What you need to know about your over-the-counter (OTC) pain
reliever
As we
get older, pain management becomes more of a reality for many of us. The good
news is that pain can often be managed by a combination of techniques and
approaches. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Here are 6 tips to help keep you going:
1. Get
enough sleep – Sleeping when you’re in pain can be a challenge, but
getting a restful night’s sleep can help your body recover. To help you sleep,
take a warm bath before bed or research shows that aromatherapy using lavender
oil can provide a relaxing effect.
2. Choose
an OTC pain reliever right for you - Both acetaminophen and
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help relieve pain by blocking
pain signals within the central nervous system and throughout the body. They
are safe and effective when used as directed. However, if you have certain
health conditions or are over the age of 60, you may need to talk to your
doctor before taking an OTC pain reliever.
Always read and follow your medicine (or product) labels for dosing
information, directions, warnings and other product information.
3. Eat
foods that help curb inflammation – According to the
Arthritis Foundation, foods listed as part of the Mediterranean diet, which
consists mainly of fish, vegetable and olive oil, may help control
inflammation.
4. Get
regular exercise – Some people may worry that exercising with
osteoarthritis could harm their joints and cause more pain. However, according
to the Arthritis Foundation, research shows that people can and should exercise
when they have osteoarthritis. In fact, exercise is considered an effective
non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in patients with
osteoarthritis. Again, talk to your doctor before starting or changing any
exercise or physical activity routine.
5. Try
meditation or acupuncture – Adding non-medical remedies to your
pain- management plan can help many people both physically and mentally. Many
doctors support mind-body health and a more holistic approach. Your doctor can
advise you of your options.
6. Talk to
your doctor – Because many adults over 50 take a combination of
prescribed medications, OTC remedies and vitamins, it’s important to keep a
list of all your medications and talk to your doctor about how to manage your
pain.
Common Health Conditions and Your OTC Pain Reliever – What You
Should Know
Acetaminophen
and NSAIDs work differently in your body. Your age, certain health conditions
and other medications may all affect your pain reliever choice. Understanding
these differences could matter to your health. If you have high blood pressure,
heart disease, asthma, stomach ulcers/stomach bleeding or kidney disease, there
are pain relievers that may not be the most appropriate for you. Talk to your
doctor before taking an OTC pain reliever if you have any questions or
concerns.
The
American Heart Association identifies acetaminophen as a pain reliever option
to try first for patients with, or at high risk for, heart disease.*
Additionally, acetaminophen may be a more appropriate choice of pain reliever
for people with high blood pressure, asthma, stomach ulcers and stomach
bleeding because acetaminophen may not increase your risk of side
effects like NSAIDs sometimes can.
If
You’re Over the Age of 60, taking an NSAID to relieve pain or
reduce fever can increase your risk for stomach bleeding/ulcers. TYLENOL®,
which contains acetaminophen, may be a more appropriate pain reliever choice,
depending on your health history and other medications.
Now
that you know the facts – GET RELIEF RESPONSIBLY®.
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