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NSAIDs: When to Use Them, and How They Help Inflammation

February 27th, 2017 | 5 min. read

By Rob S Williams, MD

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when to use nsaids and how they work

If you’ve ever had a minor injury like a sprain or muscle strain, you may have been advised by a doctor or nurse (or the Internet) to rest your injury and take NSAIDs to help with the pain and inflammation.

But what exactly are NSAIDs, and how do they help?

NSAID is an acronym for a class of drug called a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. As suggested by the name, these are drugs that have properties that reduce inflammation — the body’s white blood cell response to foreign organisms and infections — but they do not contain any steroids. The label “non-steroidal” differentiates them from anti-inflammatory drugs containing steroids. (For example, steroidal asthma inhalers or corticosteroids like Prednisone.)

 

nsaids use for treating inflammationNSAIDs are commonly prescribed by doctors to help with fight the effects of inflammation, but they’re also useful for lowering fevers and preventing blood clotting.

 

The most commonly-used over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs include:

 

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

 

However, over a dozen different NSAIDs are available in the U.S., some of them at prescription strength. Prescription-strength NSAIDs are quite commonly prescribed for arthritis pain and swelling, for example.

 

Why Fight Inflammation?

 

Although inflammation is a natural response to infection and injury, oftentimes its side effects can cause discomfort and disability. Inflammation signals the body to send more blood to an injury or infection site, and this can lead to problems like swelling, pain, and stiffness.

 

In particularly bad cases (such as after an acute orthopedic injury), you may be unable to use a joint or limb. Dangerous levels of swelling can also harm circulation and blood flow to surrounding tissue, which sometimes can lead to complications like necrosis (tissue death, like gangrene).

 

How NSAIDs Work

 

NSAIDs fight inflammation and pain by reducing the body’s production of chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are derived from fatty acids, and they can be found throughout the body’s soft tissue.

 

Prostaglandins do the following:

 

  • regulate inflammation by telling blood platelets where and when to aggregate (gather to create clots) — and when to stop

  • lower blood pressure by dilating, or opening up, your blood vessels

  • protect GI tissue (the linings of your stomach and intestines) from digestive acids

  • keep the kidneys healthy by promoting normal function


Prostaglandins are also involved in smooth muscle contraction and relaxation (especially in the GI tract and the uterus, in the case of pregnancy), cell production, lung function, neurotransmission (the passing of chemical signals), pain sensitivity, and lipolysis (the breakdown of fats).

 

Prostaglandins do many things to protect the body from harm. When you’re sick or injured, they are responsible for promoting inflammation, fever, and pain — natural processes that fight off infection, signal the body’s need for self-repair, and let you know that you need to slow down and rest.

 

Sometimes, however, these symptoms become intrusive or dangerous (for example, in the cause of uncontrolled inflammation and swelling damaging surrounding tissue). In these cases, you may wish to take NSAIDs to temper these effects.

 

NSAIDs work on prostaglandins by blocking the enzymes involved in their production. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, your body produces less inflammation and less pain. However, the beneficial effects of prostaglandin production also go out the window. A lower level of prostaglandins means less protection from acids in the stomach and intestines. Also, when you reduce clotting, you leave your body at risk for freer bleeding.

ulcers stomach pain and nsaidsThe result: taking NSAIDs for too long may leave your body vulnerable to ulcers, excessive bleeding, and other side effects. This is why it’s important to coordinate your care with a doctor. In the case of long-term NSAID therapy, you may be able to take additional medications to counteract these risks.

 

 

 

 

When to Use NSAIDs

 

NSAIDs have numerous uses. Many people turn to OTC anti-inflammatory pain relievers for help with the following:

 

  • OTC or prescription NSAIDs can be used to combat inflammation, swelling, and pain.

  • Though NSAIDs cannot fix the underlying causes of a cough or cold (a virus or bacterial infection), they can help to address related inflammatory reactions like fever, cough, or irritation.

  • NSAIDs may help reduce headache pain by preventing tissue swelling. They may also inhibit pain signals to the brain.

