I quit taking Aleve, that is. I admit that I have been a proponent of the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents for many years (and have disagreed with Jim Thornton on this forum regarding their use). However, I recently began to question my daily use of Aleve and two weeks ago decided to stop. I am actually experiencing less shoulder discomfort (and fewer headaches). I did a search of the medical literature and found an abstract postulating a paradoxical response to these drugs:
"Chronic pharmacologic inhibition of inflammation may induce physiologic dependence, and cessation of therapy has been shown to produce rebound effects in aspirin, statins, and other immunomodulatory agents. By down-regulating inflammatory pathways in a pulsatile fashion, chronic use of NSAIDs may promote compensatory up-regulation of these same pathways and shift the host baseline equilibrium towards an inflammatory state. The host may be susceptible to inflammation between intermittent doses and after withdrawal of therapy."
This may explain the previously reported phenomenon of rebound headaches in migraine patients who take Aleve and similar drugs. A note of caution. It has also been reported that there may be an increased risk of heart attacks in the thirty days following discontinuation of NSAIAs, so some have suggested that the drugs be tapered gradually rather than discontinued abruptly.
I see aspirin mentioned. Do the authors suggest that low-dose aspirin regimens (81mg daily of "baby" aspirin) are a bad thing? I've been doing that for about 20 years, and don't routinely have headaches, even on days when I forget to take one. I'm going to guess the authors are referring to higher dosages, though that's not clear from the quoted text.
My P-T has discouraged my use of naproxen in dealing with some chronic tenodisis (sp?) in my left elbow. He says the latest literature trends toward allowing natural inflammation to promote healing rather than suppressing it via NSAIDS. Even the use of ice is being questioned for non-acute, chronic conditions. My elbow finally seems to be improving with 3 months rest and lots of P-T. Now if only I could say the same for my left shoulder!
The inflammation causing enzymes they turn off, also regulate other stuff we need for proper function. However when my back went out last week sulindac removed most of the pain, and despite the side effects, I would have otherwise been immobile and miserable the rest of the week.
Good for you. Some types of these products also cause sterility in men, not sure about women. Its important to read the warning labels on all types of medicine.
I heard some of this stuff from a chiro who worked with me after I'd stopped taking NSAIDs (for me it was due to allergic reactions--hives, wheezing, stuff like that). I do add ginger to my stir fry and follow (imperfectly) anti-inflammatory diet guidelines: nutrition-in-motion.net/anti-inflammatory dietary guidelines chart.pdf Again, definitely not strict follower of this, but trying to add as many anti-inflammatory foods as I can. I do enjoy cheese and other dairy products (no-no's), but I enjoy wild-caught fish, fresh veggies/fruit. I eat a candy bar when I need some quick energy, but notice I eat them less lately.