Many people come to our office and report taking prescription and over-the-counter pain killers. When patients ask about prescription pain killers, I suggest they speak with their medical doctor. I explain that the medical doctor should be an expert in prescribed medications, especially the ones they are prescribing. Many medical doctors will gladly discuss side effects, interactions with foods and other drugs. If your medical doctor isn’t willing to do that with you, I highly recommend finding a new doctor. Registered pharmacists can also give you this type of information.
As to self-prescribed store-bought pain killers, they are often taken incorrectly and cause potentially dangerous side-effects. The FDA is cracking down on the use of acetaminophen, which an ingredient in many prescription drugs and the main ingredient in Tylenol. Complications are especially likely using acetaminophen and alcohol at the same time. There have been thousands of cases of acetaminophen related liver failure in the United States.
The health care community has known about these problems for many years. I was aware of this problem long before I became a chiropractor. It’s unfortunate that so many people have been injured.
There is a better way! In our office we have many ways to minimize pain including chiropractic care; safe, natural nutritional supplements; physical therapy and rehabilitation. We can reduce or eliminate your pain without dangerous risks and side-effects.
