Alternative Supplements for Pain & Inflammation
Over the last couple of years a certain class of drugs known as the Cox-2 inhibitors have been in the news due to the voluntarily withdrawal of the drug Vioxx by Merck pharmaceuticals. Studies indicated that a major side effect of Vioxx was that it increased a patient’s chance of a heart attack or stroke by 60% if taken for at least 18 months. Vioxx along with other Cox-2 inhibitors were supposed to be the next great class of drugs to combat pain and inflammation without causing destruction of the stomach in long-term use. They are the latest of the drugs known as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAID’s that are prescribed extensively to help combat diseases associated with inflammation. Typically, NSAID’s inhibit both the Cox-1 enzyme and the Cox-2 enzyme, but drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex work by just inhibiting the Cox-2 sparing the Cox-1. The Cox-1 enzyme helps maintain our gastrointestinal mucosa (our internal barrier), mucous production, and thickness of our blood. The Cox-2 enzyme regulates pain, inflammation, and blood flow to the kidneys. While current studies are limited only to Vioxx, other Cox-2 inhibitors like Celebrex and Bextra continue to be prescribed as the makers continue to stand by their safety and efficacy. Many doctors believe that proper regulation of the Cox-2 enzyme is indeed key in preventing disease states like arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer all of which are promoted by this inflammatory process. This regulation of the Cox-2, however, should not come with life threatening side effects.
To find out more about safer alternatives in fighting pain and inflammation please schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Ask how to safely transition off these drugs to natural Cox-2 inhibitor medicines that have been proven over hundreds of years all over the world. Ask how essential fatty acids, MSM, glucosamine sulfate, food allergy elimination, Prolo therapy and acupuncture can help you safely overcome pain and inflammation leading to a path free of one less drug with an increased quality of life.
Suneil Jain, NMD