It is well established that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have prominent analgesic effects, however, these medications have certain side effects. There is much to admire about NSAIDs but here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Alleviation of pain. Pain relief alleviates one’s experience of the sensation thereby making you feel more functional.
- A decrease in inflammation. Although inflammation is essential in the body’s healing process, too much inflammation over time is bad and can inhibit your holistic wellbeing. This is where NSAIDs are good in significantly decreasing inflammatory response which, if prolonged, causes free radicals.
Cons:
- Mask the effects of an injury. A person will continue with the destructive movement and cause more damage to the already injured site. This happens frequently.
- Severe side effects such as stomach ulcers, kidney damage as well as cardiovascular implications. Although these conditions are often seen in chronic use of NSAIDs, one must be careful when taking these drugs. They should generally be taken on a full stomach of water in order to prevent damage to the mucus lining of the stomach.
Research has shown that the healing of sports injuries after a two-week period is similar whether using NSAIDs or not. Always consult your physician if you decide to take anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief or for increasing your quality of life.
Alternatives to NSAIDs?
There are alternative ways of controlling pain and inflammation. A basic, more natural approach, is to first use the RICE regime: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Simple manipulation of the topical temperature of a certain part of the body has great analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Although this regime is mostly used for peripheral joints, application over the central part of the body has great relief for lower back pain and cervicogenic headaches.
In conclusion, NSAIDs are great for immediate pain relief but this comes at a certain cost and so they must be used wisely.
For the treatment of injuries and inflammation make an appointment with physiotherapist Carel van Aswegen today.