NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is a group of medications used to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as fever. Each medication in this group has its own active ingredient, yet they all confer similar benefits and side effects.
When you injure your back or neck, your body responds with inflammation. Part of the inflammatory process involves the release of chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins increase the perception of pain. Once they have been released, events that would normally be tolerated without notice (such as touching or moving the affected body part) are now perceived as painful. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs can reduce this type of pain.
Types of NSAIDs
There are a number of different NSAIDs, available over the counter and by prescription. If you are shopping for an NSAID at the drugstore or grocery store, you can find it either by brand or generic name. The generics are likely to be less expensive and will present themselves with a more scientific sounding name. Below is a list of a few of the over-the-counter NSAIDs:
- Aspirin is a very widely available drug, as are all of the over the counter NSAIDS. The most well-known brand name for aspirin is Bayer, but numerous manufacturers make aspirin. In the body, aspirin works slightly differently than the other NSAIDs.
- Ibuprophen goes by the brand names of Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and others.
- Naproxen is better known as Aleve. Aleve is the only form of over-the-counter naproxen.
Side Effects of NSAIDs
Because of the way they work, NSAIDs may cause some very serious side effects. Following lawsuits and product recalls, the FDA now requires all NSAID packages to contain strong warnings about the potential side effects associated with taking NSAIDs.
NSAIDs have been shown to cause fatal and serious cardiovascular events, in other words, heart attacks and strokes. Ask your doctor about NSAIDs if you have a history of heart disease, stroke or are unsure about which pain medication you should be taking.
Prostaglandins, inhibited by the action of NSAIDs, are not only responsible for pain and inflammation, they also maintain the lining of your stomach, keeping it in good working order. Side effects of NSAIDs can therefore include ulcers and stomach bleeding, along with less severe forms of stomach discomfort. Ask your doctor about NSAIDs if you have a history of stomach problems or are on blood-thinning medications.
Source:
Brunton, LL, Lazo, JS, Parker, KL., eds. Goodman & Gilman: The Pharmaclogical Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. McGraw Hill. 2006.
Brenner, GM, Stevens, CW. Pharmacology. 2nd ed. Saunders Elsevier. 2006. Philadelphia.
COX-2 Selective (includes Bextra, Celebrex, and Vioxx) and Non Selective Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research website.
What are NSAIDs? Your Orthopedic Connection. AAOS website.
