However, there are things that you can do to strengthen your spine and support your back, which could alleviate pain, stiffness, and tension.

Here are some tips on how to alleviate back pain and improve spine health:

• Don’t slouch! Proper posture is essential to good back health and is the reason for many back problems.
• Try yoga! It will improve flexibility and core strength, which can help take pressure off the back.
• Use an ergonomic desk chair at work and/or try a lumbar pillow, or, a posture-correcting device.
• Deep belly breathing: according to Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, a spinal & orthopedic surgeon and author, deep belly breathing can improve posture, thus helping with back health.
• He also states that what you eat can affect your spine: ”

  You may not think that your diet affects your spine, but it actually plays a key role. A healthy diet consisting mostly of lean proteins, healthy fats and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is ideal for building a lean body and muscles that support the spine.

  To improve the condition of your spine, supplement your diet with a multivitamin along with a B-complex and Omega-3s, as they have been shown to help decrease pain in the nerves of the spine.”

• Get out in that sunshine! Vitamin D can help build healthy bones.
• Walk! Any moderate exercise such as walking or light strength training can lessen back pain.
• Stretch! A good stretch to break up the day is key, especially if you are often sedentary. 
• Warm baths with epsom salts can help alleviate muscle tension in the back.
• Bodyweight exercises can also strengthen back and shoulder muscles, in turn strengthening the core and increasing spinal health.
• Rest — but not too much! Proper, adequate sleep is essential for overall health and for the body’s healing process. However, getting TOO MUCH sleep can also be detrimental to one’s health, too.
• Get a massage!
• Try acupuncture.
• Chiropractors  can be amazing source of healing for people with back problems  but it is very important to do your homework and choose a very reputable, trusted Doctor of Chiropractic who has a good background.
• Physical therapy can help improve back pain.
• Swimming is also a great exercise for people living with back and spine issues.
• Surgery and medication are also options to treat back pain, as are holistic measures.

Back pain can be caused by many things: injury or accidents, arthritis, scoliosis, birth defects, ankylosing spondylitis,  muscoskeletal disorders, and more — but many of the treatments overlap.

Leave a comment and let us know how you treat back pain! 

Be Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

Most people think of aches and pains when they hear about arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and similar ailments. The truth is, these conditions are complex, and there are still so many unknowns that surround each of them.

Yes, pain and inflammation are often a huge part of various forms of arthritis and other chronic autoimmune illnesses, but, as we’ve discussed in other blog posts, many other organs and body systems can become symptomatic, and inflammation can affect the entire body and all its parts.

Here are some ways in which our cardiovascular and circulatory systems can be compromised or affected by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and more:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause both blood flow problems and various heart problems. 
• Patients with RA can develop a rare disorder called Rheumatoid Vasculitis.
• Lupus and other autoimmune illnesses can also cause vasculitis and lower blood volume.
• Almost all autoimmune illnesses can affect white blood cell count one way or another.
• Lack of exercise from chronic pain disorders can hinder circulation and can also prevent muscles from getting the oxygen/blood flow that they need. (Muscles can spasm or become atrophied – this includes your heart!)
• About 25% of patients with fibromyalgia report experiencing circulation problems.
• Some rheumatologists have found protozoa or bacteria in the blood that thicken the blood, making it sticky, and causing some  blood flow issues, in patients with Lyme Disease or rheumatic disorders.
• According to the European League Against Rheumatism: People with RA, AS and PsA are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk and, in RA, this risk is at least double the norm.
• Sjögren‘s syndrome , RA, and lupus can be linked with blood clots in some cases.

Perhaps one of the most circulation-related rheumatic conditions is Raynaud’s disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Raynaud’s (ray-NOHZ) disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers, toes, the tip of your nose and your ears — to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.”

The Arthritis Foundation has some information on Raynaud’s phenomenon, here.

Regardless of which conditions or symptoms you live with, the following tips can help you improve your circulation and your cardiovascular health:

• Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! – it gets the blood flowing and helps deliver vital oxygen to all of your organs. Exercise is the best way to improve circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease, even if it is simply walking or yoga. Probably one of the biggest problems patients with pain face in regards to their cardiovascular health is lack of exercise and physical activity due to pain, weakness, stiffness, and fatigue.
• A healthy diet is crucial in maintaining overall health and keeping your blood pH balanced and healthy.
• Hydration! Plenty of fluids will help increase blood volume and keep you hydrated. Chug that H2O!
• Seeing a cardiologist to rule out or monitor serious cardiovascular disease can be an important part of disease management. They may run various tests to check up on your cardiovascular health. EULAR & Arthritis Today say that “annual cardiovascular risk screening is recommended for all RA patients and should be considered for ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis patients, as well.”
• Certain foods, herbal teas, and supplements are shown to support a healthy blood pressure and good circulation. Ask a naturopath, a medical doctor, acupuncturist, or a holistic health coach which of these may work for you.
• Try compression tights or socks to help circulation in the legs.
• Check your blood pressure regularly. Some common analgesic pain relievers can elevate blood pressure, and other medications can lower it. Be conscientious.
• Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels in addition to your blood pressure and heart rate.
• Acupuncture and massage can be great for circulation and cardiovascular health!!
• Quit smoking! Enough said.
• If you have Raynaud’s, during an attack warm your fingers and toes (e.g. run warm water over your fingers, soak your feet in a bowl of warm water) and take time to relax.
• Reduce stress and anxiety in your life.
• Stay active!
• Don’t stay sedentary for long periods of time. Change positions frequently, stand up to stretch, elevate your feet, walk around for 5 or 10 minutes every hour, etc.
• Don’t oversleep! While too little sleep can be detrimental to our mental, physical, and emotional health, so can too much sleep. Why? Because laying down for even 10-12 hours straight can increase your risk for blood clots and can confuse your cardiovascular system. You’ll notice that after laying for long periods of time, you may feel lightheaded and experience a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate when you sit or stand up, and, too much sleep can also decrease aerobic ability thus decreasing heart health and circulation.
• The Arthritis Foundation, the American Heart Association, and Livestrong have many more health tips that can help you on your way, as does this article with 9 Tips for Improving Circulation, and this article on Happiness & Heart Health!

