A study from The Annals of Internal Medicine in 1991, reported that the risk of peptic ulceration increased from 400 % to 800% with the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, and Naprosyn. They are commonly used for fevers, body aches, sprains and strains, headaches and arthritis pain.

In 1994, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that people who take NSAIDs over the course of their lifetime increased their possibility of renal (kidney) failure by over 800%. It is estimated that NSAID use leads to 75,000 hospitalizations and 7,500 deaths each year in the U.S. and NSAIDs are the number one cause of drug interactions each year.

Dr. William Evans is Director of the Noll Physiological Research Center at Pennsylvania State University and co-author of Biomarkers; The Ten Keys to prolong Vitality. He gives the following recommendations regarding taking NSAIDs for muscle soreness.

"If you want to take something I would recommend acetaminophen (generic name for Tylenol) not aspirin or ibuprofen. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs block the production of prostaglandins in the muscle, which cause some of the pain.

It is our belief that prostglandins, and the soreness that they cause, are a natural consequence of the repair process that ultimately makes the muscle stronger. So by blocking the prostaglandins, you block the repair."

When you use these medications use them in the minimum dose that is effective. Avoid taking NSAIDs for prolonged periods. If your medical doctor prescribes an NSAID don't take more than has been prescribed. When you pick up that bottle of aspirin stop and think do you really need it or can you do your normal activities without it? And, remember your friendly neighborhood chiropractic doctor can help with many of the conditions you would use pain relievers for.

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