Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain for minor conditions such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and joint pain. Many athletes use ibuprofen to temporarily suppress joint pain and inflammation from sports injuries or prior to playing their chosen sports. While we may believe Advil or Motrin (both contain ibuprofen) are harmless, regular use can, over a period of time, cause negative effects and put your health in dire condition.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve) are not safe for long-term use and can wreak havoc on many areas of your body. Common side effects of ibuprofen include nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, raised liver enzymes, diarrhea, constipation, epistaxis (nosebleed), headache, dizziness, priapism, rash, salt and fluid retention, and hypertension (high blood pressure), to name a few. Regular ibuprofen use can cause hypogonadism, a condition that can lead to male infertility, erectile dysfunction, depression, or loss of bone and muscle mass. It can also cause hormonal disruptions and produce less testosterone. Another organ that can be affected by the regular use of painkillers is your kidneys. Loss of renal function with long-term use can ultimately result in kidney failure. Therefore, while dealing with pain, it is important to think of root causes and address it long-term, not just look for immediate short-term effects and relief.
Medications such as ibuprofen also suppress your natural immunity and ability to proliferate healthy cells. It can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with or without established heart disease. If you take ibuprofen, take it at the lowest dose for the shortest period possible. A better way of managing joint and muscle pain is by regular use of a heating pad. We find this simple device to be extremely helpful in relieving pain. Its consistent use is highly recommended and, in some cases, can eliminate the need for any pain medications. Heat promotes circulation by opening up blood vessels. The more blood flows around the area of pain, the more nutrients get there and pain chemicals are washed away much more quickly. Staying well hydrated also greatly helps by keeping your blood thin and easy flowing. A good amount of water intake throughout the day can help wash away pain-causing toxins released in our body.
If the pain still persists, always seek advice with your doctor. You may also want to explore regenerative treatments, such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or stem cell therapy. Regenerative treatments cause regeneration and repair by healing the cells damaged in your body. Such treatments help reduce pain and improve your mobility. You can then avoid dangerous pain medications and/or surgery. Give your body a chance to heal itself naturally with your own cells. With less scar tissue formation compared to surgery, regenerative cell therapy offers you quick and easy recovery. Given how badly ibuprofen and similar drugs can affect our cells, it is often advisable not to use these drugs. They certainly limit the ability of your cells to regenerate and repair.
To learn more about regenerative treatments for your pain, call 949-734-9696 to request additional information.