Almost all people have experienced the most common type of headache, it is called a tension headache. It is often brought on by the common affliction of our society, namely stress. It is often associated with pain in the neck and facial muscles. If a person can get their muscles to relax, the headache will often go away on its own. Chiropractic treatment is excellent for both preventing and relieving tension headaches.
But if someone is out of town or unable to seek care for whatever reason, it may become necessary to take something for relief of tension headaches and for relief of general muscle soreness, such as from overexertion or stress. The three most popular over-the-counter remedies are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin,) and aspirin. Which is safest? Which works best?
Which is Safest: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Aspirin?
All three are effective in treating an occasional tension headadche or muscle soreness, but, contrary to the adage “as safe as taking an aspirin,” Aspirin is not the safest, ibuprofen is. A study published in May in the Annals of Medicine examined the results of the many studies that looked at the question of safety and concluded that ibuprofen is the safest of the three. The wrinkle comes in concerning people who cannot take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Since ibuprofen and aspirin both fall into that category, acetaminophen becomes the best option for these people.
Which is Most Effective: Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin?
One study compared 200mg of ibuprofen to 500mg of aspirin. It found that ibuprofen was more effective in reducing headache intensity one hour after treatment. Another study compared 400 mg of ibuprofen to 1,000 mg of acetaminophen. Those taking ibuprofen had better and faster pain relief.
What are the Potential Safety Concerns?
As with all drugs, take only the minimum dosage needed to reduce your pain. Here are some specific concerns:
Acetaminophen: limit intake to 3000mg per day, exceeding that amount can severely damage your liver. And don’t take it at all if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, otherwise liver damage can again ensue.
Ibuprofen: long-term intake of more than 2,400mg per day can lead to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Anyone who has recently suffered a heart attack should not take ibuprofen,
Aspirin: don’t give to children due to risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious illness causing brain swelling and liver damage. Children should be given children’s acetaminophen.
All three medications: don’t take for more than 10 days in a row, else the risk of side effects increases considerably. Chiropractic is a safer option.