Traditional Medicine

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Avil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex, etc. are molecules that decrease inflammation. Inflammation in the first three days of an injury is crucial. It initiates your natural healing response.

Prescribing NSAIDs during this period goes against the natural physiology of healing.

When an injury occurs, it is best to avoid NSAIDs. Instead, use the RICE method (above). If this measure is not sufficient, the use of an analgesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) is permitted and may relieve pain. If the pain is still debilitating, temporary narcotics may be a good option for pain control.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widely used but can be harmful to your health. They must be used with great caution. This class of drug is very popular in rheumatology to control the pain associated with different forms of arthritis.

In the United States, 16,500 patients die annually following anti-inflammatory drug use … (SINGH 2000).

The main reason: digestive haemorrhaging.

See the list of side effects of NSAIDs

 

CORTISONE

Cortisone injections have been used for a very long time. Cortisone is an extremely potent and effective anti-inflammatory, but it has significant side effects.

See the list of side effects of cortisone injections

Recent studies increasingly confirm the adverse effects of cortisone on tendons and cartilage, making the arrival of regenerative medicine even more significant.

However, cortisone remains an important tool in the rheumatologist’s therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of several rheumatic conditions. Cortisone is also used to treat certain autoimmune diseases. 

• Musculoskeletal indications: bursitis and tendonitis in some cases
• Contraindications: Absolute: infection, skin lesion, active bleeding at the site of injection, lidocaine or cortisone allergies.
• Relative: diabetic patient, anticoagulated patient.

Download post-cortisone injection tips here.

 

NARCOTICS

These drugs are very powerful and tend to be addictive with long-term use. Morphine, dilaudid, fentanyl and statex (most popular) belong to this class. More and more deaths from the use of fentanyl are reported in the United States, and now in Canada. These drugs are available on the black market and are sold as recreational drugs.

See the list of side effects of narcotics

It is helpful to visit a Certified Rehabilitation Therapist after suffering a musculoskeletal injury.

List of Certified Rehabilitation Therapists:

• physiotherapist
• chiropractor
• osteopath
• kinesiologist
• sports therapist

The interdisciplinary approach is important and ensures that the patient heals properly and completely.

• Compromises the immune system
• Increases the risk of infection
• Septic arthritis (joints)
• Inhibition of collagen synthesis
• Atrophy and discoloration of the skin
• Osteoporosis
• Increased blood sugar
• Tendon ruptures
• Increased pain
• Facial flushing
• Vaginal bleeding
• Agitation
• Avascular necrosis
• Suppression of the adrenal glands

• Digestive ulcers
• Digestive bleeding
• Hypertensive crisis
• Renal failure
• Anaphylaxis
• Heart attack

• Addiction
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Anaphylaxis
• Respiratory arrest

• Possibility of spreading a cancer that was unknown? (No studies to prove this to date)

*The following risks may occur with all types of injections: bruising, trauma to a nerve or blood vessel, allergic reaction to lidocaine, a disinfectant or any of the injected products, vasovagal syncope, infection, pneumothorax, spinal headache.