It is estimated that 80% of the population will be affected by low back pain at some point in their lives. Many patients consult each year for this pathological case and, almost systematically, tons of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are distributed to the general public by doctors. NSAIDs represent 3 to 5% of the drugs prescribed, whereas they are responsible for 20 to 25% of drug-related accidents. Their effects are almost instantaneous, relieving the pain and discomfort associated with lumbago. What a joy it is to no longer be "full of it" so quickly.
Although commonplace and commonplace, this is by no means a risk-free prescription!
Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be purchased without a prescription because of their low dosage, while others are kindly and strongly suggested by your doctor. Be aware that potentially dangerous side effects are not just limited to prescription NSAIDs: Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other false friends are not harmless either!
Not only do these NSAIDs double (or even quadruple!) the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, they can also cause serious gastrointestinal problems, increased blood pressure and kidney problems.
Abdominal pain, nausea, epigastric disorders, diarrhea...
These symptoms are common with NSAIDs and occur in about 20% of patients. Fortunately, these are not systematically associated with other serious digestive complications, such as ulcers, but they do develop in 20% of cases, after a 3-month treatment. According to Professor Flipo, rheumatologist at the University Hospital of Lille, there are between 1000 and 1500 deaths per year in France linked to the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, more than AIDS and certain cancers.
NSAIDs are also responsible for 7% of acute renal failure, a significant number.
These anti-inflammatory drugs are very harmful to the kidneys. They act by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and cause a decrease in renal perfusion.
All this is worrying especially for people at risk who hydrate poorly, such as the elderly who tend to lose the sensation of thirst.
The risk of hydrosodic retention is also to be noted: weight gain, edema of the lower limbs ... as well as an increase in blood pressure, causing vasoconstriction of blood vessels and therefore an increase in blood pressure. This increase in blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and heart or coronary heart failure.
There are also many heart risks. A person who has had a myocardial infarction has a 45% increased risk of recurrence or death after one week of treatment and 24% for those with no history of infarction. Some NSAIDs - such as Vioxx (Rofecoxib) - have been withdrawn from the market because they are considered too dangerous for the heart. Unfortunately, all NSAIDs seem to be affected by this problem and are all likely to increase the risk of heart attack.
The list of side effects is long and frightening. Remember to take all the risks into account and make the right choices. Plants are there to help you overcome your back pain without disastrous effects on your body.