NSAID Complications: Part 3
Following up erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure, it is possible that chronic regular use of anti-inflammatory medications can also lead to a delay in wound healing? This is especially important when considering how often we use these medications for neuromusculoskeletal injuries, conditions that we at Creekside Chiropractic in Sheboygan understand very well. NSAIDs interfere with arachidonic acid metabolism and, therefore, wound healing. Additionally, NSAIDs inhibit platelet function, one of the earliest processes in the inflammatory phase. There is some evidence that Vitamin A, taken either topically or orally at 25,000IU can mitigate some of this damage, but those dosages might not be smart to use long-term, either. The citation is below. What is perhaps most interesting is that this is not exactly new news. The physiology has been known for a long time. Seems kind of strange we haven’t really been warned about this much in the past... The next time you have neck pain, back pain, or headaches think twice before reaching for that bottle of ibuprofen and give Creekside Chiropractic a call to see if we can help. We have an excellent track record getting people better whether it is an auto accident, work injury, or common strain!
Tobin GR. Wound Repair: Biologic Foundations and Clinical Considerations. Richardson JD, Polk HC, Flint LM, eds. Trauma: Clinical Care and Pathophysiology. Chicago, Ill: Year Book Medical; 1987. 213-61.
-Dr. Russell Petersen, DC. Creekside Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, 4027 S. Business Drive, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.