An Aspirin a Day…

An Aspirin a day can take your HEARING and VISION away?  Food for thought. A number of my patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for general pain relief and inflammatory control after an injury. An increasing number of people I talk to are also using aspirin for the cardiovascular protection effects that might be available from taking a “baby aspirin” (50 mg), “low does aspirin” (at 82 mg),  or more every day. Two recent studies have identified some serious negative health risks that appeared to be linked to regular aspirin use. In a 2010 investigation published by a Boston hospital, and a follow-up study in 2012, data suggested that there was an increased risk of hearing loss with regular usage, increasing from aspirin, two other NSAIDs, including Ibuprofen, and then highest with acetaminophen. This involves regular use (two or more times a week). The data was statistically significant, however not overwhelming.  Similarly, in a study by the National Eye Institute, regular aspirin users over 10 years were associated with a small but statistically significant incidents in the risk of age related macular degeneration, and I disease affecting seniors.  Once again, the data seemed to suggest a connection. I would say, “the jury is still out” on this risk, versus the perceived benefit – and yet… the risk appears to exist.

I believe there are still benefits from conservative use of specific anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDs, for time -limited short term recoveries or management of inflammation ON A TREATMENT PLAN. Often, after a car accident or work injury, even a household every day pain event, some anti-inflammatory can be employed – properly and carefully.  I never recommend these to be taken like a vitamin. These small distinctions can really add up to a lot for us!  Let’s talk about this at your next appointment.

Thanks to American Journal of Clinical Chiro for this info lead!