The classic example is when you place your hand on a hot stove. The nerves in your hand send a message to the brain alerting it that damage is being done, and your brain responds by encouraging you to pull your hand away from the hot surface. It's a safety mechanism, designed to protect your body.

Arthritic pain is different in the sense that it's long lasting and you can't simply pull your hand away to bring about relief. Those who are afflicted with arthritis may experience little pain for a period of time, and then experience sudden flare ups without any apparent reason.

The secret to living with arthritis is learning to manage the pain. This can be done in a number of ways. There are medications for arthritis. There are alternative approaches to managing your arthritis pain, as well.  In fact, we'll explore some of these in this report.  And then there are the little day-to-day factors that help relieve pain.

For instance, arthritis pain can be aggravated by fatigue, stress, and/or too much physical exertion, depending on the form of arthritis and the level of fatigue. By being in tune with your body and aware of your limits, you can avoid additional pain simply by reducing these factors in your life.