  • Heart disease. If you’re in a high risk category for stroke or heart attack, your physician may suggest you take a daily low dose of aspirin for prevention of dangerous inflammation or clots.

  • Menstrual cramps. NSAIDs help with pain relief. Blocking the muscle-contraction effects of prostaglandins may also help to minimize the cramping itself.

  • Sports injuries. Because they’re so effective at controlling pain and inflammation, NSAIDs are commonly recommended for managing discomfort after sustaining a mild to moderate sports injury like a sprain or strain.

 

NSAIDs and Orthopedic Conditions/Injuries

An orthopedic physician may suggest you take NSAIDS for any of the following:

 


  • Chronic pain (like back or neck pain)

  • Nerve impingement



  • Tendinitis

  • Tissue tears or ruptures

 

Safety & Risks of NSAIDS usage

safety and risks of long term nsaid use

 

If you’re considering taking NSAIDs for longer than a few days, it’s wise to consult with a doctor to be sure this is safe for you. Be sure to ask how many milligrams you can take per day and at what intervals.

 

Though anti-inflammatory medication is commonly prescribed and quite safe for the most part, it is still a drug. As such, it can carry some side effects and risks, all of which become more serious the longer you take the medication.

Side effects of NSAIDs can include:

  • Increased bleeding, especially in the stomach, can lead to anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body).

  • Reduced platelet activity (clotting) means you may bleed more under the skin, leading to bruises.

  • Kidney problems. Though the responsible use of NSAIDs should not cause problems in most people, some with low kidney function may experience kidney dysfunction or failure, especially if they take too much for too long. In most cases, the damage is reversible. If you have kidney issues or suspect you might have them, make sure you’re healthy before using anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Nausea/upset stomach. GI problems can include stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and gas. Taking NSAIDs with food sometimes helps to minimize these symptoms.

  • Because the lining of your stomach and intestines is not as well-protected, you’re more vulnerable to the damaging effects of stomach acids, including ulceration.

Some people may also experience dizziness, ringing in the ears, or a rash. (For a complete list of possible side effects, talk to your doctor.)

 

Though side effects can affect anyone who takes NSAIDs over time, the risks are even more serious if you have certain health conditions. You automatically fall into a higher-risk category if any of the following apply to you:

 

  • Over 65

  • Pregnant

  • High blood pressure

  • Asthma

  • Ulcers (currently, or in the past)

  • History of liver disease

  • History of kidney disease

  • Taking medications

 

This last item is important. NSAIDs need to be taken with caution if you’re using other medications, as they may amplify or diminish the effects of other drugs.

 

For example, if you’re already taking a prescription blood thinner (anticoagulant), taking an NSAID with it could lead to dangerously heavy bleeding if you were to cut yourself or suffer an impact blow (for example, in the case of a fall or car accident). Likewise, NSAIDs make it harder for your body to eliminate some substances like lithium. Taking NSAIDs long term can lead to a dangerous, possibly even toxic, buildup.

 

On the other hand, if you have high blood pressure, NSAIDs may reduce or negate the benefit of your hypertension medication. This is because taking NSAIDs can actually increase your blood pressure. Similarly, taking NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to your kidneys, which may make water pills (diuretics) less effective.

 

Summary of nsaid usage

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are beneficial for managing pain and for controlling the effects of inflammation on the body.

If you’ve sustained an acute orthopedic injury or if you have chronic pain from an inflammatory condition like arthritis or nerve impingement, NSAIDs may bring you some relief.

However, as with any drug, this medication does have risks and side effects. Talk to your physician to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

To learn more about NSAID use and inflammation, give Coastal Orthopedics located in Corpus Christi, Texas a call: Telephone: 361.994.1166. Or just click the button below to request an appointment today!

 

Article written by: Rob Williams, MD

 

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Rob S Williams, MD

Dr. Williams has been practicing orthopedic surgery in Corpus Christi since 1998. After graduating from Texas Tech hereceived his medical degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. At the prestigious Campbell Clinic located at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Williams completed not only an Orthopedic Surgery Residency, but an additional year of Fellowship Training in Spine Surgery. Dr. Williams is dedicated to creating an excellent patient experience in the office or in the surgery suite.