Rebound Headaches Caused by Pain Relievers

In our over-medicated society, people are now suffering from headaches caused by too much pain relief!

Anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve arthritis pain are, quite understandably, being over used, since arthritis pain is more than a once-in-a-while thing. This is not just prescription drugs, but over the counter drugs such as Advil, Aleve, and Motrin IB.

The result, for many people, is headaches that occur just as soon as the medicine wears off. According to a report by Joe Saper,M.D., director of the Michigan Headache adn Neurological Institute, this is the result of brain receptors becoming overly sensitized.

Those who find themselves with worsening headaches may want to consider a topical medicine for arthritis pain, or non-drug approaches such as fish oil, boswellia, ginger, or turmeric.

Another recent report gives a second reason to cut back on these drugs. New studies are showing that continual use can lead to liver failure.

Meanwhile, because of recent deaths due to overdose, some are calling for stricter controls on over-the-counter drugs. While I do feel sorry for the families of those who over-do it, I sure don't want to see the day when we won't be allowed to keep a bottle of aspirin on the shelf!

I know my views on personal responsibility are not politically correct, but I just don't think I need Big Brother protecting me from myself.

Really, it's all ridiculous, since the same people who would limit our use of Tylenol or Advil are perfectly willing to approve drugs whose side-effects can kill, even when used according to prescribed directions.

What do you think?