An article in the Times newspaper 26/6/21 began with the headline: Headache? Bad back? How to tell if your painkiller is the right one for you

It continued with the results of a study by surgeons at Mc Master University, Ontario analysing data on more than 5,000 patients after surgery which was reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. They found that ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were better than codeine for managing post operative pain.(As NSAIDs do not carry the same risk of addiction as codeine this is a significant benefit. The NHS is aware of the addiction danger with codeine and has become much more cautious about prescribing it according to Dr Adam Todd.)

What is the relevance of this to Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths? Although osteopathy is a manual therapy there may be times when pharmaceutical pain medications might help with relief of symptoms and be part of the healing process. Although osteopaths do not prescribe medication many of the medicines referred to are available without a prescription. So Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths might suggest that patients use some medications when circumstances indicate this is beneficial.

For example ibuprofen (non prescription) is a very good medicine to reduce inflammation and associated pain. It should be taken with food to line the stomach, although If the patient has a sensitive stomach then it should be taken with Omeprazol which will line the stomach wall and prevent some of the stomach irritation. If the inflammation is very acute it needs to be reduced before treatment can commence, so by reducing the inflammation the medication is enabling the treatment. Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths would also recommend arnica gel (homeopathic) which will help to dissipate bruising that requires attention.

Alan Nevies and his colleagues at northlondonosteopaths take a holistic approach to treating their patients and sometimes manual therapy is used in conjunction with appropriate medication as part of the healing process.