Good luck! Feel free to leave a comment sharing any tips you may have for improving circulation, and/or staying heart-healthy with rheumatic disease, chronic pain, or autoimmune illness!

Be Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

Spring cleaning can be a huge undertaking for most of us, but can especially be a challenge when you’re living with arthritis or chronic pain.

A stiff or painful neck, back, shoulder, wrists, knees, or hands can make even the simplest daily activities difficult for people with various forms of arthritis. It may be a challenge to dust, sweep, or mop, and may make tasks like putting away dishes or folding laundry seem to be nearly impossible.

Luckily, there are ways to help make keeping a clean home easier. Check out the tips below, and let us know your own tricks in the comments section!

• Use ergonomic and/or arthritis-friendly cleaning tools. The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use site offers many options, as do many other websites. Or, you can always ask your doctor for recommendations on adaptable tools or cleaning items that may help make your life a bit easier and less painful.
• Listen to your body and do things in moderation. If you are having a particularly painful day, give yourself a break from the daunting task of cleaning, or even from your regular everyday household  chores. If you are expecting company or planning a party, it may be a good idea to do little tasks here and there leading up to the visit, rather than waiting until the last minute and having to do it all at once, which can be difficult — and the stress of which may trigger a flare.
• Consider hiring a maid, housekeeper, or cleaning service, whether it is one-time, or on a monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly basis. Many of these individuals and/or companies offer different plans and pricing tiers, so you may be able to get assistance from a maid service without breaking the bank. If you opt for them to just do certain rooms instead of the entire house, or ask them only to do whichever jobs you physically cannot, and save the rest to do on your own, you may also save some money. You could also hire a local teenager or college student in your neighborhood to help you, paying them may be more affordable than a housekeeper, especially with a one-time spring clean.
• Consider using cleaning tools such as dusters with extendable or adjustable handles, items with soft rubber or silicone grips, or self-propelled vacuum cleaners. Anything that has adaptations from the norm could be useful for you.
• Many items for cleaning or cooking are automatic, electronic, or battery-operated so that you won’t have to fidget with inserting a plug or worry about tripping over cords. Try to use these kinds of items when it is possible.
• Ask for help. A spouse, a friend, a neighbor, a child, or grandchild may be more willing to help with daily chores than you think.
• The bathroom can be especially difficult to keep clean. If your hands bother you, look for cleaning products with one-touch, continuous spray instead of those that require you to press a trigger multiple times.
• For the kitchen, a dishwasher is a great investment, as it requires less hands-on work. Additionally, electronic kitchen gadgets that work automatically with the touch of a button can be a smart choice for people with arthritis.
• Use a step-stool when trying to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Have a spring cleaning party for your family — everyone can chip in, and then you can go out for ice cream or order in pizza as a reward at the end of the day.
• Be patient with yourself and your body – breaking things up into smaller tasks will make it a whole lot easier.

What other ideas can you think of to make spring cleaning an easier task — arthritis or not?

We’d love to hear your ideas.

Be Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

Every child has unique and specific needs when it comes to their education — but children with conditions such as juvenile arthritis may have an even more difficult time at school. Whether it is carrying loaded backpacks or heavy books, having trouble participating in gym class, missing school altogether, or sitting for extended periods of time in uncomfortable classroom chairs, it sure isn’t easy to be a kid with arthritis.

Knowledge is key. It is important that teachers, faculty, and staff know what juvenile arthritis is, once a student is diagnosed. Juvenile arthritis is a general term for all types of arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, connective tissue diseases, and related conditions that occur in children from infancy through the age of 18. Juvenile arthritis normally strikes before the age of 16, and affects girls twice as frequently as boys. The levels of disability or impairment, strength or mobility, vary from patient to patient.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, “Juvenile arthritis, like other chronic illnesses in childhood, can have an impact on a student’s school performance. Because school is a child’s occupation, it is very important to address the special needs of children with chronic illnesses to ensure their best opportunity for success in the school setting. Children with arthritis should attend school. Like other children with chronic illness, modifications may need to be made to make the school setting accessible for the child with juvenile arthritis.”

