Mononucleosis treatment may need to address problems like a sore back, aching muscles and painful joints. These symptoms are inflammatory conditions that are sometimes triggered by the Epstein Barr virus that causes mono.
So what mononucleosis treatments can you undertake to help relieve these painful conditions? Here’s a few to get you started…
- Firstly in the acute stage of mono when symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, fever, muscle aches and joint pain are common, the best remedy is best rest. Lie on a firm but comfortable mattress that allows you to rest and sleep well. If your back is sore, you can elevate your legs to take pressure off your back. Simply place a small pillow under your knees when lying on your back. If lying on your side, then place the pillow between your knees.
- If you can manage to get into a bath, a hot Epsom salt bath, which is high in magnesium can improve circulation, relax muscles and bring prompt pain relief.
- For a specific area of pain, you can apply a hot water bottle or heat pack to that part of the body. Some people prefer an ice pack, especially for a recent injury, or alternating heat and cold.
- A crucial part of mononucleosis treatment is the use of nutritional supplementation to support the healing process. For back, muscle and joint pain and inflammation, the most important nutrients are magnesium, the B complex, zinc, vitamin C and the essential fatty acids. For longer term problems like arthritis, torn cartilage or damaged ligaments, the use of chrondroitin or glucosamine are beneficial. These supplements can help to re-build damaged tissues.
- Diet plays a vital role in mononucleosis treatment. Aim for a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of alkaline vegetables and fruit. The use of the essential fats like those found in fish oils, flaxseed oil and raw nuts and seeds can help to reduce inflammation.
- When you are over the acute infection, mononucleosis treatment needs to address graded exercise. To start with, low impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, swimming or elliptical training are suitable. As you get stronger it is important to build up muscle tone, particularly in the abdomen and back. If you have a good, strong muscle tone, you are less likely to injure your back in the future. Exercises like sit ups, push ups, weight lifting, yoga, walking, swimming, jogging and cycling are good choices.
- Before you incorporate exercise into your mononucleosis treatment plan, it is advisable to get the all-clear from your doctor. Sometimes the spleen can remain enlarged. This increases the risk of exercise rupturing the spleen and causing further complications.
Natural mononucleosis treatment can go a long way in alleviating back, muscle and joint problems associated with this nasty illness. For further information on these therapies plus more, please refer to the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble.