Over-the-Counter Pain MedicationsOver-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and acetaminophen (TylenolTM) can be problematic for individuals with food allergies or liver problems. The NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen (MotrinTM, AdvilTM), celecoxib (CelebrexTM), naproxen (AleveTM), the prescription arthritis drug indomethacin (IndocinTM), and others. Although most are sold without a prescription, these medications can harm some people. A single dose of aspirin or other NSAIDs can increase intestinal permeability tremendously in individuals with possibly compromised intestinal health. This includes people with food allergies as well as intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, other inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This increased permeability can lead to worsening food allergies especially if the drug is taken long-term. [1] The Physician's Desk Reference warns about the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and reports that a NSAID arthritis drug can lead to the development of inflammatory bowel disease. [2] Dr. W. A. Shrader, Jr. says that all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause some degree of mucosal atrophy in the intestine. [3] Acetaminophen (TylenolTM) also can be problematic because the liver can be challenged by the task of detoxifying it. It should be avoided by those with liver disease or who consume alcohol. [4] What can we do for pain instead of using drugs? The most effective treatment is to treat the problem causing pain. Dr. Leo Galland reports that having patients avoid all foods to which they are allergic can eliminate arthritis pain and the need for drugs. [5] For other types of joint and muscle pain, seek treatment from a physical therapist who pays attention to the whole body, not just the painful area. Sometimes postural problems or issues with neighboring joints can affect the painful area even if the original problem was due to an injury. Then diligently do the exercises the therapist prescribes. There are many natural remedies for pain; this list is not exhaustive. For sore muscles or injuries, application of cold (initially) or heat can help. A half-hour soak in a bathtub of warm water with one cup of Epsom salts relaxes achy muscles and sooths joints. Herbal remedies taken regularly, such as feverfew for migraine headaches, can reduce dependence on drugs. Acupuncture is also effective for pain. I have found homeopathic arnica to be very effective. Before my mastectomy, I told a nutritionist about my desire to avoid drugs. She told me that when she had surgery, she had her family slip her arnica beginning as soon as possible after surgery. She said arnica could be used as often as every half hour and then less frequently when the pain did not return in a half hour. She also told me what drug to ask for instead of the more "potent" narcotics if needed. (It wasn't needed). I did very well with the arnica, an intravenous form of ibuprofen which was started at the conclusion of the surgery and continued through my twenty-two hour hospital stay, and TylenolTM for about two weeks at home. Since then I have used arnica for muscle and joint pain and arthritis. Homeopathic remedies come in different strengths depending on how they are diluted; which strength is needed may vary between individuals and with the condition treated. I tried homeopathic arnica for surgical-type pain when I had a 2 1/2 hour needle biopsy to remove all calcifications from the non-affected breast to determine if it also needed to be removed. The 200C strength was effective then so I took it for my surgery. Now I use the 30C strength for aches and pains. Homeopathic combinations for pain or arthritis also are helpful. Finally, consume anti-inflammatory foods and supplements regularly. Omega-3 fatty acids and boswellia taken daily can reduce inflammation and chronic pain. From Healing Basics, try the "Ginger Tea" recipes on pages 191 to 192 and the high-omega-3 seed milk and smoothie recipes on pages 188 to 189. Footnotes
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