There are many modifications or adaptations that can be made for the student in school. Children with arthritis may need to take advantage of some if not all of the following options:

• 504 Plan / IEP
• Special Education
• Modified Gym Classes
• Flexible Attendance Schedule
• Leniency on Tardiness Due to Morning Flares
• Support from Peers, Teachers, Administrators
• Special Lunches (for some JA patients, certain foods can trigger flares)
• Access to a Guidance Counselor or Therapist
• Participation in Sports with Modification/Doctor’s Permission
• Confidence-Building Exercises
• Vocational/Educational Assistance or Guidance
• Communication Between Teacher & JA Family
• Compassion from ALL Parties Involved!

Some children may not require any special attention at school. However, for some, it is a reality. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “the following options should be made available to children with arthritis:

• Regular education: In the traditional educational setting, the student is assigned to a classroom by grade level. Modification may be needed to this program, especially when the child is experiencing a flare.
• Regular education with modifications: The individual teacher can make modifications in the student’s classroom program. A more formal method is to go through the local school student support team to develop an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan, while accessing the student’s rights through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or through IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
• Hospital and homebound services: Students who have frequent or extended absences may qualify for a teacher to work with them at home or in a hospital setting. This is typically established by contacting the Hospital/Homebound Coordinator in your school system or through the special education program.
• Local student support team: The student support team or similar group is composed of teachers and administrators in the child’s school. This group supervises plans for modifications of the regular education program. Many states require that students first be processed through their local school and that all modification options be exhausted prior to referral to special education. While notes and documentation are made about the student, some modifications are not legally binding. Please check with your local school principal to see what support efforts your school offers.
• Modifications through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Students with special needs have the right to have needs in their educational program fulfilled in the regular classroom setting. The modifications listed in the section “Possible Modifications to the Student’s Educational Program” and implemented under 504 are legally binding. A student can also be served in the regular classroom setting under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Most students with arthritis qualify for services under the category of “Other Health Impaired.”
• Special education: About 27 percent of students with arthritis receive modifications through special education. Typically, they qualify for services in the Other Health Impaired category, because juvenile arthritis is a medical illness that can impact a student’s strength, endurance and stamina. To qualify for that category, a letter from the student’s physician is needed to identify the student’s medical diagnosis and how the disease impacts educational functioning.

When a student qualifies for special education services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written that delineates specific goals, objectives and modifications for the student’s school program that are legally binding.

Physical and occupational therapy are typically considered ancillary services in the school system. They are intended to support a student in an educational program. This is slightly different than a medical model, which intends to provide rehabilitation.

To access special education services, contact the Other Health Impaired Coordinator or Director of Special Education in your school system. You can also check with your doctor or your local office of the Arthritis Foundation by using our convenient zip code locator.”

This document may also help: The ABC’s of 504 Plans. It is worth a read and discusses what 504 Plans are, and how one parent helped her daughter to get one at her school.

No child with arthritis, or parent of a child with JA, should face any kind of discrimination or contention from a school district when it comes to making changes or accommodations for a child with arthritis or other disability. 

Arthritis Today states, “If you have encountered resistance when it comes to getting your child’s school to make appropriate accommodations for her, you should know the law is on your side. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 specifies that no one with a disability can be prevented from participating in federally funded programs – and that includes elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Under the law, chronic conditions such as juvenile arthritis (JA) fall into the disability category.”

This checklist can help you decipher whether or not your child should have a 504 Plan at school, and this article has even more information about enacting one. 

As the wife of an educator and having been a child with juvenile arthritis, I recognize the importance of these kinds of options in both school and in the workforce. It is important that teachers and fellow students understand the condition so that the child does not feel isolated or looked down upon — this is important, too, in the adult world. 

No one should face discrimination for their illness or disability, and it is important that parents of Juvenile Arthritis patients – as well as adult patients with arthritis – know that there is  help available to help you live the best life you can, even with arthritis.

For more information on getting a 504 Plan or other accommodations for your child, please contact your school district, the U.S. Department of Education, or, your local Arthritis Foundation office.

And good luck! Remind your child that there is nothing wrong with being different – we all face unique struggles and we all have unique gifts to give.

Be Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, “Arthritis is a disabling and painful disease that affects 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children.  Nearly 1 in 250 children are living with a form of arthritis. Juvenile arthritis is one of the most common childhood diseases, affecting more children than cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.  Currently, there are less than 250 board certified, practicing pediatric rheumatologists in the United States and about 90 percent of those are clustered in and around large cities.  Pediatric rheumatology has one of the smallest numbers of doctors of any pediatric subspecialty.  Of those children with juvenile arthritis, only one-fourth see a pediatric rheumatologist due to their scarcity.  The other 75% of juvenile arthritis patients see either pediatricians (who tend not to be trained in how to adequately care for juvenile arthritis) or adult rheumatologists, who aren’t trained to deal with pediatric issues, whether it’s the stunted bone growth that can result from arthritis and its treatment, or the unwillingness of an adolescent to take his medicine.  Furthermore, the diseases that are common in children can be very rare in adults, so a rheumatologist may have rarely, if ever, had occasion to diagnose and/or treat those related diseases and co-morbidities.  There are currently eleven states that do not have a single practicing pediatric rheumatologist and seven states with only one pediatric rheumatologist.”

While they may be better equipped to handle some of the nuances that come along with treating a younger patient population, a regular rheumatologist can treat a patient with juvenile arthritis.  Treating Juvenile Arthritis is not the same as treating adult onset arthritis, so the adult rheumatologist will most likely coordinate with a pediatric rheumatologist in another area.  If they currently aren’t during your treatment, don’t be afraid to ask them to and at least start the conversation!

