Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources

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By Ashley Bishop

Celebrex as a pain reliever for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Celebrex or Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, acute pain, painful menstruation and menstrual symptoms, and to reduce numbers of colon and rectum growths polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Some research suggests that it might reduce Alzheimer's risk in persons with a family history of dementia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that causes the bodies immune system to attack the joints causing stiffness, painful inflammation, swelling of the joints and even deformity. Characterized as an Autoimmune disease, the causes for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown and it is usually chronic. May also effect the heart, blood vessels, nerves and muscles. What occurs that something (possibly a virus) triggers the immune system into telling our white blood cells to migrate from the bloodstream into the synovial membrane of your joints. The white blood cells attack the synovial membrane, releasing cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction which causes the membrane to become inflamed that can lead to the destruction of the components of the joint. The joints primarily effect seem to be the feet and hands and will effect both sides of the body equally. One in 3 adults in America suffer from some form of arthritis. The side affects about twice as many women as it does men.

Non prescription celebrex is available without a prescription and comes in 100 and 200 mg tablets. Celebrex relieves arthritis pain by targeting a specific enzyme in the body. An enzyme is a protein that causes chemical changes in other substances in the body. The enzyme that Celebrex targets is called COX-2. This COX-2 enzyme is responsible for all the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.

Along with the COX-2 enzyme, the COX-1 enzyme that helps protect the lining of the stomach is effected by most pain relievers which block the actions of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme. Celebrex, however, does not effect the actions of the COX-1 enzyme. For this reason, doctors refer to Celebrex as a COX-2 specific inhibitor.

Celebrex was approved by the FDA in 1998. Celebrex has been prescribed for over 30 million people in the U.S.* Just one prescription CELEBREX provides 24-hour, all day and all night relief from swelling, and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis.

What are some other treatment options.
It can be confusing to choose the right pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis. There are many treatments on the market now and each medication has possible benefits and risks. You should consult your doctor and discuss all your options so you can make the choice that is right for you.

arthritis pain relief treatment Products you can turn to for help.
There are a number of arthritis pain relief treatments to choose from. Bur first we must consider the type of pain we are in. Most forms od Arthritis can be divided into two general categories: acute arthritic pain and chronic arthritic pain. Acute pain is temporary. It will last a few seconds or longer, but fades quickly as healing begins, Chronic pain such as that seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis ranges from mild to sever and can last weeks, months, years, even a lifetime.

Short term relief from the pain and inflammation can include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Those with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

CELEBREX is a prescription medicine for:

• Relief of the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a type of arthritis caused by wear and tear on bones and joints
• Relief of the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness of adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy joint tissue, starting a process of inflammation and joint damage
• Management of acute pain in adults (such as pain from strains and sprains) or pain after surgery
• Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps)
• Relief of signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, a painful form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis usually strikes young adults. It can cause inflammation, pain and stiffness in the shoulders, knees, hips, ribs, and feet

For more detailed information about Rheumatoid Arthritis, please visit this site: