
NSAID Pain Relievers: A SHOCKING Discovery
My excellent editor told me the other day that she gave in and took some naproxen for her psoriatic arthritis pain.
And she’s not alone.
Occasionally even people who are passionate about natural medicine turn to over-the-counter or prescription drugs for pain relief.
After all, joint pain can be downright debilitating.
But before you reach for that bottle again you NEED to know something…
Your temporary solution for joint pain could leave you with permanent damage.
Don’t take another NSAID pain reliever until you read this!
Many of us have at least one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hidden away in our medicine cabinet.
These meds include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and others, and are taken to relieve inflammation and pain.
Unfortunately, NSAIDs come with a laundry list of side effects. When used regularly, they send your risk for ulcers, internal bleeding, kidney disease, and stroke climbing.
And now researchers say we can add one more ironic… and tragic… side effect to that list.
It turns out NSAIDs could make your arthritis pain WORSE.
A new study, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), found that using NSAIDs for arthritis pain can backfire on us in a BIG way.
The new research revealed that the drugs can make inflammation in the knee joint worse over time. In other words, it does the exact OPPOSITE of what you want.
The scientists used MRI scans to measure joint inflammation and cartilage quality. This is critical because many arthritis studies rely on the volunteer’s perceptions of pain to determine how effective a drug is.
But in this case, actual measurements of the thickness of the cartilage in the knee were taken.
The researchers found that the volunteers who used NSAIDs had far worse inflammation and cartilage quality after four years.
No one is exactly sure why this is happening.
What we DO know is that NSAIDs work by altering hormone-like substances called eicosanoids. These compounds, including thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins, regulate inflammation.
But they have other effects on the body, too. And we’re still figuring out what those are.
For example, when you take aspirin to lower inflammation, mucus production in the gut is also blocked. This is one of the triggers of the ulcers and bleeding we sometimes see with NSAIDs.
Something similar could be happening with cartilage production. Taking NSAIDs may stop your body from making new cartilage, eventually leading to breakdown.
The bottom line is it’s best to only use NSAIDs when you absolutely have to. Try some of these proven effective alternatives instead.
- Glucosamine is a normal component of cartilage and acts almost like a lubricant allowing the joints to move smoothly. I recommend a daily dose of 1500 milligrams.
- Chondroitin is another building block of cartilage. Studies show chondroitin reduces joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. I recommend 400 to 800 milligrams two to three times a day for the best results.
- SAMe or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is an amino acid your body uses for cartilage repairs. To ease osteoarthritis symptoms, folks usually take 200 to 400 milligrams of SAMe three times a day.
- Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Studies confirm fish oil relieves joint pain. I recommend between 1000 to 3000 milligrams daily.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an amino acid that can be taken to rebuild or maintain joint health. Daily doses range from 1500 to 6000 milligrams.
Don’t let the lure of temporary relief tempt you into taking NSAIDs. If you do, you could be left with far worse inflammation and permanent joint damage
P.S. Need an extra boost of joint pain relief? Researchers have found that THIS potent Greek plant extract can help safely SOOTHE your joint pain. Click here for all the details.
Source:
“Impact of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) on Synovitis and the Progression of Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI).” Paper presented at: RSNA 2022 – Empowering Patients and Partners in Care, Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) November 27 to December 01, 2022

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...