You can learn more about juvenile arthritis at arthritis.org or via the Center for Disease Control. Learn how you can advocate to help the issue of the pediatric rheumatologist shortage, here. (<- This link includes advocacy info and information on the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program.)

Below is a graphic showing a state-by-state breakdown of pediatric rheumatologists in America. View the full-size version, here.

In Kindness,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

There has been a lot of bickering – and worse yet, a lot of what comes across as hatred – on social networks lately, regarding the use of alternative treatments for arthritis.

The way that I look at it, though, is that those who use alternative treatments and those who use traditional medical treatments for arthritis and similar conditions are two sides of the same coin.

The end goal is the same: we all want to feel better, and so, our goals to get there should be the same, too: we should exhaust every avenue and try every option to reaching that end goal. That being said, what works for each of us may not be the same, and we need to accept that. What other people do shouldn’t have any control or effect over us, in the grand scheme of things.

Certain media outlets and certain organizations will always tout one side or the other. There will always be studies showing that the traditional approach is better, and others claiming that the alternative route is the way to go. Even within each of those schools of thoughts there are things that work, and things that don’t. Even recently, Arthritis Today discussed a study that some, but not all, supplements work for arthritis, and they said that some alternative treatments, including but not limited to, acupuncture, are shown to be effective — in most, but not all, cases.

There’s been a debate lately, too, about an episode of Dr. Oz and an article in the New York Times about a mother whose son’s juvenile arthritis seemingly remissed from first an integrative and then a natural approach. Of course, most people in the medical field think that her story is the exception rather than the rule, and many JA parents were outraged — but I’m still, after much dialogue on the topic, unclear about why. Maybe we could shift our perspectives: why can’t her story, and stories like my own, be a ray of hope, instead of a source of negativity?

It is never irresponsible to share one’s own story, one’s own truth, or one’s own reality. If you aren’t directly encouraging others to do the same, there is no harm done. We all have the right to share what our beliefs are, and we can do so without putting others down. My side of the coin, doesn’t affect your side of the coin, and vice versa. Yes, we’re a part of the same coin, but we should coexist, separate but equal.

I feel like I can voice my opinion on the issue because I have personally been on both sides of the coin. When I was, for 19 years, taking every medication prescribed to me, and not getting any better, I’d often get angry and defensive when people suggested I try an alternative route. “How dare they?” I’d think. “Don’t they understand how serious my condition is?” And I’d laugh them off.

But, when you spend months in and out of the hospital, with heart problems and being tested for cancer and the like, you’ll do anything to get better, and so, I decided that trying a new approach was worth a try. I did it the responsible way: I consulted with all of my medical doctors here in Pittsburgh, and then, I found a reputable translational rheumatologist in Washington, D.C., to help me safely wean off of my meds and who got to the real root of my problem.

Now, I am on a regimen of supplements, nutritional changes, and exercise. I do yoga, acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic. I close my mind to nothing. For me, it’s been a year of trial and error. I’ve taken silver supplements and earthworm protein and electrolyte drinks. I’ve had countless blood tests and scans to monitor my health and my progress.

I now exercise every day and, for lack of a better term, am in remission, and I am back in school to become a holistic health coach and drugless practitioner myself.

NOW…let me say this: I know my story is unique – but so are all of yours. I know that some people never have a side effect from drugs, or a complication or a comorbity along with arthritis. Some people will take their prescriptions and flourish or thrive. My story didn’t look like that, and that’s okay. That doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with me, and it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with the people for whom that approach does work. I know that this approach won’t work for everyone – I am not ignorant to that fact. We are all bioindividually unique, and there is not a one-size-fits all treatment. No two cases of RA or JA look the same, and, even over the course of one’s own lifetime, what works for us may change. We also all have different mindsets. My philosophy is that a positive attitude helps, that meds should be a last line of defense instead of the very first option, that mental and emotional health are as important as physical health, and that food makes a huge difference in the way we feel. But, I would never be so close-minded to say that there isn’t a place for medicine. There is, of course, and I believe there are cases where it may be the only option. It is a God-send for so many people. All I’d like, though, is the same open-mindedness in return. I have been told that I “must not have been as sick” as other rheumatoid arthritis patients if a natural approach worked for me. For anyone who believes that, I will gladly send you my piles and piles of medical records — that accusation simply isn’t true. It is FAR from the truth and doesn’t even resemble my reality.

When I was taking a traditional approach, I felt judged by those who practiced alternative medicine. Now that I do things the holistic way, I feel very judged by those who take a traditional medical approach.

This needs to end – not just for me, but for all of us. Patients and parents shouldn’t feel attacked by others fighting the same exact battle, however they are fighting it. We are all in this together, and me sharing my story, or anyone else sharing theirs, does not mean that they are judging yours – something that it took me a while to learn, and something that I think everyone needs to accept.

