Rheumatology 2004; 43: 940
Rheumatology
Vol. 43 No. 7 © British Society for Rheumatology 2004; all rights reserved
BOOK
REVIEW
PAIN
FREE
ARTHRITIS.
By Harris H.
McIlwain and Debra Fulghum Bruce. $15.00. Henry Holt and Company, New York.
304 pages. ISBN: 0-8050-7325-6
J. T. Nash
Pain Free Arthritis by Harris H. McIlwain and Debra Fulghum Bruce
is a self-help programme for arthritis patients from authors who have
written several other texts covering such conditions as back pain,
osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. This book provides patients with a
seven-step programme designed to reduce the symptoms they experience
from their arthritis.
The authors
adopt a no-nonsense, common-sense, holistic approach in advising
arthritis patients how to alter aspects of their lives to reduce
their symptoms and improve their general well-being.
This seven-step
programme covers exercise, nutrition and diet, alternative therapies,
key lifestyle changes, massage and acupuncture, measures to reduce
stress and meditation and relaxation methods and finally a
comprehensive overview of medical treatments including the latest
biological therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.
The book is
written in a very clear and concise manner and clearly explains the
theories behind the recommendations of its seven-point programme. The
authors tailor their recommendations so they are suitable for
different types of patient ranging from patients with osteoarthritis
to those with an inflammatory arthropathy to fibromyalgia.
The book begins
with a very straightforward, practical and useful guide to exercises
and stretches, and follows this with a section emphasizing the
importance of maintaining a suitable body weight and a guide on how
to sensibly lose weight. This chapter also covers nutritional
supplements that may aid arthritis sufferers. The alternative therapy
section covers herbal remedies used to reduce pain and inflammation,
homeopathy and magnet therapy. The chapter on lifestyle changes
covers such areas as fall prevention, footwear, posture and pacing
techniques.
The authors
provide the reader with a very thorough and clear explanation of the
drug treatments used to treat arthritis including their mechanism of
action and potential side-effects in an easily accessible format. The
range of medications covered is comprehensive ranging from NSAIDs
through to COX II inhibitors and the anti-TNF treatments. The book
includes two very useful appendices on an explanation of the
different forms of arthritis and commonly employed investigations in
the arthritis patient.
Pain Free
Arthritis
provides a very useful, no-nonsense guide for patients to institute
changes in their everyday lives that should help them reduce the
symptoms from their arthritis. The information covered in this book
would be of great use to many patients ranging from those with
osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia through to severe rheumatoid
arthritis.
The author has
declared no conflicts of interest.
*The purpose of this page and linked pages is to answer common questions for health problems as well as to present unique ideas towards taking care of your health. The ideas, procedures and suggestions are not intended as a substitute from the medical advice of a trained health professional. All matters regarding our health require medical supervision. Consult your physician before adopting the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The authors disclaim an liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of techniques described here.
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