 mg a day can be quite remarkable in both decreasing pain and protecting nerve and brain cells. It takes as long as 3 months to start seeing the effect, however, so give it time.

You’re Invited! Dr. Teitelbaum is now personally answering questions in his new Facebook support group: Recovering from Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Long COVID. The group is also open to anyone dealing with chronic pain or related health challenges. Join the community, ask your questions, and connect with others!