Are You Taking NSAIDs For Your Back and Neck Pain?

NSAIDs For Back and Neck Pain?

Are you taking NSAIDs for your back and neck pain? NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin, ibuprophen and naproxen are NSAIDs.Research has shown that NSAIDs can actually inhibit the healing process.

NSAIDs prevent healing by decreasing collagen content of tissue. (American Journal of Sports Medicine 2008)

NSAIDs may decrease pain but might interfere with the healing process by blocking stress chemicals called prostaglandins, which are critical for generating muscle stem cells called satellite cells. NSAIDs interfere with muscle cell repair- so use them sparingly. (Journal Applied Physiology 103:415 - 416, 2007)

Study: NSAIDs wiped out an entire acute phase of healing (0 to 4 days). At day 4 - very little muscle regeneration compared to normal healing process. (Archives of Internal Medicine 1995, 23: 119 - 123)

Researchers had 54  ultramarathoners take either ibuprophen or a placebo the day before and day of a race. Samples of runners blood and urine were collected before the race and immediately afterward to measure indices of oxidative stress. Racers who took ibuprophen were found to have significantly higher oxidative stress levels. ( Muscle and Fitness May 2008)

Men who take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, etc.) at least twice a week increase their risk of experiencing hearing loss. (Analgesics use and the risk of hearing loss in men. American Journal of Medicine, March 2010: 123(3):231-7)

Aspirin or Ibuprophen (Advil, Nuprin) side effects - ulcer

Acetominophen (Tylenol)  side effects - liver toxicity

Risk of high blood pressure:

- Went up 38% in men who took NSAIDs 6 or 7 days/week

- Went up 34% in men who took acetominophen 6 or 7 days/week

- Went up 26% in men who took aspirin 6 or 7 days/week

Archives of Internal Medicine., Feb 26, 2007; vol 167: pp 394-399

So if you are experiencing back pain and would like a drug free alternative, call our office to make an appointment or call to talk to Dr Hermann about your case.

 HERMANN WELLNESS

309 663-2423