Turmeric and Curcumin Capsules for Joint Pain

I often suggest that patients accelerate their recovery or support their management of joint pain with readily available supplements. Properly applied, a relatively safe supplement can decrease the reliance on dangerous opioids or even decrease the health impacts of other pain relievers. For example, a patient already taking their body’s limit of ibuprofen for inflammation, might be able to cut their dosage in half – or out altogether – by adding a curcumin supplement. The flowering Turmeric plant is a rhizomatous herb named Curcuma longa. Turmeric spice is a member of the ginger family, is orange-yellow in color, and is often used in curry powder. It has long been relied upon in alternative medicine for treatment of inflammatory conditions and other ailments. The bioactive component is curcumin, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Here we discuss Turmeric and Curcumin capsules for joint pain. 

Turmeric (Curcumin) is Effective

Joint pain, often caused by inflammation in the body, can of course be debilitating. Traditional treatments typically involve opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can have side effects. This is where turmeric and curcumin come into play. They offer a natural alternative with fewer side effects and comparable efficacy.

Perhaps better then Ibuprofen?

Research has shown that curcumin can help reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis, one of the most common causes of joint pain. In studies, curcumin’s effectiveness was comparable to that of ibuprofen, a commonly used NSAID, with far less side effects and health considerations.

How does Curcumin Work?

Curcumin works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, known as cytokines. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Additionally, curcumin’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s cells from damage, further promoting joint health.

Which Supplement should I try?

Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body. To increase its bioavailability, it is often combined with black pepper, which contains piperine, a compound that enhances curcumin absorption. Not all supplement products are created the same, and you can consult with me about a product you find on the market. Turmeric Curcumin 1000mg, for example,  is a well blended Curcumin supplement available from Fullscript, for $26.99, which we stock in the clinic.

What else makes Curcumin special?

Turmeric and Curcumin actually do more.  Investigators at MD Anderson Cancer Center have studied this compound and its anticarcinogenic properties and have suggested that turmeric has an effect on melanoma, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

The anti-inflammatory and free radical–scavenging properties of curcumin have been well documented. Curcumin was first shown to exhibit antibacterial properties in 1949. Since then, this naturally occurring polyphenol plant compound has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities. 

<h2>So I should use Turmeric for Joint Pain?</h2>

Turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, provide a natural and promising option for those suffering from joint pain. We should always examine you and determine the source of your pain, so that you can treat safely.  Contact the clinic for a session to talk about how you might add this to your healthcare toolbox. 

Want some more chiropractic reading? Try our prior blog on Deep Sleep Stages  or the one before that on  5 to 7-minute quick exercise routines to help keep your body vital.