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When you’re in pain, your first impulse may be to reach for that bottle of aspirin on your nightstand. Most people rely on pain medication to ease their discomfort and provide them with relief. In fact, according to the Food and Drug Administration, there are more than 300,000 over-the-counter drug products on the market. However, many pain medications don’t promote good health for your body in the long-run, but instead provide a temporary relief that can easily become habit.

It’s important to understand that there are two main categories of this type of pain medication: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). NSAIDS, such as aspirin, ease pain, lower fever and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen also eases pain and lowers fever, but does not reduce inflammation.

While NSAIDS may have revolutionized the treatment of pain, they don’t come without some drawbacks. Regular use has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. They can also be hard on the stomach, causing ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. These tend to occur with frequent use over a long period of time, so there is no need to stress if you take the occasional aspirin for relief of soreness or pain.

Acetaminophen is easier on the stomach than NSAIDS, but also comes with its own set of problems. It can cause damage to the liver, with the upper limit set at 3,250 milligrams a day; or about 10 regular-strength acetaminophen tablets. Large doses are the main risk, and of course, drinking alcohol while taking these medication increases the likelihood of liver damage.

It’s important to beware of blood pressure increases and kidney woes as well if you’re regularly taking these medications for pain. People who already have high blood pressure are at a greater risk, but those with normal blood pressure can be affected as well.

Again, taking the occasional tylenol or motrin to relieve a headache or sore muscles will most likely not cause these issues, and is completely harmless. However, there are many natural practices and painkillers out there that are inexpensive to try and provide positive health effects simultaneously.

If it’s better for your body and health, why not give it a try?

Chiropractic care can provide powerful pain relief, simply because it treats the pain itself, not just the symptoms. For example, if your neck has been bothering you, a painkiller will relieve the pain temporarily, but the pain is bound to come back within a few hours or days. Seeing a chiropractor might correct the actual cause of the pain. They look closely at the nervous system, which controls just about everything in the body. With so many nerves running alongside the spine, the health of your spine can change everything.

Chiropractors can also provide pain-management tools to practice at home in between visits for patients to take full advantage of the benefits. Chiropractic care also comes with low risk. The most common side effect is some soreness at the site of the adjustment.

For more than twenty-five years, Auburn Chiropractic Associates has been helping patients achieve happier, healthier lives by combining safe and effective procedures with individualized treatment plans, a warm and caring environment and a passion for education.

Our team treats patients of all ages with a wide range of health conditions. We take the time to get to know you and your needs in order to provide individual treatment plans that ensure you receive quality care with excellent outcomes.

Instead of reaching for those painkillers when something doesn't feel right, give your body the proper care it deserves and try chiropractic treatment today. Your journey to lasting wellness starts here. Call us today to schedule your consultation!

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