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Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
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Back

10 Tips for Easing Back Pain

Use these self-care tips to ease your back ache and pain associated with arthritis.

1. Relief is Possible
Most low back pain goes away when the root cause is treated. Then it just needs a little rest, heat or cold and movement to get you back in the game. If your pain is due to arthritis and won’t stay away, get back to doing the things you love by practicing these self-care tips.
2. Get Wet
Therapeutic aquatic exercise can ease back pain and help you move better. In Europe, people also soak in hot mineral springs (called balneotherapy), and studies show the benefits are even greater when combined with exercise. So get moving – in warm water, with or without minerals.
3. Move and Strengthen It
Various types of exercise can relieve back pain, improve movement and enhance your quality of life. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, aquatic exercise, and motor control exercise (that strengthen trunk muscles that hold up the spine) – have been shown helpful.
4. Find Your Zen
Stress and anxiety can worsen back pain. People with low back pain who engage in mindfulness-based stress reduction, biofeedback or cognitive-behavioral therapy report less pain. A licensed therapist can help you find your happy place and pain relief.
5. Cinch It In
Wearing a brace or elastic corset can help to stabilize in your low back and abdomen and improve your mobility. Studies show that for people with a history of low back pain, wearing back support can reduce lost days of work. Will support weaken core muscles? Experts say no need to worry.
6. Trim It Down
If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can ease your back pain. Overweight and obese people have nearly twice the rate of low back pain than healthy-weight people. The formula is simple, although carrying it out may not be: Eat less and move more.
7. Visit China
For chronic low back pain, acupuncture, a popular form of Chinese medicine, can result in less pain and better function after the procedure and may last up to 12 weeks. Inserting thin needles at specific points is said to help release the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
8. Manipulate It
Spinal manipulation and mobilization by a licensed chiropractor or osteopathic physician can relieve back pain and improve movement. They help to keep spine joints in proper alignment. Tell the practitioner if you have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression or inflammatory arthritis before trying these procedures.
9. Apply Pressure
Massage can provide relief for all types of pain but it’s not a long-term fix. If you have chronic back pain, not only your body will benefit from the therapy but also your mind. It’s a great stress reliever, which is also good news for pain relief and general well-being.
10. Put It Together
Studies show that combining physical and mental therapies may be the best way to reduce pain and get back to your activities. So, for example, develop a plan that includes yoga, massage, biofeedback and water exercise.
11. Medicate It
Sometimes self-care options don’t bring sufficient relief. In those cases, you may opt for medicines. Those that work best for chronic back pain include NSAIDs, opioids, tramadol and duloxetine. All medications have side effects and can interact with other medicines you take. Always discuss medication options with your doctor.
Managing Pain
View All Articles
Sleep Tips for Arthritis

Managing Pain

Sleep Tips for Arthritis
Arthritis can make sleeping difficult. These tips can help you get quality rest.
Read More
Tai Chi Shown to Ease Back Pain

Managing Pain

Tai Chi Shown to Ease Back Pain
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practice that has proven effective for easing back pain.
Read More
Quiz to Help Manage Pain
This eye-opening quiz may be just what you need to help you take control of arthritis pain.
Take the Quiz
Give & Get Your Best
Your gift does amazing things for the arthritis community. Help yourself and help others.
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Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.

 
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    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

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    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

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Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
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  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
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