Chiropractors are conservative healthcare providers that do not perform surgery or prescribe medications. We use our hands to help the body heal, but occasionally will suggest a variety of supplements to help as well.
Advil, Tylenol, Aleve and Excedrin are all very common over-the-counter medications that our patients use on a daily basis for pain – whether that be due to low back pain, a headache or TMJ pain. Although these medications do not require a prescription to purchase, they can actually be harmful to the body in large doses.
Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen and can adversely affect your liver and kidneys, while Advil and other products containing ibuprofen can cause GI bleeds and ulcers in high doses. Unfortunately, many people choose to continue to take these types of medications daily instead of addressing the root of the problem. Our motto: fix the problem – don’t mask the symptoms.
There are a number of alternatives for over-the-counter medications, such as the ones listed above. Here are a few that we love:
Inflavonoid Intensive Care
It has a number of different anti-inflammatory ingredients including: boswellia, tumeric, ginger, cayenne, quercetin and vitamin C. It is perfectly formulated to support the body through the stresses of everyday life. By providing pain relief and support for muscle tissues, Inflavonoid Intensive Care can help you feel your best each and every day. We also recommend taking it in higher doses if the body is in acute pain.
MyoCalm & MyoCalm PM
These supplements are great alternatives to a traditional muscle relaxer. It is a specialized formula that supplies bioavailable forms of calcium and magnesium that play a role in muscle contraction and relaxation. These minerals are blended with passionflower and valerian for added relaxation support. These supplements can be extremely beneficial for tension headaches, menstrual cramps, low back spasms and torticollis. We suggest MyoCalm PM to be taken before bed, while MyoCalm can be taken any time throughout the day.
If you are interested in learning more about how some of these alternatives could help you, please ask one of our providers at your next appointment!
