The Rowlett Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Rowlett

NSAIDs – Friend or Foe?

Vioxx. Celebrex. Bextra. These are the prescription strength NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, that were removed from the market recently because their use led to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Now we are warned that users of over-the-counter NSAIDs (i.e., Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen and aspirin) to pay close attention to the instructions on the label, as these too may pose an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, studies conducted in Britain concluded the use of NSAIDs led to a greater risk for gastroduodenal conditions (i.e., stomach bleeding, lesions, ulcers). One such study found that one in 1200 patients taking NSAIDs for at least two months died from gastroduodenal complications. The researchers pointed out that age and overall health may affect their outcomes, however, their results strongly suggest that chronic use of NSAIDs can result in severe complications. They advocate usage of only the minimum dosage for the shortest amount of time.

NSAID Pills

And as if these effects weren’t enough, long-term use of NSAIDs can cause damage to the eyes, including dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinol hemorrhage.

Besides regular chiropractic care, what are some alternatives you can use to relieve inflammation and pain?

  • Fish oils, that contain omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to be effective in reducing neck and low back pain.

  • Eliminating sugar and grains from your diet helps lessen arthritis pain.

  • Increasing the amount of vitamin D your body receives, through sun exposure or cod liver oil, helps control rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Certain herbs, such as willow bark, are effective and natural alternatives to reduce inflammation and pain.

The bottom line? Both prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs have come under close examination by the FDA in recent years. In light of the research, chiropractic care is certainly a safer alternative for instances in which people normally take NSAIDs.

If you know someone who reaches for the medicine cabinet to relieve pain, encourage them to call us for a no-obligation consultation.

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Dr. Fowler Asks some important questions of interest to Rowlett residents - Chiropractor Rowlett Dr. Fowler Asks...

How could chiropractic help a stomach problem?
Chiropractic works by locating and reducing areas of the spine compromising nerve communications between your brain and your body. If nerves to or from your stomach are irritated, your stomach won't work right. Chiropractors find the source of the interference, reduce it and allow your body to work as designed.
How could a child benefit from chiropractic?
Regardless of our age, each of us in Rowlett encounters physical, chemical and emotional stresses that exceed our ability to handle. For newborns, it could be the trauma encountered at birth. For toddlers it could be from learning to walk or ride a bike. Many of the problems we chiropractors see in adults are the result of neglected traumas from childhood.