If you are quick to get angry and defensive when someone shares an idea or point of view that is different from yours, you should ask yourself why that is. Is it because there is an inkling of you that knows what they are saying could be right? Is it out of fear? Is it frustration due to their ignorance? A few things to consider: fear is normal and natural — these things are very emotionally charged, and changing up your plan of attack is a huge decision that can be risky. Additionally, someone else’s ignorance should not affect your emotions — let it be an occasion to educate them, kindly and respectfully. If you think that, after doing some soul searching, that you are getting defensive because they may be right, maybe start taking baby steps towards educating yourself on their point of view. Again – someone telling their story does not mean that your story is less valid. Someone doing something that was right for them doesn’t mean that what you’re doing for you is, in any way, wrong…unless it is wrong for you. If whatever you are doing – natural or traditional – is not working for you, it is time to re-evaluate your treatment plan. Make sure, no matter what kind of approach you take, that the benefits are outweighing the risks for you. Ask your doctor what other options there are. Just because they suggest something doesn’t mean that you “have” to listen. You can ask for other options, you don’t have to go with the first thing that they say — your health is in your hands — you are in control, and whether that means herbal supplements or biologic infusions, that is a decision that you need to make. Go with your instinct, and don’t compare your experience to others around you – again, we’re all different.

I used to think that, once I tried just about every med possible, to no avail, that there was no other options, but lo and behold, I found that there was a whole other world of options out there. I know, too, that if the natural protocol stops working for me, that there is tons of research going on, all the time, for new ways to treat and maybe someday cure RA. I wouldn’t be totally opposed to going back on a medication if I had to, but, I pray that I won’t have to. I pray that I can keep going the way I am.

But, for me, the fact that there are these two polarizing approaches is a source of hope. It means that there are constantly new options coming out, on both sides of the coin. It means that there is a lot more ground to be covered, a lot of untapped potential, and so many resources that a narrower mind never would have encountered.

It doesn’t mean that one side of the coin is “right” or one is “wrong.” They are just different — and there’s nothing wrong with that!

So, I’m really no one special, but if anyone cares to hear what I have to say, what I would suggest is this:

When reading or hearing about a new treatment or a unique medical approach that’s different from your own, take a moment to pause and think before you criticize. What you may view as ridiculous or harmful or just a bunch of malarkey, may be someone’s lifeline, someone’s source of hope, someone’s inspiration. What may be wrong for you, may be right for them. We’re just different sides of the same coin. The ultimate goal is the same, and that is healing and living well despite whatever illness we’ve been dealt. Their story might not look like yours, but their journey is the same. Be an instrument of peace, and not a source of division. Take a moment to realize that someone else’s belief system doesn’t have to look like your own — this applies in our medical approaches and in so many other areas of life. Realize that someone else’s path, though you may cross it, is really none of your business. It’s freeing to realize that, sometimes, and sometimes minding our own business and thinking before we speak can avoid a lot of dissent, stress, and heartbreak. We should take a moment to reflect: what if the shoe was on the other foot? What if we were on the other side of the coin? How would we react? What would we feel, think, or say? We’re all in this together, but it doesn’t mean that we have to agree. It just means that we have to do the best we can, and help one another along the way, without judgment. So whether you’re taking pills or sipping teas or using healing crystals or infusions or nutrition or injections or patches or aromatherapy or acupuncture or physical therapy or whatever the case may be – just do you, and be kind. That’s my thought for the day!

As always, let’s build each other up, instead of tearing one another down. We’re a team — a team where we all play different positions, so let’s be team players, and think about the end game instead of the plays that will get us there.

In Kindness,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

Dear Lady Gaga, a.k.a. Stefani:

Synovitis stinks.

I, too, am a twentysomething who knows what it is like to have put on hold the things I love because of pain, and I interact with thousands of others every day who have felt the same exact way.

I read on your Twitter page that your doctor ordered you to postpone some shows due to synovitis, or, severe inflammation of the joints.

When I was about ten years old, my doctor told me that I, too, had synovitis. I eventually became diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. You’re familiar with lupus, right? It is an autoimmune condition that is quite similar. Like you, I had to give up something that I loved, but, it wasn’t singing, dancing, or performing, but rather, playing softball.

Luckily, I was able to hone in on my other talents and find ways to enjoy life despite living in pain.

But, also like you, I was disappointed. The words on your Twitter account, “I’m devastated. I hate this, I hate this so much. I can barely walk,” rang so true to me — they hit so close to home that tears sprung to my eyes.

I, like millions of other Americans, have been there. I, literally, have felt your pain.

Do not beat yourself up, or feel guilt. Take the time that you need to rest — these types of conditions need a balance of rest and exercise, along with proper medical care (natural or traditional) and, an overall healthy lifestyle.

You’ve inspired so many of us, and, in various ways, taken care of your “Little Monsters,” through your music and your philanthropic works. Now, it’s time to take care of YOU.

Gaga, you would not have known this, but, at one of Oprah Winfrey’s last episodes of the Oprah show,  (April 29th, 2011, to be precise!) I sat in the second row of the audience as you performed. When you sang “Born This Way,” I was overcome with emotion. That song was relatable to me, particularly the lines that “God makes no mistakes,” and the part about life’s disabilities leaving you outcast, bullied, or teased — I’d faced those things as a teen with arthritis.

Ironically, I actually had brain surgery that February and thus had missed your Pittsburgh concert because of it. So that April when I was recovered and was seeing you in person, at the Oprah show, singing those inspiring words, I felt like I’d come full circle. It was a surreal, but very touching moment and, aside from my wedding, one of my favorite memories.

I got to share that memory with my Mom. Like you, I’m very close with my mother, and I hope, that during this time of difficulty and pain, that you are leaning on your parents as I leaned on mine.

