The Fort Collins Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Fort Collins

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. Oberg Asks some important questions of interest to Fort Collins residents - Chiropractor Fort Collins Dr. Oberg Asks...

Can chiropractic cure a child's ear infections?
Chiropractic isn't a cure for anything. Nor is it a treatment for ear infections. However, many children who suffer with ear infections also suffer from spinal problems in their neck, compromising nerves to the ear, depressing the immune system and preventing proper drainage. Can chiropractic help? Find out!
Are chiropractors just concerned with the spine?
Our interest in the spine is because it covers the major communications conduit between your brain and your body. As a Fort Collins chiropractor my job is to locate areas (usually along the spine) that interfere with proper nerve communications to and from your brain. Chiropractic adjustments help restore nervous system integrity. In this way, chiropractic care can affect the function of your entire body.