414-483-1060414-483-1060
5133 S. Pennsylvania Ave Ste 103 | Cudahy, WI 53110
Dr. Kenneth Koch has been in practice for 27 years. He became interested in Chiropractics because of the benefits he received while in his youth. Read more...
Office Hours:
| Monday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 1:30pm - 6:00pm | |
| Wednesday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
By Dr. Kenneth Koch, Milwaukee Chiropractor
Last article I discussed some of the risks associated with narcotic use in this country. A fair amount of people reading that article probably felt relieved because their drug usage is limited to over the counter (OTC) medication or non narcotic prescription pain medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, alieve and aspirin make up the majority of such pain medication. While these medications can work well to reduce pain and inflammation, chronic usage can also cause serious side effects. Some 76,000 serious side effects are reported annually, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and kidney problems. They can also be lethal. Initial estimates in early 2000s’ suggested between 12,000 to 16,000 deaths directly attributed to NSAIDs from bleeding. The current thought is the actual number may be half this amount; still an ominous statistic.
NSAIDs work because they inhibit the action of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and inflammation. This blockage of prostaglandins in the stomach interferes with how much acid the stomach makes. These drugs also interfere with the stomach lining’s ability to protect itself from this acid, leading to dangerous levels of gastrointestinal bleeding for chronic users of these drugs.
The medical community became noticeably excited when a new type of non narcotic pain medication became available. Among the most notable of these being Vioxx and Celebrex. These medications known as COX-2 inhibitors initially seemed to have less adverse affects because they have reduced risk of GI bleeding. Unfortunately, as usage of these drugs increased, it became apparent that some patients were at a much higher risk of heart failure. Now there is mounting evidence that NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may leave users at a higher risk of chronic heart failure. Another concern regarding overuse of these medications is the affect it can have on renal (kidney) function. There are some estimations that as much as one quarter of patients on dialysis for kidney failure may be from the chronic use of pain medication such as NSAIDs.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) had generally been thought of as one of the safer options for pain medication. The National Institute of Health has stated that analgesic neuropathy (a form of kidney damage from pain medication) can result from taking acetaminophen every day for several years. An article in Life Extension states chronic acetaminophen use is a leading cause of liver failure in the western world.
Although it is not realistic to eliminate all usage of anti-inflammatory drugs, in many cases modification of lifestyles may allow for a noticeable reduction in usage of these drugs. Much has been written recently about how diets can promote inflammatory changes while others can reduce its influence. For most, the proper induction of exercise will also help to control many types of musculoskeletal pain. Certain natural supplements such as glucosamine sulfate have been shown to reduce joint pain from arthritis. In trail after trial, which I will get more into detail in future articles, South Milwaukee chiropractic care for the management of neck and back pain has shown itself to be as effective, if not more so, when compared to traditional pharmaceutical (drug) care.