Back and joint pain that slows you down might be arthritis.

Doctors at The Mayo Clinic explain that osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of back and joint pain, affecting millions of Americans. Arthritis involves inflammation of the cartilage in the joints. Not only is it painful, but it can really slow you down.

But, says the Mayo Clinic team, there is a lot you can do to manage osteoarthritis. Pain relievers include topical products, that you spray or rub onto the affected area, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), like aspirin, which are taken by mouth. Some people may benefit from the so-called COX-2 inhibitors, which have fewer side effects than NSAIDs. Over the counter drugs like acetaminophen might be helpful too, as may certain antidepressants.

Non-drug measures you may wish to try for arthritis include regular exercise, hot or cold packs, and relaxation techniques. It is also very helpful to try to maintain a healthy weight.

Source

Mayo Clinic Health Letter August 2003