NSAID’s: The Hidden Cost

In a recent New England Journal of Medicine article, researchers disclosed that the adverse effects of using NSAID’s (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprox, Voltaren, Indocin and others, can include stomach bleeding and ulcers and, in some cases, death.

Frighteningly, more than 13 million Americans take NSAIDS without much thought, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, research has shown that bleeding and ulcers occur half the time; often, with no symptoms. Among the people who develop serious bleeding from NSAIDS and require hospitalization, an amazing ten to 15% will die; tens of thousands per year. 2,000 people in the United Kingdom die each year from gastro-duodenal lesions who would not have died if they were not taking NSAIDs.

These drugs simply cover up your body’s warning signs. Everyday we help locate and reduce the underlying cause of many types of aches and pains. Is it time for a chiropractic checkup for you, or someone you know, who reaches into the medicine cabinet?