False. More than half of people affected by arthritis are under age 65 and many are under age 45. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, even children.

True. If the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. If the cushioning cartilage in the joint becomes damaged, you may have osteoarthritis or “wear and tear” arthritis.

False. Interventions to prevent or reduce arthritis-related pain include: gentle chiropractic manipulation, weight control, physical activity, massage therapy, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and acupressure, decreasing food sensitivities, diet therapy, prayer and spirituality, etc.

True. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture or ligament injury.

True. Sudden onset is possible, but, generally, the pain develops gradually. A joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend. Pain and swelling are worse in the morning after sleeping or after a period of inactivity. Pain also may increase after walking, stair climbing or kneeling.

False. Researchers are making progress in finding the underlying causes for the major types of arthritis.

True. However, it can occur in other joints, also. Arthritis occurs more in women than in men and usually after the age of 40-45.

False. Rheumatoid arthritis is not an inherited disease.

True. However, research is underway to develop techniques to replace or “grow” cartilage in areas where it has been worn away.

False. Regular exercise strengthens bones, increases muscle mass and reduces joint and muscle pain.

Symptom	none	mild	moderate	severe
Hot Flashes					Low Estrogen
Night Sweats
Vaginal Dryness
Incontinence
Irregular Periods					Estrogen Dominance
Uterine Fibroids
Water Retention
Tender Breasts
Fibrocystic Breasts
Increased Forgetfulness
Foggy Thinking
Tearful
Depressed
Mood Swings
Stress					Adrenal
Morning Fatigue
Difficulty Sleeping
Decreased Stamina
Anxious
Irritable
Nervous
Fibromyalgia
Allergies
Headaches
Sugar Cravings
Dizzy Spells
Cold Body Temperature					Thyroid
Goiter
Hoarseness
Hair Dry or Brittle
Nails Breaking or Brittle
Constipation
Slow Pulse Rate
Rapid Heartbeat
Heart Palpitations
Infertility Problems
Acne					Metabolic Syndrome High Androgens
Increased Facial/Body Hair
Scalp Hair Loss
Weight Gain – Hips
Weight Gain – Waist
High Cholesterol
Elevated Triglycerides
Decreased Libido					Low Androgens/ Other
Decreased Muscle Size
Thinning Skin
Ringing in Ears
Rapid Aging
Aches and Pains
Bone Loss

Please review the symptom check list below and indicate any symptoms you are experiencing.

Symptom	none	mild	moderate	severe
Decreased Urine Flow					Estrogen Dominance
Increased Urinary Urge
Prostate Problems
Weight Gain – Chest / Hips
Weight Gain – Waist
Decreased Libido					Metabolic Syndrome/ Low Androgens
Decreased Erections
Ringing in Ears
High Cholesterol
Elevated Triglycerides
Hot Flashes
Night Sweats
Decreased Mental Sharpness
Increased Forgetfulness
Decreased Muscle Size
Decreased Flexibility
Sore Muscles
Increased Joint Pain
Bone Loss
Rapid Aging
Thinning Skin
Decreased Stamina
Burned Out Feeling					Adrenals
Stress
Morning Fatigue
Evening Fatigue
Difficulty Sleeping
Apathy
Depressed
Mental Fatigue
Anxious
Irritable
Nervous
Headaches
Sugar Cravings
Dizzy Spells
Cold Body Temperature					Thyroid/ Other
Goiter
Hoarseness
Hair Dry or Brittle
Constipation
Slow Pulse Rate
Rapid Heartbeat
Heart Palpitations
Infertility problems
Allergies

POINT SCALE

0= never or almost never have the symptom
1= occasionally have it, effect is not severe
2= occasionally have it, effect is severe
3= frequently have it, effect is not severe
4= frequently have it, effect is severe

DIGESTIVE

___ Nausea or vomiting

___ Diarrhea

___ Constipation

___ Bloated feeling

___ Belching, passing gas

___ Heartburn

___ TOTAL

EARS

___ Itchy ears

___ Earaches, ear infection

___ Drainage from ear

___ Ringing in ears, hearing loss

___ TOTAL

EMOTIONS

___ Mood swings

___ Anxiety, fear, nervousness

___ Anger, irritability

___ Depression

___ TOTAL

ENERGY/ACTIVITY

___ Fatigue, sluggishness

___ Apathy, lethargy

___ Hyperactivity

___ Restlessness

___ TOTAL

EYES

___ Watery, itchy eyes

___ Swollen, reddened or sticky eyelids

___ Dark circles under eyes

___ Blurred/tunnel vision

___ TOTAL

HEAD

___ Headaches

___ Faintness

___ Dizziness

___ Insomnia

___ TOTAL

LUNGS

___ Chest congestion

___ Asthma, bronchitis

___ Shortness of breath

___ Difficulty breathing

___ TOTAL

MIND

___ Poor memory

___ Confusion

___ Poor concentration

___ Poor coordination

___ Difficulty making decisions

___ Stuttering, stammering

___ Slurred speech

___ Learning disabilities

___ TOTAL

MOUTH/THROAT

___ Chronic coughing

___ Gagging, frequent need to clear throat

___ Sore throat, hoarse

___ Swollen or discolored tongue, gums, lips

___ Canker sores

___ TOTAL

NOSE

___ Stuffy nose

___ Sinus problems

___ Hay fever

___ Sneezing attacks

___ Excessive mucus

___ TOTAL

SKIN

___ Acne

___ Hives, rashes, dry skin

___ Hair loss

___ Flushing or hot flashes

___ Excessive sweating

___ TOTAL

HEART

___ Skipped heartbeats

___ Rapid heartbeats

___ Chest pain

___ TOTAL

JOINTS/MUSCLES

___ Pain or aches in joints

___ Arthritis

___ Stiffness, limited movement

___ Pain, aches in muscles

___ Feeling of weakness or tiredness

___ TOTAL

WEIGHT

___ Binge eating/drinking

___ Craving certain foods

___ Excessive weight

___ Compulsive eating

___ Water retention

___ Underweight

___ TOTAL

OTHER

___ Frequent illness

___ Frequent or urgent urination

___ Genital itch, discharge

___ TOTAL

______GRAND TOTAL