It’s okay to hurt, it’s okay to cry, and pain is temporary. It’s not pleasant, and it’s something that we have to “get through” but also something we can GROW through.

Give yourself permission to feel, but not to dwell. Give yourself permission to rest, and give your body the time it needs to heal…and remember the words of your very own song. God doesn’t make mistakes. You will get through this, because you are strong.

And if you need any information about synovitis or various forms of arthritis and/or rheumatic disease, please don’t hesitate to contact me on Facebook or Twitter, or get in touch with the Arthritis Foundation!  

In the meantime, I hope that you feel better, soon!

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

The medical use of marijuana has been a hotly debated and highly politicized topic in recent years. In many circles, it is touted for naturally alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions including, but not limited to, arthritis and chronic pain. In other circles, it is frowned upon as a gateway drug that is likely to be abused, and, to some, a moral abomination.

In many countries, the use of marijuana is legal and widely accepted, and, in the United States, it is just beginning to become legalized in certain states for medical use only. According to the Americans for Safe Access and Marijuana Policy Project organization, the use of cannabis (for medical reasons ONLY) has been endorsed by numerous professional organizations, some of which include the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Public Health Association, The American Public Health Association, and the American Nurses Association. Its use is supported by such leading medical publications as The New England Journal of Medicine and other publications and, of course, by many marijuana advocacy organizations. 

But – that doesn’t mean that everyone agrees with it. Over the years, the FDA repeatedly doubted its medical benefit, but multiple studies have shown that it can, in fact, help with various conditions ranging from glaucoma and anxiety, to chemo-induced nausea and cancer pain, and more. 

Despite generally being written off by the FDA & DEA, in 1999, Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences, conducted a study that found marijuana to be “moderately to well-suited for particular conditions,” including those listed above. 

This is just one of many studies showing the benefit of medical marijuana. According to the organization Americans for Safe Access, “Between 1840 and 1900, European and American medical journals published more than 100 articles on the therapeutic use of the drug known then as Cannabis Indica (or Indian hemp) and now simply as cannabis. Today, new studies are being published in peer-reviewed journals that demonstrate cannabis has medical value in treating patients with serious illnesses such as AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain.”

One might ask why there’s such concern when so many studies have proven it to be useful? According to the FDA and other government organizations like the DEA, these studies aren’t enough to prove its medical efficacy. The DEA states that, “adequate and well-controlled studies on the medical efficacy of medical cannabis do not exist,” and many conservative groups are against its use for moral reasons. After all, marijuana and its components and/or derivatives have been largely labeled as “gateway drugs” that can potentially cause users to become addicted, eventually moving on to stronger, and harsher drugs that are well-documented to be far more dangerous. 

That doesn’t mean, however, that steps aren’t being taken to use marijuana for medical purposes. It is illegal on the federal level, but has already been legalized on the state level in Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Vermont, Montana, Michigan, Colorado, California, Main, Arizona, Vermont, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Rhode Island, and many other states in the US have pieces of legislation on the table to potentially do the same. 

There are also pharmaceutical companies that are trying to capitalize by developing cannabis-based products, such as Sativex, by British pharma company, GW. Sativex is a cannabis mouth-spray that is currently seeking FDA approval for cancer pain and multiple sclerosis. Sativex was also evaluated for efficacy for arthritis.  According to ProCon.org, 

Other marijuana-based pharmaceuticals have been developed such as Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone), which are synthetic versions in pill form that are available by prescription for AIDS patients and cancer patients, but many wonder if the synthetic versions are as beneficial as it is in its natural form — after all, the “natural” and holistic part of marijuana is part of its appeal for many, who don’t want to put more drugs into their bodies.

But would it help with arthritis? Aside from the studied mentioned above, there is evidence to indicate medical marijuana/cannabis use for various forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease.

Pain Management of America states that, point blank, “medical marijuana is an effective treatment for arthritis pain and inflammation.”  Health.com did an article on a Rhode Island resident who had RA. His name is Steve, and he grows it himself. He said he, “grows one plant — marijuana — specifically to relieve RA pain and discomfort.



“If my pain is at a 10, it will take it down to a 6 or 6.5,” he says. “I’m an old-man weight lifter. After I smoke, I am able to work my shoulders and arms to keep my joints healthy. It gives me the desire and ability to get through a workout.”



Steve has had permission to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes since 2006. He smokes it and cooks it in butter (for baking) and makes THC-containing solutions called tinctures (which can be added to foods and drinks) for himself and five other patients with various medical conditions. His home state is 1 of 16, along with the District of Columbia, where marijuana is permitted for medicinal use.”

According to an article in Huffington Post, “Cannabis may be useful for people with RA and other chronic pain conditions because it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote sleep. But unlike other pain-causing conditions, such as osteoarthritis, RA is associated with a higher risk of lung problems and heart attacks. (RA is an autoimmune condition that attacks the joints and causes multiple health problems.)



It’s not clear if smoking marijuana is a relatively safe pain reliever for people with RA, or if it could increase the risk of RA-associated conditions. And if cannabis is safe, it’s still debatable whether it’s safer to take it as a pill or mouth spray rather than smoking it. Smoking marijuana raises the heart rate and one study found that heart-attack risk rises fivefold in the hour after lighting up, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.



