It is thought that 50% of the UK population is living with chronic pain that relates to joints, bones or muscles. I work with clients to prevent and alleviate chronic pain and inflammation of joints, bones and muscles.
Our bones not only hold us upright and provide structural stability, they also protect crucial organs like the heart, brain and lungs. They are connected by joints, muscles, cartilages, ligaments and other tissues, which all work together to give us a strong structural core.
We know low bone mass leads to fractures and osteoporosis affects one of every two women over the age of fifty. But did you know that stress fractures or irregular menstrual cycles are an indication of poor bone health? Bone is a living tissue and optimal lifestyle choices such as nutrient-dense foods and weight bearing exercises can increase the health and strength of our bones and slow down the inevitable decline of bone mass. In addition, bones store important minerals and protein complexes, including calcium and phosphorus which are vital for nerve function and muscle contraction.
Healthy bones need healthy joints because without the cartilage in the joints our bones rub against each other, resulting in pain, inflammation and loss of movement. Injuries, autoimmune diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and poor nutrition all result in damage to joints and injury to bones.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation occurs when there is an immune response to an injury in the body. The immune system often over compensate as it tries to repair the damage, which can cause even more damage.
Common conditions associated with inflammation
- Autoimmune disease
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Inflammatory bowel disorder
- Musculoskeletal injury and trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
Making some dietary changes as well as taking some natural food supplements has been shown to help reduce inflammation and pain.