Do You Want To Take Less Pain Medications?


Do you take medication for pain and are looking to reduce the amount you take? Top Raleigh Chiropractor explains an alternative.

Chronic Inflammation is at the root of most diseases we see in this country.  Diseases like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s and auto-immune diseases all stem from the body being in a state of constant inflammation. In addition, inflammation is a leading cause of pain both acutely and chronically.

In the medical profession NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium, Aspirin) are the most recommended and prescribed medications representing 10% of all the medications prescribed each year. The prevalence of usage in those 65 and older is estimated to be 96%.

NSAIDs are well known for having a multitude of side effects in the body.  The most common include gastrointestinal issues: gastroduodenal ulcers, GI bleeding, and perforations.  Cardiovascular effects including: edema, hypertension, stroke, or heart attack. Kidney toxicity issues including: electrolyte imbalance, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure.

So are there ways we can reduce pain and inflammation naturally without all the cool side effects of the medications?  Well as you might expect from me the answer is yes!

Supplements For Pain Reduction in Raleigh NC

There are 2 supplements I like that have been well studied (there are others that may help but I don’t think have enough studies behind them to recommend them) and known to reduce inflammation in the body. They include:

  1. Fish Oil - Omega 3 fatty acids are probably the most studied and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The key with fish oil is the brand you get.  Many in the marketplace that can be bought in bulk can be rancid and ineffective.  I like two specific brands. One I take and we sell in the office is Innate Choice. The other can be found at Whole Foods called Nortic Naturals.  Most studies recommend 3 grams (3000mg) daily to have anti-inflammatory effects.
  2. Turmeric - The best ones have 80-95% curcuminoids primarily Curcumin which is the real powerhouse in Turmeric possessing the majority of its anti-inflammatory properties. Look for it to have black pepper in it as well because this helps with being more bioavailable.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) consists of many known inflammatory foods including:fried foods, red meat, processed cured meats, dairy, cheese, vegetable oils, chips, refined carbohydrates like bagels, cookies, and pastries- basically all the foods we love and bring us joy but sadly also inflammation.

Eating less of these foods and more of the anti-inflammatory foods listed below will help reduce pain and inflammation naturally.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

  1. Fatty fish like Salmon, sardines, etc.
  2. Green leafy vegetables
  3. Celery
  4. Beets
  5. Broccoli
  6. Blueberries
  7. Pineapple and Papaya
  8. Walnuts
  9. Olive Oil
  10. Tart Cherries

Raleigh Chiropractor Allen Ashforth explains by reducing the inflammatory foods, (notice I said reduce not eliminate!) increasing the anti-inflammatory foods, and supplementing with fish oils and tumeric, we can greatly decrease the inflammation in our body. This reduction in inflammation will both reduce pain and the likelihood of developing or aggravating chronic diseases. In addition, we can avoid or lessen the intake of harmful NSAID drugs.

Have a great week and as always thank you for letting me be your Raleigh Chiropractor!

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Ashforth

Monday8:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday3:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday8:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Thursday8:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday9:00am - 12:00pm
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Ashforth Chiropractic Family Wellness Center
6512 Six Forks Road #103
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 844-6560


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6512 Six Forks Road #103
Raleigh, NC 27615