Is Your Pain Reliever Doing More Harm Than Good? - Page 2
If you have asthma, be cautious about taking NSAIDs. Nearly 20% of asthma sufferers experience adverse effects from these pain relievers.
Certain medications may not mix well with OTC pain relievers. If you take prescription steroids, hormones, or heart or pain medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any OTC pain medication. Also, certain analgesics don't work well together. Although mixing aspirin and acetaminophen may actually have health benefits, combining aspirin and ibuprofen may pose complications.
Try to Find the Root of Your Pain
Nonprescription pain relievers provide quick comfort and relief to millions of people and have improved the quality of life for many sufferers of chronic pain. But if your use of OTC pain relievers has become a mindless habit, and you'd like to understand your pain better, consider the following suggestions. Use these remedies as a complement to pain medication or as a replacement for it if you find the remedies do the trick on their own.
- Eye and neck strain can cause aches and pains. Take a break, stretch, and/or remove your contact lenses.
- Fatigue can make you feel stiff and achy. Rest in a quiet, dark room with a cold compress on your forehead.
- Tension can cause muscle aches and headaches. Take a brisk 10- to 15-minute walk or a warm shower or bath. Or get a massage.
- Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Overuse of muscles is a common source of pain. Apply ice or cold packs to the strained muscle as often as possible for the first 48 hours following the injury to reduce swelling and ease pain. Use heat before activities that irritate chronic injuries such as muscle strains.
Don't Let Your Treatment Make You Older
Pain is a part of everyday life. It's your body's way of telling you that it needs attention. Many times, it may need something as simple as a glass of water, a snack, or some relaxation; other times, an analgesic may be in order. When pain is chronic or you experience an unusual acute pain in your chest or abdomen, seek medical care.
Taking too many medications or taking them improperly can make your RealAge as much as 4.5 years older. The better you are able to gauge what your body needs, the easier it will be to decide the best approach to managing your pain and reducing unwanted side effects that cause unnecessary aging.