How marijuana works


There are hundreds of chemicals in marijuana, but the best known is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is what produces the high that comes with smoking or eating products made from marijuana. 



But THC also binds with receptors in the brain that produce an analgesic affect. It may also reduce anxiety experienced by some people dealing with chronic pain.



Marijuana is typically smoked, which produces the most rapid delivery into the bloodstream, says Kathryn Cunningham, Ph.D., director of the Center for Addiction Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston.”

As you can see, like most medical drugs out there today, there are pros and cons to using marijuana. Every medication we take has a risk/benefit ratio, and, the potential for side effects. Medical marijuana is no different, but, appears to have potentially less risk for side effects or long-term damage than traditional meds. That being said, the lack of definitive evidence either way is why the FDA, DEA – and maybe even your doctor – are skeptical or, at the very least, hesitant.

But advocates for “mmj” as it is often referred to online, say that any risks or potential side effects are worth it. “Cannabis has also been shown to have powerful immune-modulation and anti-inflammatory properties,[23-26] suggesting that it could play a role not just in symptom management but treatment of arthritis,” says Americans for Safe Access. They have a whole section on medical marijuana and arthritis, here. You can also read more from a 2005 study, published in Rheumatology, and featured in Medical News Today, here, that states that “The first study to use a cannabis-based medicine (CBM) for treating rheumatoid arthritis has found that it has a significant effect on easing pain and on suppressing the disease.” 

With all of that being said, the fact remains that marijuana remains the most illicitly abused illegal drug in America, and we certainly aren’t the only country with this same marijuana debate. 

DrugAbuse.gov says that “Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. After a period of decline in the last decade, its use has generally increased among young people since 2007, corresponding to a diminishing perception of the drug’s risks. More teenagers are now current (past-month) smokers of marijuana than of cigarettes, according to annual survey data,” and that, “Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a per-son’s existing problems worse. In fact, heavy marijuana users generally re-port lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, relation-ship problems, and less academic and career success compared to their peers who came from similar back-grounds. For example, marijuana use is associated with a higher likelihood of dropping out from school. Several studies also associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover.

Research has shown that, in chronic users, marijuana’s adverse impact on learning and memory persists after the acute effects of the drug wear off; when marijuana use begins in adolescence, the effects may persist for many years. Research from different areas is converging on the fact that regular marijuana use by young people can have long-lasting negative impact on the structure and function of their brains,” so you can see why there are strong proponents on both sides of the great marijuana debate.

If it is legal in your state, and you have been prescribed marijuana for your arthritis pain, we’d love for you to leave a comment and share your experience. Likewise, if you are against it, or live in an area where the use of marijuana is not legalized, we’d like to hear your thoughts, too.

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

This has been one of the most dangerous and widespread flu seasons in years, and it is important for everyone to take proper precautions in preventing the flu.

One option is gettinga flu vaccine. While the flu shot is controversial to some, it has been shown to reduce the occurence of certain strains of the flu. Some rheumatologists will tell patients to always get the flu shots; others will warn people with rheumatic or autoimmune illness, or those who are already ill or taking certain medications, to stay away. Always consider your own doctor’s advice, and, use your own best judgment with what works best for you.

There are some natural ways to prevent the flu, too, from juicing fresh fruits and vegetables to built up immunity and regulate pH, to apple cider vinegar with honey and other “home remedies.”

Perhaps the best pieces of advice for preventing the flu, though, are the simplest: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching or bodily contact with strangers or infected persons, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and, use common sense: if you are sick, STAY HOME! It is inconsiderate to go to work or go out in public when you are contagious, especially as the flu can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and/or immune-compromised people.

The government’s Center for Disease Control has a lot of information on the flu and various forms of the influenza virus at flu.gov.

Here are some tips that the CDC has posted specifically relating to the flu and arthritis:

How does arthritis affect how I respond to the flu?

• People with certain types of arthritis, called inflammatory rheumatic  disease or autoimmune rheumatic disease, have a higher risk of getting  respiratory infections as well as flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.
• Inflammatory arthritis affects the immune system which controls  how well your body fights off infections. Also, many medications given to treat  inflammatory arthritis can weaken the immune system. People with weakened  immune systems are at high risk for getting more severe illness and  complications such as pneumonia or hospitalization with the flu. Rheumatoid  arthritis and lupus are the most common types of inflammatory arthritis.
• Older adults with osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis,  are likely not at increased risk of complications from the flu unless they also  have other high-risk conditions for flu such as asthma, diabetes, heart  disease, or cancer.
• The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.

Persons who have the  following types of inflammatory arthritis or rheumatic disease or take certain  medications may be  at high risk for influenza and its complications. You should discuss your risk  for complications from the flu with your healthcare provider.

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Here’s wishing you a flu-free flu season!

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis

Happy New Year! Let’s resolve to make 2013 a healthy year with these 13 tips for living well with arthritis and rheumatic illness.

