Pain management is one of the key health issues facing people today. Whether it be chronic pain, acute pain, or intermittent pain, the pain experience is uncomfortable and disruptive. Patients suffering from a pain experience need effective, safe management options so that they can get back to living their lives fully. One of the most common methods of pain management used by people experiencing pain are OTC drugs such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). These drugs act by reducing inflammation which in turn reduces pain. Last week we discussed how these medications can be ineffective for the management of spinal pain, but what are some alternatives to these drugs for patient's seeking relief for pain and inflammation

Curcumin is a component of the spice turmeric (Curcuma domestica) that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. Curcumin acts on multiple pathways involved in pain and inflammation including lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase (COX), phospholipase, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. Furthermore, curcumin inhibits the activation of free radical activated transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B and nitric oxide synthase. It also reduces the proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-13.

A recent multi-center clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging compared the effects of curcumin with ibuprofen on pain, inflammation, and functional capacity in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. In this double-blind, study researchers looked at patient outcomes after four weeks of taking 1,200 mg of ibuprofen or 1,500 mg of curcumin daily. The results of the study found that curcumin is just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, pain, and increasing functional outcomes while having far fewer of the negative side effects associated with long term ibuprofen use (Kuptniratsaikul et al., 2014). This means that curcumin is a viable pain management solution for patients wishing to reduce their pharmacological intake and use more natural pain relief options.

Curcumin is a natural and effective pain management solution for patients requiring anti-inflammatory interventions in-between office visits and to soothe the occasional flare-ups of chronic pain issues. But remember, not all supplements are created equal. Be sure to check in with Dr. Ross about the highest quality, most bioavailable curcumin supplement that you can take to reduce pain and inflammation. Dr. Ross and his team here at Excellence in Health Chiropractic look forward to serving your healthcare needs and continuing to be a leader in quality healthcare. Take charge of your health and get back to living the life you deserve; and as always, we wish you excellence in health.

Resources:

• Kuptniratsaikul, V. Dajpratham, P. Taechaarpornkul, W. Buntragulpoontawee, M. Lukkanapichonchut, P. Chootip, C. Saengsuwan, J. Tantayakom, K. Laongpech, S. (2014). Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9:451-458.

Link to Abstract:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24672232