Joint pain can be very debilitating. If you, or someone close to you, suffers from it, you know that it can make life difficult. Walking, working, even spending time with friends can become a chore. For many, it is unbearable. In addition to these problems, chronic pain in your joints can cause other medical problems such as heart disease, immune system weakness, sleep problems, and depression. All these reasons make it important for you to get your pain under control.

There are many possible causes of joint pain. You should see your doctor to determine the cause. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. But until you get a diagnosis, there are plenty of things you can try.

Over-the-counter medications. Nearly every grocery and convenience store carries pain-relief medication. Do not let their availability, and popularity, trick you into thinking they are safe to use indiscriminately. These medications are very effective, but should only be used sparingly and with a doctor's permission. They can react badly with medications you are already taking or make an existing problem worse. The pain-relief results you experience will depend on the type of medicine, the dose, and your individual physiology.

Glucosamine. This is a very popular natural treatment for joint health. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body, and is important for re-building cartilage in the joints. It's most commonly found in capsule form, and can be purchased at your local drug store.

MSM. MSM is an abbreviation for Methylsulfonylmethane. Do not let the big name fool you, MSM is a sulfur compound that exists naturally in plants. When consumed, it helps reduce inflammation in the body's tissues. It also works to strengthen connective tissue in the joints. MSM is available as a supplement, often combined with glucosamine.

Diet changes. Not many people realize how much difference small diet changes can make. Some foods are naturally high in anti-inflammatories. Things to try: ginger, tumeric, salmon, leafy greens, nuts, seeds and berries. Foods high in Omega-3 acids will improve circulation as well. Inflammation-causing foods you want to stay away from citrus fruits and any member of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers).

Acupuncture and massage therapy. Some shy away fro acupuncture, but it is a proven method of pain relief that has been used for centuries. Massage is also a very useful tool, and is highly effective at soothing pain, relaxing muscles, and preventing the depression that can be a result of improper pain management.

There are many treatments for joint pain. It may take a period of trial and error to find the right combination of methods and substances for you, but the effort is well worth it. So talk to your doctor and get your pain under control!