NSAID Complications Part 4: - Muscle Soreness
If you have been following our thread for a few weeks, you have already learned that over the counter anti-inflammatory medications slow wound healing and if used long-term can contribute to blood pressure problems and erectile dysfunction. Ready for some more good news? It is generally common knowledge that exercise is required to build muscle mass. However, over the counter doses of both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen suppress protein synthesis in skeletal muscles and a 2002 study confirmed it.
Trappe, et al, “Effect of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on postexercise muscle protein synthesis.” Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 282: E551-E556, 2002
So not only could this be bad news for bodybuilders, but with people who exercise for general health, the oxidative stress of NSAIDs ironically leads to muscle soreness. What a vicious cycle. You take the pill for muscle soreness, which leads to new muscle soreness and then you take another one…on and on. An alternative to NSAID use for muscle soreness is chiropractic therapy with manual techniques such as IASTM, Trigger Point Therapy, Active Release Technique, Electric Muscle Stimulation, and natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as Curcumin.
Mcanulty, S.R., et al. Effect of NSAID on muscle injury and oxidative stress. International Journal of Sports Medicine 28(11):909-15 · November 2007
-Dr. Russell Petersen, DC. Creekside Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, 4027 S. Business Drive, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.