If you are dealing with persistent pain due to a workplace injury, you may be looking for new ways to relieve it. Perhaps aspirin and ice packs are not cutting it anymore. One nutritional supplement you may be considering is turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that many people use to treat joint pain, arthritis and headaches.
You may hear from friends, family or the internet that turmeric is a natural remedy for pain. But is this true? Here are the facts about turmeric and pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The main chemical in turmeric is curcumin. This compound can reduce swelling and fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation can result in arthritis, neck pain and back pain. Some people rely on the natural healing properties of turmeric to manage these types of conditions.
Effective for osteoarthritis
There is research that showcases the effectiveness of turmeric in treating patients with osteoarthritis. The supplement can improve function and reduce pain from the condition. Some studies show that it is just as effective as ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter pain reliever.
Use for joint pain
Some research shows that turmeric can reduce the intensity of joint pain. This study involves patients taking turmeric three times a day for eight weeks. While it may help relieve some joint pain, it does not seem to be effective in improving joint function or stiffness.
Treating rheumatoid arthritis
There is early research that suggests turmeric might relieve RA symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Joint swelling
- Walking time
- Morning stiffness
Some research even shows that taking turmeric twice per day is better for RA symptoms than are conventional medicines.
While turmeric may not be miraculous, it is evident that it helps some people manage pain and other health problems. More research is necessary to determine how effective the supplement is, but you may want to talk to your doctor about whether you should try it for your pain.