1. Exercise:  We know you hear it all the time, and we know that it can be frustrating and seem like a huge challenge, but light to moderate exercise, or any kind of physical activity (stretching, housework, etc.) is imperative to managing arthritis and improving mobility and joint function, as well as maintaining a healthy weight and improving your overall health.
2. Diet: No matter what form of arthritis, rheumatic disease, or chronic illness you have, a healthful, nutritious diet is essential. Avoiding certain foods or adding certain foods into your diet can be a simple way to improve your wellness and even lessen your pain.
3. Sleep: Though “pain-somnia” may strike at times, getting a good night’s sleep is important for your overall health and wellness. Plus, it is during sleep that your body and muscles have time to heal and repair themselves. Proper sleep also refreshes the mind and invigorates the spirit, and can lessen that pesky rheum-fatigue, too.
4. Friends: A support system of family and friends is a wonderful way to cope with chronic illness. When you are in physical pain, they can lend a hand. When dealing with emotional pain, they can lend a shoulder to cry on. Surrounding yourself with supportive, positive, and uplifting people – online and in real life – is a great way to lead a fulfilling life. You are more than a “patient,” and these people can remind you of that, and will also help you to stay strong when you need to be.
5. Meditation: Meditating can be good for your mental and physical health. Whether you meditate in bed, during yoga, or in the form of prayer, clearing the mind and focusing on being in the moment is a great way to forget about your pains and troubles. Some studies have shown that meditation can actually have a physical benefit, too, bettering your overall health. The sense of wellness, calmness, and mindfulness that comes with meditation can also lessen stress – and since stress sometimes causes flares, this is crucial.
6. Education: Educating yourself on your condition is an ongoing process. You should never give up on seeking out information for yourself, learning about new treatment options or new developments in research, or educating yourself on new ways to manage illness or better improve your life and your health. You can also resolve to educate others and spread awareness in 2013.
7. Humility: It is sometimes quite easy to let your pride get in your way. Don’t be afraid to, at times, be humble and admit that you may not be able to do it all on your own. There is no shame in asking for help. This goes for anyone, but especially rings true for those with chronic illness or a disability. While we shouldn’t let our illness or condition overtake our lives, and we should not fully lose our independence, we should realize that sometimes, we do need help….and that is okay.
8. Open-mindedness: Be open-minded to treatment options and ways to manage your illness. Before you label a doctor as a quack or a write off a method or approach as nonsense, try it out. Be open to new ideas, suggestions, and tactics. It may seem “weird” at first, and it may be outside your comfort zone, but, if your doctor allows it, you should be open to thinking outside the box and doing what you can to manage your condition. After all, it is your body, and your life, and you have the right to explore all horizons when it comes to managing your health. If certain things are too “far-fetched” for you, you should still take that open-minded approach when dealing with others. We are all different. So be open to the fact that, maybe diet, acupuncture, or massage don’t work for you, but they may work for someone else. Keep an open mind that remaining positive could help – and it certainly couldn’t hurt. Keep an open mind to people who rely on pain meds, and likewise be open to those who totally eschew drugs. We’re all in it together and we need to be open-minded towards one another, and realize that a closed mind doesn’t have room to grow.
9. Hope: Hang on to hope. Have a realistic attitude, but one that is nonetheless centered around hope, and the idea that things could…and will…get better. If you lose hope, what do you have left?
10. Be Kind: When Ellen DeGeneres signs off from “the Ellen Show,” she always leaves the audience with one key piece of advice: “be kind to one another.” I agree. Bullying, bitterness, hatred, prejudice, competition, pettiness, snark….these are all things that the world could do without. And for those of us saddled with health problems, it is especially unfortunate when others are mean to us given all we are dealing with already. That being said: do not use your illness or disability as a reason to be mean or negative. Being sick or having health problems is no excuse to act bitter or rude towards others. It does not give you the right to have a chronic bad attitude along with your chronic illness. Arthritis hurts. So can words.

11. Comfort: Find things that make you feel more comfortable. Is it a heating pad? Ice? A warm bath with Epsom salts? A weekly massage? Acupuncture? Lumbar pillows? A memory foam mattress? Swimming? Being adjusted by a chiropractor? Using certain ointments or creams? Whatever helps you to feel more comfortable, do it. We, along with our doctors, are each responsible for finding things that work for us.  Once you find something that brings you comfort – is it your favorite blanket? A good cup of tea? An ergonomic computer chair? A “Pillow Pet?” – Whatever it is, use it, do it. We all deserve comfort, even in the face of pain.

12. Focus: Focus on other things besides your ailments. What you think, you become. If you are constantly focusing on bad things, you can become consumed by them. “Thinking positively” will not make the pain, illness, or life’s problems go away, but it will help you to take your mind off of these things. Focus on being grateful for what you DO have in your life. Focus on your talents, skills, hobbies, and passions. Focus on your family, your friends, your faith. Focus on your work, or, if you don’t work, consider volunteering, thereby focusing on helping others instead of on your own problems. Focus on getting better. We can accept these illnesses as a part of our lives but they shouldn’t BECOME our lives. We are more than our diagnosis. Don’t forget to FOCUS on living your life to the fullest, despite what hurdles you may face.

13. Grow: Choose to grow in 2013. Grow your network of friends.  Grow your talents. Grow your health resources. Grow your health. Expand your knowledge; expand your thinking. The world is big. There is so much to learn, and so much to love, no matter what troubles you are facing.

I hope you all have a great new year filled with health and happiness!

Stay Well,

Ashley Boynes-Shuck

What’s YOUR weapon against arthritis?

Let’s all unite against arthritis. Together, we will achieve the vision of a world free from arthritis