We tend to think of inflammation as a bad thing. As a problem that needs to be solved immediately, and there are a variety of ways to do that, from NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to steroids like prednisone or cortisone. Its true that reducing inflammation often results in reduced pain, at least temporarily. And let’s face it, we all want pain reduction…..the sooner the better!
What is often forgotten, or not understood, though, is that inflammation shows up in our bodies for a reason. Inflammation can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Chronic inflammation is certainly detrimental and often represents deeper systemic health issues. For the purposes of this discussion, though, let’s focus on acute musculoskeletal inflammation: the kind we experience following an injury.
So what is acute inflammation, exactly? Harvard Health defines acute inflammation as “your body’s natural, usually helpful response to injury, infection, or other dangers.” It is the process by which your body alerts and sets in motion the immune response, which is necessary to prevent infection and stimulate / allow for proper tissue healing.
So how should we handle acute inflammation? Many people are tempted, or even encouraged, to reach for the NSAIDS (Advil, etc) for acute, chronic, and/or recurrent back and neck pain. While this approach is likely to temporarily alleviate your discomfort, you are in reality sabotaging the natural healing process if you are doing it frequently or for prolonged periods of time.
In addition to disrupting the healing immune response that inflammation triggers following acute injury, NSAIDS have also been shown to disrupt new collagen formation (necessary for tissue repair). And we have not even talked about the harmful effects of frequent NSAID use on the kidneys and GI system.
My recommendation is to first have your condition evaluated by your chiropractor to determine the extent and nature of the injury or pain. Restoring normal motion and alignment to your spine and other joints is paramount in speeding recovery and making sure your body heals properly.
Additionally, in some cases you may want to use ice to reduce local pain and swelling. Topical analgesics such as Biofreeze, Arnica, or similar products can also provide some relief from the pain while still allowing the body’s natural healing mechanisms to proceed without disruption.
So, next time you find yourself continually reaching for the bottle of Aleve, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc. to manage your pain, reach for the phone instead and give Bozeman Back and Neck Clinic a call. We can help!