Acetaminophen, What You Don't Know Could Hurt

It is with a sad heart that I report a dear friend of mine was hospitalized for accidental Acetaminophen overdose (Tylenol) and nearly lost his life. He experienced acute renal and liver failure and is left with potentially permanent neurological damage in his legs and walking with a cane. 

Studies show every year, over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen are to blame for more than 100,000 calls to poison control, 56,000 emergency room visits, over 26,000 hospitalizations and more than 450 deaths from liver failure. 

There are many natural drug and surgery free options to manage pain. Below is a list of things you can do to give your liver a break and stay out of pain!

1. Use Turmeric or fish oils to manage inflammation. (consult your physician if you are on medications already, may cause interactions)

2. Get a massage. Those "knots" (trigger points) in your neck can be triggering headaches and pain. 

3. See a chiropractor. Chiropractic is one of the top consumer rated choices for dealing with pain, particularly low back pain. 

4. Do yoga. Yoga will help the body to keep mobile and elongate those tense muscles! It will also help to relax the body. 

5. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture can be highly effective at pain relief

6. Break out the ice pack. Ice is a natural analgesic (pain killer). If you have an acute injury, ice is best. For arthritis and tension in musculature, heat is best. 

Most of the use of Acetaminophen is due to muskuloskeletal pain and arthritis. Some people claim that ignorance is bliss. However, when it comes to your health, it's important you know the medical facts! Medication can be of help in the right situations and in the right combinations. But taken too lightly, can be extremely harmful and even fatal. Many other prescription drugs have Acetaminophen hidden in them. 

If you are in pain, seek help from a Chiropractic Physician. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Misty Kosciusko of New Horizon Chiropractic & Wellness here in Portsmouth at (401-683-6430) or visit our Web site www.newhorizonchiro.com, facebook, or twitter.