Common Questions About Arthritis

Are There Any Anti-Inflammatories with Fewer Side-Effects?

Question: I am 57, and have taken anti-inflammatory drugs consistently for almost eight years. I suffered a knee injury in 1993 and a car accident affecting my neck, shoulders, and spine in 1995. I have also had a number of falls affecting both knees. I took ibuprofen for a few years and I am now taking Naprosyn. I am very concerned about these medications and their effect on the internal organs. I have heard that there is a new, less invasive anti-inflammatory on the market. What is the name of this medication, and are there any side effects? Could I switch to it without any problems?

Answer: Your question is very important. However, let me suggest that, rather than jumping on the medication bandwagon, you consider looking at your total lifestyle.

First, know that foods you eat can make pain conditions worse. For example, high-fat foods such as red meat cause increased inflammation and toxicity in the joints through the production of free radicals. Furthermore, these high-fat foods slow you down while at the same time supplying a false sense of energy. This makes it harder to exercise, and I believe that exercise is critical in dealing with chronic pain. Even if you have a lot of pain, you can perform graded exercise: Do what you can do without causing pain to yourself and then increase your exertion level as your stamina improves.

Moreover, remember there are certain natural anti-inflammatory agents that can provide relief. These include turmeric, ginger, boswellia, omega-3 fatty acids from such sources as flaxseed oil or fish oil, and digestive enzymes. Health food stores sell products that contain these natural ingredients. Make sure you try them before you try another anti-inflammatory medication. Also note that regularly eliciting the relaxation response through meditation, yoga, prayer, or any other kind of inward journey has been shown to decrease pain.

Finally, to answer the question you asked me directly, I'm not sure what medication you are referring to. It could be Celebrex(r), which is part of the new class of anti-inflammatory agents. As you will have to get a prescription from your doctor before taking this drug, make sure you discuss all the side effects with him or her. But to reiterate, please try a holistic approach to your pain problems, such as found in my book The Pain Cure (Warner Books, 1999), before committing yourself to only using medicine.

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