Pain in your joints, muscles, and back can be caused by various factors involving your lifestyle and genetics. Treating this pain is difficult as its treatment needs to be personalized based on health conditions, current medications, etc.
Most people’s first choice is to use pain relievers like Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil. However, there are tons of over the counter joint supplements that claim they work better for joint pain relief.
According to experts the best joint supplements for pain relief are the ones that we shall discuss here. Any top joint supplement for joint pain should have them.
Omega-3
Studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acids, which largely come from fish oil, can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing joint swelling.
EPA and DHA -primary omega-3 fatty acids- have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce morning stiffness and even reduce the need of analgesic consumption.
There have also been several other studies conducted to evaluate the supplement’s safety and effectiveness against inflammatory conditions. Omega-3 offers tons of benefits, including:
- Improvements in overall cholesterol level
- Aids in losing weight
- Helps prevent heart disease and stroke
- Reduces the intensity of joint symptoms
Omega-3 Supplements for Joint Paint
One of the most popular omega-3 supplements is Omega XL.
Does Omega XL work for joint pain relief though? Sadly, the answer is no. There is no significant difference or advantages of consuming Omega XL supplements when compared to standard omega-3 supplements.
Even further, according to expert Omega XL reviews, the dosage in this supplement might be too low. For joint pain relief, dosages up to 1.1g of DHA and EPA combine are suggested, whereas Omega XL only has 1/5th of that.
There are other plant-based omega-3 supplements like Performance Lab Omega-3 that can do the job better. Alternatively, Nordic Naturals Fish Omega-3 is also a great option.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against damage that could lead to cancer or heart disease, with highly effective anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation and pain play a huge role in muscle and joint diseases, which end up causing tissue damage. Research has shown that resveratrol may be an effective option in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
It should be noted that although most experts agree it has a lot of potential, there’s not been enough research to evaluate how effective it really is. Early studies have suggested that it might help with diseases like:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Effects of obesity
- Diseases of aging
Boswellia Extract
Boswellia or Indian frankincense is a plant extract that is used to treat pain caused due to arthritis. For centuries, this plant extract has been a part of folk medicine in Africa and Asia. Experts recommend doses ranging from 100 mg once a day to 300 mg three times per day.
The chemicals present in it are called Boswellia acids and they induce anti-inflammatory effects. The active ingredient in Boswellia extract improves movement in the joints and helps with overall joint pain. Additionally, it has been shown to improve physical dysfunction and pain symptoms from chronic diseases like osteoarthritis.
Outro
Supplements, like any other medicine, come with side effects, some more severe than others. Keep in mind that a long ingredient list doesn’t make a product any better. Always check for ingredients that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It’s recommended to thoroughly research the supplement and talk with your doctor before you start taking it.
That said, you should check for the following ingredients in any joint supplement for pain relief that you are looking to buy: omega-3, boswellia, resveratrol, and curcumin extract.
All of these are natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory compounds and other natural chemicals that will reduce joint swelling, relief pain and increase joint mobility.