Alternative for an Anti Inflammatory
Although anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to treat pain---from chronic pain to acute injury or muscle pains---other treatment options may provide equal or better pain relief without the common side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Considerations
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Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (also known as NSAIDS) commonly cause gastric side effects, such as stomach discomfort or stomach lining irritation. In addition, though, NSAIDS can impair kidney function and can even worsen the body's ability to heal after injury or surgery. Alternatives that can work as well as these powerful drugs are necessary.
Acetaminophen
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Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter medication that provides pain relief without affecting swelling, because it primarily blocks pain by decreasing chemicals that transmit pain signals instead of decreasing chemicals that start an inflammation response in the body.
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Counterirritants
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Topical formulations, like creams and patches, can replace anti-inflammatory drugs for acute pain. These products contain ingredients, such as menthol, capsaicin or lidocaine, that decrease or replace pain sensations temporarily.
Narcotics
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Prescription products with codeine or codeine-related ingredients (also known as narcotics or opioids) may be used for pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter treatments. Instead of decreasing swelling or inflammation response by the body, narcotics block brain receptors that sense pain.
Alternatives
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According to JC Maroon et al in Surgical Neurology 2006 and Neurosurgical Focus 2007, several complementary medicine agents appear as or more effective at reducing pain and swelling and improving healing than traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Agents like omega-3 EFA fish oil, white willow bark, turmeric and green tea act as natural anti-inflammatory agents on many of the body's inflammation pathways.
Warning
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Each of these alternatives to anti-inflammatory drugs has its own side effects--from drowsiness to liver failure. Some pain medications have particular risks of overdose, and appropriate doses of natural remedies are not always known.
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