All of us have experienced, at one time or another, the temporary inflammation and pain of a minor injury. But those who suffer from chronic inflammation–whether the result of an injury or a biological disorder–and its coincidental pain are all too aware of the frequently crippling and debilitating effects of these conditions. In The Cox-2 Connection, pharmacist and naturalist James B. LaValle shares a thorough overview of treatment options for a variety of disorders for which inflammation is a primary symptom–from osteoarthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis, gout and dysbiosis. He clearly explains the physiological mechanism that leads to inflammation and pain and includes an in-depth section on pain-management strategies useful for anyone who is experiencing this discomfort, whether temporary or chronic. Cox-2–or cyclooxygenase-2–is the key enzyme responsible for the body’s inflammation and pain response in conditions such as arthritis and bursitis, and it is also linked to the inflammation that may play a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer’s and cancer. The Cox-2 Connection, however, goes further than other pain management books by dealing with not only the synthetic, anti-inflammatory Cox-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Vioxx, but also with their natural counterparts that have been used for thousands of years by people all over the world. The author thoughtfully evaluates the effectiveness of these inhibitors as well as their side effects and presents exciting new studies that indicate their possible role in preventing Alzheimer’s and cancer. The Cox-2 Connection is an essential and timely reference for anyone trying to understand and manage inflammation and pain and make sense of the exploding availability and potential of ways to deal with them.
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