Joint pain is caused by many factors. The condition can be caused by any injuries that can affect the ligaments, tendons, and bursae that surround the joints. The injury can also affect the cartilage, ligaments, as well as the bones near the joint. Pain is also a symptom of arthritis also known as inflammation of the joint. Another thing that can cause joint pain is tumor. Arthralgia is also another term for joint pain.

Doctors usually prescribe medications to promote joint pain relief. Some of these medications include acetaminophen, NSAID, acetylsalicilic acid, aspirin, analgesic, antipyretic, naproxen, ibuprofen and others.

Here are some of the conditions where the drugs aforementioned are used:

* arthritis
* bursitis
* aseptic necrosis
* cartilage tear
* fracture
* sprain
* tendinitis

Other standard treatments used and prescribed by physicians include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, dietary supplements and orthopedic bracing. Joint replacement surgery is a more permanent means for joint pain relief but also, it is a very costly procedure and as with any other kinds of surgery, recovering from it is difficult.

For some people who have tried and failed in coping pain by using many synthetic drugs and protocols to accomplish joint pain relief, resorting to more natural means is much better. Fore them, alternative treatments to manage joint pain are cheaper, safer and more effected. They are cheap because branded medicines and professional fees to physicians are waved and people think that alternative treatments will not cause any side effects to the body.

Natural or alternative medications that can give relief to painful joints involve physical activities designed for joint pain management, herbal medicines, therapy, massage acupuncture, and meditation. Some also involve diets which can help ward off pain.

Many people suffering from different kinds of pain also travel to countries which are popular tourist destinations for massages. These massages according to experts can release the stress in the body and bring relief to painful joints.

Aside from massage, acupuncture is also proven to help relieve the pain not just brought by the joint but pain in the other areas of the body as well. Acupuncture's status as a simple oriental alternative treatment has evolved and become more specialized with more physicians in the western hemisphere incorporating the treatment to the therapy of their patients. Acupuncture can relive joint pain by using needles that can induce the release of good chemicals that help in suppressing pain. Also, it has been suggested that acupuncture helps to treat the exact problem area because it is very specific.

Herbal medicines can also help in giving joint pain relief. Some herbals include ginger, Indian ginseng and peperomia. Ginger can be made into tea and enjoyed as a drink. Indian ginseng on the other hand serves as ingredients in Ayurvedic treatments. The leaves and stalk of the peperomia herb are edible and can be included in salads. Just boil 1 cup of the leaves or stalk in 2 cups of water, sieve the solid remnants and enjoy the drink during mornings and afternoons.

There are natural and conventional means of treatment for joint pain. It's up to you to choose between them and of course, not all treatments work for different people. Consulting experts and doing research is also essential.