As I start to write this handout I find myself asking, “How is it good news that all of the over the counter drugs people are taking have actually been killing them?”  It doesn’t seem like Good News, but it is!  The research on all of these meds was done mostly years ago, so it is good that the governing bodies are finally taking note and warning people.  Here is what the FDA states,

The FDA has reviewed the available data and does not believe the evidence supports the general use of aspirin for primary prevention of a heart attack or stroke.  In fact, there are serious risks associated with the use of aspirin, including increased risk of bleeding in the stomach and brain, in situations where the benefit of aspirin for primary prevention has not been established.

So to any reasonable person, aspirin is out (except, the FDA states if there is already a situation where the individual has already suffered a heart attack or angina or coronary surgery).  If aspirin is out now, you may be thinking, “That’s okay, I use Tylenol anyway.”  Don’t do it!!  Just 3 months ago we discussed the new research on acetaminophen showing the devastating effect on the renal (kidney) system and how horrible it is for you generally as well.  Tylenol is out?  YES!  So now you’re thinking, “That’s okay, I still have Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin and Advil, right?”  Nope, here is what the FDA now states about these drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDS) which are also included in many cold remedies as well,

Next time you reach into the medicine cabinet seeking relief for a headache, backache or arthritis, be aware of important safety information for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.   FDA is strengthening an existing warning in prescription drug labels and over-the-counter (OTC) Drug Facts labels to indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, either of which can lead to death. Those serious side effects can occur as early as the first few weeks of using an NSAID, and the risk might rise the longer people take NSAIDs.

Now you may be saying, “If aspirin is out, Tylenol is out, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve and Motrin are out, what can I do about this (back, neck, headache, arthritis, etc.) pain?”  If this is you, the answer is so very simple.  All of these over the counter drugs come with the qualifying statement about their ability to help you, For the temporary relief of pain. Understand then, these drugs are not fixing your problem.  Their purpose is to allow you to get by with less pain, while the affected area continues to degenerate.  Worse yet, if it is your spine, it will cause choking pressure on your spinal cord!

So, what is the Good News if you or someone you know is suffering and having to take these destructive pills?  There is an answer!  There is a cause of the problems (pain is the body telling you something is wrong) and because there is a cause, their is a solution.  Specific, scientific chiropractic adjustments to allow for spinal reconstructive changes.

God Bless – Dr. Brad, Dr. Paul and the New Life Team