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How to Ease the Pain
from Arthritis
One in three American adults are affected by 2. While you are on your phone:
arthritis. It is documented to be the leading A common misconception is that arthritis is
cause of disability in the US. Some stay-at- an ‘old person’s disease.’ But, in fact, arthritis
home habits and work from home may make is getting younger and it can arise in many
things worse as we are spending long hours forms and affect people of all ages – including
sitting without making frequent breaks for children and adolescents.
moving or exercising. This puts an extra strain
on our joints and contributes to stiffness and According to Cleveland Clinic researcher, for
arthritis pain. every inch you drop your head forward, you
double the load on those muscles. Looking
What to do? Here are some suggestions. down at your phone, with your chin to your
1. While you work: chest, can put about 60 pounds of force on
• Choose a chair that supports your lower back your neck. You want to come up with a way
• Keep your head and shoulders up straight to keep your phone at an eye level or avoid
• Make sure your working surface is at the looking down for prolonged periods of time.
proper height, so you don’t have to lean
forward 3. Consider changing your daily routine to
include more movement of at least 30 minutes.
Take breaks to move your body and get The pain may prove to be debilitating, but
blood flowing while you browse internet or if you integrate physical activity in the form
watch Netflix. You can set a timer on your of any exercises such as walking, biking,
phone to remind you to move around every swimming, yoga, or dancing, you’ll help your
hour, for example. cause. Moderate physical activity most days of
the week will allow you to regain the ease of
You can also make a habit from this smart movements faster.
trick: keep a small cup of water next to you, and
when that cup is empty, that’s your cue to get up 4. Make adjustments to your diet:
and move a little. Not only will it help you stay Research shows that some foods contribute to the
hydrated, it will make you move more often. pain of some arthritis sufferers. Among those are
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