Joint pain is not only exacerbated by physical processes – the psyche plays a part, too. The good news, however, is that those who declare war on stress have a good chance of living pain-free sooner. A conversation with expert and author (“Healing Joint Pain Naturally”) Prof. Dr. Michaela Döll about a holistic program to alleviate joint pain.
About the person:
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Michaela Döll is the author of numerous books such as "Healing Joint Pain Naturally", "Cholesterol Under Control", and "Women's Hearts Beat Differently". She teaches at the University of Braunschweig, focusing on vital substance medicine, nutrition, and civilization- and environment-related diseases. As an expert in nutritional medicine, she is a well-known guest on radio and TV shows and gives numerous lectures on various health topics.
Medicom: Professor Döll, what role does the psyche play in joint complaints?
Prof. Döll: Especially when it comes to pain, modern research has shown us how strongly it is influenced by mental and psychological stress. The body is a unit of body, mind, and soul – and that must be taken into account. This leads to the following: Anyone who tries to treat their pain only with painkillers cannot get very far. Because treating joint inflammation requires a holistic program.
How should daily stress be evaluated in this context?
Negative stress is pro-inflammatory. And every pain patient should be familiar with this: If psychological stress is added, the pain can intensify even further. However, it is hardly possible to keep stress out of our lives today. This makes it all the more important to deal with it better.
Everyone has to find their own way to do this: Some find a relaxing bath helpful – for example, with essential oils for the muscles and joints. Others may find physical activity or a walk helpful. One thing is certain: Stress must be addressed and reduced. It is important to take care of this and not just stay on the hamster wheel.
The topic of mindfulness is also part of this. It's about perceiving how I and my body are doing in the first place. Important: Only things you enjoy doing work. What works for others does not have to be the right thing for everyone.
Only things you enjoy doing work. What works for others does not have to be the right thing for everyone.
Is a lack of physical activity also stressful for the body?
You could say that. Because: Humans are made for movement, not for constant sitting.
Avoiding stress would therefore be the most natural painkiller for joint complaints. What else do we know about herbal remedies like frankincense?
Frankincense is an ancient medicinal plant. Modern pharmacology has been able to determine exactly which substances in it help – and these are the boswellic acids. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Also worth mentioning is rose hip extract, in which galactolipids take over the anti-inflammatory effect. For both substances, the effects are well documented by studies. Incidentally, this also applies to devil's claw. It can be very helpful, especially for chronic polyarthritis.
... boswellic acids. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
What characterizes the often-mentioned curcumin?
Curcumin is a polyphenol from turmeric, and it also works very well for joint diseases – both degenerative and inflammation-related. Compared to the more traditional medicinal plants mentioned, it is considered a somewhat modern plant.
Hemp is now also considered one of the recommended medicinal plants, right?
Absolutely! Hemp has experienced an unexpected renaissance in recent years. Yet it actually belongs in classical medicine. New hemp formulations that are free of intoxicating substances now make hemp easy to use in everyday life. The application, both externally and internally, is well researched.
the tolerability of painkillers decreases significantly with increasing age – and the risk of suffering, for example, from gastric bleeding is seven times higher than in younger people.
To what extent do you welcome the development that medicinal plants have made it onto the public agenda as a "superfood"?
People have become more health-conscious overall – at least in this, Corona has helped us. Especially due to the pandemic, many have realized how important it is to do something for one's health. People are sensitized and "green" medicine is more popular than ever. Quite clearly: At the latest when you look at the list of side effects of classic pharmaceuticals, it is very easy to be open to alternatives. Especially in older people, the side effects of many medications cannot be dismissed. This is because the tolerability of painkillers decreases significantly with increasing age – and the risk of suffering, for example, from gastric bleeding is seven times higher than in younger people. In this respect, I welcome the fact that not every medication is taken thoughtlessly anymore, but many are turning their attention to naturopathic procedures.
Do you want to read more about the topic of joint pain and movement? Then listen to this podcast with Prof. Wessinghage: Arthrosis, Rheumatism & Co – Preventing joint complaints with movement.
Sports after joint surgery? Listen to the podcast Sports with a knee or hip replacement to hear what the expert Prof. Dr. med. Karl-Dieter Heller, President of the German Society for Endoprosthetics (AE), has to say about it.
