Read on for more information from our chiropractic clinic in Ashland OH.

NSAID DRUG FACTS IN Ashland OH

Many people turn to over the counter NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, Tylenol) for their aches and pains. The mentality in today's society is, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and then when it feels lousy we take a pill to cover it up. It may make us feel better, but you may not realize the unintended consequences that come along with these seemingly "harmless" drugs. If you're taking one of these, you should be aware of the dangers, and understand that just because something is "over-the-counter" doesn't mean "safe". Remember the stories of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and cancer and reproductive tract defects, swine flu vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome, or aspirin and Reyes syndrome?

Another story of unintended consequences associated with NSAID drugs is currently unfolding. If you are taking NSAIDs for your headaches, back or neck pain, or any symptom, for that matter, you need to know what the FDA says about them:

• NSAID medicines may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death.
• NSAID medicines can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment.
• NSAID medicines should only be used:
  exactly as prescribed at the lowest dose possible for your treatment

Much has been written with regards to NSAIDs and their caustic effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The unintended consequences of NSAIDs are not limited to the GI tract: this is just the most widely written about and experienced side effect.

Researchers estimate that 8-10% of the overall incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is attributable to acetaminophen. The risk was dose dependent with measurable increases of risk beginning at 105-365 pills per year or greater than 1,000 pills per lifetime. Aspirin did not increase the risk of ESRD, however, other NSAIDs (non-aspirin, non-acetaminophen) sharply increased ESRD risk in persons who consumed 5,000 or more pills during their lifetime. These are doses easily achieved with over-the-counter products.

Problem: Painkillers will only treat the symptoms, not the cause of your pain.

Although you may feel better for a time, that false sense of pain free living can actually cause more damage. Pain is your body's warning signal, letting you know that something in the body is wrong. Although low back pain or headaches may be common, they are not normal! If you cover up that signal, the problem will often become worse over time, and sometimes the damage may become irreversible.

Are you experiencing low back pain, neck pain, or headaches and live in Ashland or Richland County? Do you have recurrent pain that comes and goes or chronic pain that just always seems to be there? How does it affect your activity of daily living? Does it keep you from work or playing with the kids? Has it affected your hobbies or recreational activities? Does your family walk on eggshells around you because your patience has run thin? It may not keep you from doing anything, but what you may or may not have noticed is that over time the pain slowly affects your overall well being. Inflammation in the body, if left uncorrected, can lead to long-term complications, chronic disease, and early death.

Chiropractic is a natural, safe way to address the CAUSE of your problems and work to correct them, leading you to long-term health. Don't just cover up the problem, get it corrected. Schedule a consultation to see if chiropractic is right for you.