At Ellerslie Osteopaths we do recommend the use of pain killers and anti inflammatory medications though you should not be using them for more than a few days at a time.
They are a good first line of defence.
This class of drugs reduce pain and inflammation.
This is good after an incident or injury. Inflammation and pain are often worse than the injury warrants.
Reducing pain and inflammation will allow you to sleep better and function in a more normal fashion. Being able to move is beneficial if you are in pain.
In nearly all cases movement within a tolerably pain free range will have a beneficial effect on the injured tissue. Movement reduces inflammation and increases blood supply to the area which speeds healing.
Over the counter, non prescription pain killers and anti inflammatories drugs fall broadly into these three types.
Paracetamol, Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
Paracetamol- is sold under that name Paracetamol , Panadol , Pamol (for children)
Some ‘over the counter’ drugs combine Paracetamol in them — Maxigesic, Codral, Panadeine, Sudafed, Coldrex.
These are mostly pain killers.
Aspirin – Is sold under the names – Aspirin , Aspec , Cartia, Cardiprin.
This is a pain killer.
Aspirin is also used as a so called blood thinner and is often advised for people who have a heart or blood vessel disorder. Lots of people who deem themselves to be at risk of heart and vascular disease take half an Aspirin a day.
It is also likely that taking aspirin regularly lessens the chance of getting bowel cancer though this is not yet a conclusive finding.
Ibruprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Branded in NZ as simply — Ibruprofen or Nurofen, Brufen, Advil, Medix.
Can be taken for head aches, muscular pain or stomach pain.
Different people respond to the different drugs in their own way.
Some will get great benefit from one of these classes of drugs and not others.
Important
Read the packet carefully so not t vexed the dose. Just because they are over the counter does not mean they have not side effect or are harmless.
Misuse of any sort of medicinal drug can has drastic consequences. Used properly they can be very beneficial.
If you are still using them after a day or two without much improvement see your Osteopath or GP.