Much has been written about the dangers of NSAID‘s (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Indomethacin (Indocin), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Oxyprozocin (Daypro), etc.

You may remember that the FDA removed the drugs Vioxx and Bextra from the market, and has expressed great concern over the commonly prescribed drug Celebrex.  In fact,  a “black box” warning (the most severe warning that the FDA applies to drug labels) warning of the potential risks of heart attacks, strokes, and stomach ulcer bleeding applies to all prescription anti-inflammatory drugs on the market.  If you are suffering from chronic arthritis pain, you can choose the risks associated with NSAID’s, or consider alternatives.   Yes, there are alternatives to these drugs!  One of the best alternatives available for those suffering with acute neck pain, back pain or arthritis pain is inexpensive and commonly available. This alternative to NSAID’s is the Omega-3 fatty acids family, also known as fish oil.
In 2005, neurosurgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center put Omega-3 to the test with patients suffering from nonsurgical back and neck pain.  The results were very positive!

“Additional clinical trials, along with ours, now show that patients with chronic joint pain who take an adequate amount of natural purified fish oil, for a long enough period of time, can get meaningful relief without relying on medications.” -Dr. Maroon, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

More than 50% of patients reported an improvement in back and neck pain symptoms.   Perhaps more importantly, almost two thirds reported a decrease in the use of NSAIDs.

Omega-3, a natural anti-inflammatory, is much safer than NSAID’s, which are now the most common cause of drug-related sickness and death.

As a natural health physician, I encourage my patients to choose wisely when considering their pain management tools.  Chiropractic care along with high quality Omega-3’s are the safest combination for long term management of chronic and acute pain.
List of NSAID’s
Aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Excedrin)
Choline and magnesium salicylates (CMT, Tricosal, Trilisate)
Choline salicylate (Arthropan)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam)
Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Voltaren XR)
Diclofenac sodium with misoprostol (Arthrotec)
Diflunisal (Dolobid)
Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL)
Fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon)
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Nuprin)
Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR)
Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail)
Magnesium salicylate (Arthritab, Bayer Select, Doan’s Pills, Magan, Mobidin, Mobogesic)
Meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen)
Mefenamic acid (Ponstel)
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Nabumetone (Relafen)
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan*)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox)
Oxaprozin (Daypro)
Piroxicam (Feldene)
Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Salsalate (Amigesic, Anaflex 750, Disalcid, Marthritic, Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Salsitab)
Sodium salicylate (various generics)
Sulindac (Clinoril)
Tolmetin sodium (Tolectin)
Valdecoxib (Bextra)