Do you pop pain pills for arthritis?

In the United States, more than 40 million people have arthritis; about half are under the age of 65.

by Dr. Paul Stallone — 

Anyone who has arthritis knows how difficult it can be to treat. The usual palliative treatment includes pills, creams or a tough-it-out attitude. Yet over-the-counter pills barely work and/or last only a few hours, while prescription drugs may cause a multitude of side effects and be dangerous. Many find that the idea of taking pills for the rest of their lives to manage the pain related to arthritis is unacceptable. Unfortunately, many people are swallowing up to 10 pain reliever pills a day in an attempt to just get by.

In the United States, more than 40 million people have arthritis; about half are under the age of 65. The younger someone is diagnosed means a longer road of treatment, which also means it is possible that he/she will be taking anti-inflammatories and pain relievers for more than 30 years. This would be quite a long time for their liver to be processing unnatural substances. What many people, including some physicians, do not know is that there is an option that may permanently eliminate pain for arthritis sufferers.

More than 100 forms of arthritis have been described so far — and the number is growing. The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis), to those associated with inflammation as a result of an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

Prolozone® is a regenerative joint therapy that has truly remarkable results for arthritis patients. The treatment involves injecting pure ozone (a form of oxygen), along with a solution containing nutrients, mild anesthetics and homeopathic medicines into joints, soft tissues, ligaments and tendons. This causes an intentional localized reaction in these weak areas, which then increases the blood supply and the flow of nutrients. Prolozone injections into arthritic areas stimulate connective tissue to repair itself by oxygenating, strengthening and tightening to re-stabilize the joint.

Osteoarthritis results from the overuse of joints — and can be the consequence of playing challenging sports, obesity, aging, etc. This condition can arise early in life for athletes or those who have suffered injuries in young adulthood. Osteoarthritis is most common in weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, feet and spine.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage — the slippery material that covers the ends of bones and acts as the body’s shock absorber — gradually breaks down. As more damage occurs, the cartilage starts to wear away. As the cartilage becomes worn, the cushioning effect of the joint is lost, and the result is pain and inflammation. Along with the pain, a grating sound might occur when the roughened cartilage on the surface of the bones rubs together. Osteoarthritis responds very well to Prolozone, and many patients who have osteoarthritis have had their symptoms reversed by completing the full treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, resulting from an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system attacks parts of the body. The joints are the main areas affected by this malfunction in the immune system. As the disease progresses, the chronic inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and deformities.

Joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from Prolozone. In addition, a skilled physician can provide natural supplemental support, which may assist in decreasing the body’s attack on itself. A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis does not necessarily mean a lifetime of pills or painful joints, but speaking with a physician who is educated in this field is a must.

Deciding if you are having a “good joint day” should not be a consideration when planning your life, and neither should popping pain pills. Arthritis need not take over or dictate how you live. The good news is that with prolotherapy, treatment usually can begin the same day as the initial consultation, although some prior imaging may be required. The majority of patients are candidates for this treatment program and will respond well. In most cases, multiple treatments are required for full results.

So why worry about pills, creams, pain and avoiding life when permanent pain relief is very possible and within reach? Speak with your physician today about Prolozone for your arthritis and you just may not have to worry about pain tomorrow.

Paul Stallone, N.M.D., founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz. He combines natural, alternative and conventional treatments to best fit each patient’s needs. www.drstallone.com or 480-214-3922.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 31, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2012.