NSAIDs may be the most common pain relief medication used in the world, as some 30 million people in the United States use them every day for everything from headaches to arthritis. NSAIDs can also benefit the human body by lowering fever and reducing inflammation. In order for you to take them properly, however, it's important that you understand what they can do to you and not to use them more frequently than is necessary. Dr. Lavery can provide you with more information on how to use these drugs to the appropriate degree.
One of the reasons why NSAIDs are so beneficial is because they reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response in the human body to various problems and it can be a protection. Unfortunately, it can also lead to pain, making you uncomfortable and limiting your quality of life. When you take an NSAID medication, it blocks the effects of particular enzymes within the body that produce prostaglandins. By blocking those enzymes, your body is no longer producing those prostaglandins in as great of measure and it helps to reduce both pain and swelling.
Dr. Lavery may recommend that you take an over-the-counter NSAID for any pain you are experiencing. For more difficult problems, he may also write a prescription for a more powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In either case, be sure you discuss the appropriate use as well as the potential side effects so you can watch for them when taking the medication.