...more about the Origin of Pain.

Studies were undertaken to evaluate the clinical and scientific effectiveness of StayActiv’s capabilities on research volunteers experiencing various levels of everyday (non-disease) aches and pains associated with muscles, joints, and tissue (musculoskeletal). The study also evaluated StayActiv potency in a cell culture model for blocking the release of inflammatory mediators, a major cause of musculosketal pain when someone of an active lifestyle “over-does-it.” These results were compared to traditional over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products used to relieve similar types of routine pain.

Specifically, a study done in 1998 called “Pain in America” stated that three in four pain sufferers (78%) take over-the-counter pain remedies now, or have done so in the past five years. The three types of over-the-counter pain remedies that routine pain sufferers are most likely to take are:

• Acetaminophen (60%)
• Non-prescription, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen (43%), naproxen (13%) and ketoprofen (1%))
• Aspirin (25%)

Pain sufferers who take over-the-counter pain remedies are most likely to take them on a daily basis (46%). But, only 1 out of 4 Americans experiencing pain received sufficient treatment which could be due to the fear of ingesting a foreign chemical into the body or the potential of suffering side effects that cause complications with the stomach, liver, and kidneys.

A 1999 National Pain Survey stated half of pain sufferers are reluctant to take certain types of prescription pain medications. Side-effects (50%) and stomach problems (12%) are the most likely reasons for patients' reluctance to take pain drugs. One in seven (14%) routine pain sufferers (about 2.4 million adults) who use over-the-counter pain remedies say they either developed an ulcer or severe gastrointestinal problem that was caused by their over-the-counter pain drug.

Another reason for the reluctance of individuals to use these products is the fact that many don’t receive the desired results from traditional over-the-counter pain remedies. More than four out of ten people suffering moderate to severe pain were unable to find adequate pain relief as reported in this study. (27) The painkillers found on the market today tend to simply conceal the pain while the body gradually heals.

There are two main sources that produce routine musculoskeletal pain and soreness in the human body. One such source begins with the onset of inflammation at the site of an injury or over-stressed muscle or joint. Chemical mediators cause the blood vessels in the area to dilate allowing more blood flow. The increased blood flow is the reason for the redness and warmth of an injured area. Also trigged are changes in the endothelial cells that line walls of the blood vessels. They become “leaky” and permit plasma to exit the blood vessels to the site of the injured tissue. The outflow of plasma from the vessels to the tissue cells where it builds up is what causes the swelling, pressure on nerves and ultimately, pain.

Another strong chemical contributor to the production of pain is the prostaglandins. Inflammation and tissue damage cause the induction of Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) that catalyzes the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the chemical messengers that promote inflammation which in turn results in the increase of pain and more inflammation leading potentially to a more painful situation. Non-prescription medications such as Ibuprofen, Celexocib®, and Aspirin®, which fall under the category of NSAIDs, are COX-2 inhibitors. These inhibitors cause a decreased production rate of prostaglandins, therefore decreasing pain.

There are also drugs that simply mask the pain and don’t attack the prostaglandin production. This category includes such drugs as Acetaminophen, which is designed to basically increase ones’ pain tolerance in order to hide the pain. Acetaminophen does alter some production of prostaglandins but solely in the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). This study found that due to the natural occurring characteristics of the StayActiv compound which support anti-inflammation, it can help promote recovery and relief as effectively as the common non-prescription drugs.

A second common cause of musculoskeletal pain and soreness is due to localized anaerobic conditions generated in the body, usually due to some kind of strenuous activity. The anaerobic conditions yield the production of Lactate (lactic acid), which causes pain in the muscles. No product currently on the market is designed to target this source of pain although it has been found that certain compounds can promote a reduction in the production of lactates. StayActiv is such a compound and can effectively and naturally support relief of this condition.

StayActiv is a supplement in that it is an efficient and purified form of the naturally occurring molecule that the body normally uses to repair strained muscles, joints, and tissues both quickly and effectively (but that the body has limited stores of). Essentially, the active component in StayActiv is a molecule that already exists in the body (100% natural compounds) but typically not at optimal levels, and studies show that StayActiv promotes restored muscle and joint health without any side effects.