Use of Ibuprofen and Cortisone

[Adley]

Hi forum. 

In general, I am someone who does not take ibuprofen or even aspirin. Perhaps once a year I may take an Ibuprofen tablet if I am experiencing pain in my back and I have a long drive ahead of me. 

I tend not not want to numb myself from the messages my body is giving me. 

I am in the midst of dealing with a nerve impingement (I posted a description in another topic). At a doctors office recently for a general checkup, I mentioned the nerve impingement to my doctor. 

He prescribed taking 600mg of Ibuprofen as well as a 6 day cortisone protocol (Methylprednisolone). 

I dismissed his advice as being too quick to try to just mask symptoms as opposed to any real healing. 

But I've spoked to a few folks recently who have said that these medications can help to reduce the inflammation of and around the nerve that's being impinged. 

I'm wondering what people in this community think about using Ibuprofen and Cortisone, and what your experience has been with them. 

Best, 

Adley

[Nathan]

Hi Adley,

I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but personally, I would not take ibuprofen or cortisone. I doubt inflammation is the source of your issue (although it may be present), and I doubt a sudden reduction caused by ibuprofen/cortisone will help you in the long-term.

Reducing inflammation overall might not be a bad idea, though. Perhaps consider taking a curcumin supplement, and some fish oil if you don't eat much fatty fish. Otherwise, look into an anti-inflammatory diet. If you're eating mostly whole, unprocessed foods with a bias toward plants, then your diet will already be anti-inflammatory.