As medical professionals, we read a great deal of information about conditions, treatments, and other aspects of the healthcare field. And oftentimes, we come across pieces that state the dangers of taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and other over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. And doctors are notorious for recommending patients take them for pain. However, in comparison, chiropractic care reigns supreme for this reason and others.
General Information
We’re not telling you to never take another acetaminophen or ibuprofen ever again if you need it. These drugs aren’t always necessary. though, and can come with their share of side effects. Not to mention, any of these OTC medications won’t target the source of the pain because that’s not how these drugs work. Their job is to make the pain go away or lessen your pain to make it more comfortable for you.
Why OTC Medications Aren’t the Answer
Occasionally taking an acetaminophen tablet isn’t dangerous for most people. In fact, it’s very well tolerated by most people. It, however, can cause side effects, such as the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
In the more serious cases, someone who is highly allergic to the drug could go into anaphylactic shock from it. While uncommon, some patients experience bloody or tarry stools from it or bloody or cloudy urine. Lip ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, or fever are possible as well, to list a few.
Someone who takes acetaminophen every day could develop liver problems. Signs of this include yellowing of the eyes, also known as jaundice. With long-term use, you could experience digestive tract issues. Studies have linked extended use with an elevated chance of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. Liver damage is possible since this organ breaks down most of the medication.
NSAIDs are predominantly broken down in the kidneys, which increases your risk of kidney disease. Stomach ulcers are a common problem with the extended use of these drugs. It’s important to note that NSAIDs are mainly broken down by the kidneys, possibly causing kidney damage from long-term use. In rare cases, they cause drug-induced hepatitis.
We should note that these are merely some examples of the short and long-term consequences of OTC analgesics.
Why Chiropractic Care Is the Answer
With chiropractic care, you may alleviate or lessen your reliance on over-the-counter pain meds. Therefore, you’re not increasing your risk of kidney or liver damage in the future from repetitive use. Plus, you’re decreasing your risk of various other long-term issues associated with OTC pain reliever use that aren’t listed above.
In addition, you won’t have to contend with the possible side effects of short-term use of OTC analgesics, or you’ll only have to deal with them occasionally if you’re still taking any type of pain reliever.
Unlike any of the major OTC medications for pain, chiropractic care is all-natural and doesn’t require you to ingest any type of substance that could harm you.
In general, chiropractic care isn’t known to cause many side effects. And the ones it does cause are only temporary and mild. Research hasn’t shown any long-term side effects from chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care is much more customizable than taking NSAIDs and other OTC pain relievers. While they do come in a few dosages, every treatment given to you at a chiropractor’s office is completely tailored to the patient’s needs. Whether you’re pregnant, have certain health conditions, etc., we can alter the treatment to accommodate your particular needs.
Lastly, the medications don’t target the root of your problem. You take them merely to mask the pain. And if it’s not an issue that heals, you won’t get rid of it; the pain will merely linger. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, gets to the root of the problem and can promote healing, speeding and optimizing your recovery.
At Premier Chiropractic, serving Bessemer, AL, and the nearby region, our practitioner gives you an alternative to OTC pain meds. We’ll devise a plan specifically for you to help you manage your pain through a holistic approach.
Book an appointment with us today by calling 205-519-4024. You may also reach us via our online contact form.
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