“Most types of NSAIDs have a variety of potential risks and complications associated with them.” significant effects in favour of NSAIDs compared to placebos, but at the risk of significant side effects. This is where we can fulfil our “do no harm” role. NSAIDs may be a good choice under certain conditions, but overuse is often a problem, particularly when your patients are self-medicating with OTC Naproxen or ibuprofen. Recommending a topical analgesic can reduce these risks and can be more effective in controlling pain and inflammation. However, be aware that some readily available topical applica-tions do contain NSAIDs, such as Di-clofenac. Using this as a topical agent may reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but it comes with the same cautions and warnings as oral Diclofenac. The website of a commonly used topical brand advises that NSAID med-icines may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke and can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Fortunately, there are many other highly effective products now available, which do not contain NSAIDs. Selecting the appropri-ate active ingredient still does take a bit of homework. As a guide, for acute injuries to muscle and joints, we commonly recommend the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compres-sion, elevation). For these situations, a product containing menthol would be helpful. The chronic inflammation and pain associated with degenerative arthri-tis responds well to warming agents such as capsaicin, trolomine or methyl salicylate. Tightness in the neck and upper back is best relieved by a combi-nation of warming and cooling agents, such as menthol and methyl salicylate. The wide variety of applications makes it easy to recommend the product that would be most beneficial to your patient. Topical analgesics are widely available as patches, creams, gels or sprays in odour-free or regular formulations. Steering your patients toward the appropriate topical analgesic can enhance the results of your treatment, reduce their levels of pain and increase their levels of perfor-mance. By reducing their risk for gastric, kid-ney and other complications, you are ensuring that no harm is done. By adding this advice to your treatment program, you are enhancing the value of the ser-vices you provide to your patients. For more on the clinical aspects of chiropractic, visit www. canadianchiropractor.ca. Sports Conference Featuring: Dr. Mike Young, PhD., Elite Running Coach The Science of Speed R UN RU R U N N ROYAL COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC SPORTS SCIENCES (CANADA) COLLEGE ROYAL DES SCIENCES SPORTS CHIROPRACTIQUE (CANADA) Kevin Tyler, BA, MA, Elite Running Coach Integration for Performance Enhancement FA TER www.rccssc.ca An Integrated Approach to Performance Enhancement S Dr. Reed Ferber, PhD. CAT(C), ATC The Biomechanics of Speed Dr. John Berardi, PhD., CSCS Nutrition and Injury Recovery www.rccssc.ca for details Venue: Running Shoes: The Science and the Controversy Blaise Dubois, BSc. PT, Sports Physio. Dr. Judy Goss, PhD. Sports Psych. Dr. Alex Hutchinson, PhD. The Science of Performance Our Partners Sports Psych of Performance and Injury Recovery 55 Gordon St. Whitby, ON www.abilitiescentre.org Media Sponsor Integration of Treatment and Performance Integration of Treatment and Performance Motivation for Performance Dr. Jeff Cubos, DC, FRCCSS(C) Wes Moerman, Elite Running Coach Saturday Nov. 16th and Sunday Nov. 17th www.canadianchiropractor.ca Jason Dunkerley, Paralympian Runner September 2013 Canadian Chiropractor 31
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