Would you like to reduce or eliminate your consumption of NSAID pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and various prescription NSAID’s? A 2006 study published in “Surgical Neurology” by where Maroon treated 250 patients who had been seen by a neurosurgeon and were found to have non-surgical neck or back pain with 1,200 mg per day of omega-3 fatty acid (FA). After taking the omega-3 FA for 30 days, 59% of the patients discontinued taking their prescription NSAID medications for pain. Sixty percent stated their joint pain had improved. Eighty percent said that they were satisfied with their improvement, and 88% said that they would continue to take the omega-3 FA supplement. Maroon noted that the “literature reviewing rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, both chronic inflammatory conditions, consistently reports improvement in joint pain and function using omega-3 EFA.” Quality fish oil can be a good source of omega-3 EFA’s.
NSAID’s carry many potential side effects and can potentially damage the stomach and/or kidneys with long term use. Anyone NSAID’s for an extended period of time (e.g. six months or more), a blood test needs to be performed to check for early signs of kidney damage.
If you find that you or someone you know regularly takes NSAID pain relievers and has for an extended period of time you may want to consider addressing the underlying cause or finding a natural alternative before permanent damage is done to a vital organ like stomach ulcer or kidney failure. Omega-3 EFA’s are only one of many possible natural treatments for chronic pain and inflammation. Call your Maitland Chiropractor today 407-629-5333 to make an appointment to discuss your chronic painful condition to see if there is a natural alternative to handle the pain and reduce or eliminate pain medication like NSAID’s today.
References:
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Maroon, JC and Bost, JW. “Omegea-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain.” Surgical Neurology, 2006; 65; 326-331.
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Houston, M and Sparks, W. “Latest Findings on Essential Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health.” The Original Internist, June 2008; 65-69.
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