Is taking Tylenol or Advil every day REALLY that bad?

Is taking Tylenol or Advil every day really that bad? Aren’t you against pills and prescriptions because you’re a chiropractor?

If I had a nickel every time I’ve been asked asked those two questions the past 10 years, I would be a zillionaire by now! And I always respond in the simplest way possible…NO!

No, I am absolutely, positively, certainly not against pills and prescriptions. That’s like saying I’m pro-human-suffering…which is just horrible.

And, to answer the first question…I can name at least 50 things that are way worse for your health than taking Tylenol or Advil every day, starting with eating a pint of Ben & Jerry’s or smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.

So what’s the fascination with obsessing about over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers? Here’s why I believe I’ve gotten that question so many times over the years…

Because people are TIRED.

People are tired of dealing with their chronic pain. They're tired of seeing their doctor so often. They’re tired of thinking about it all the time. And to top it off, they’re physically tired.

When we turn on the news, we hear about things like the opioid epidemic and lawsuits against drug companies.

And this leads to people feeling even MORE tired.

So, here’s what they do: they quietly rely on pain relievers and ignore the news. Then they want me to tell them that it’s okay that they’re relying on Tylenol and Advil to get through each day.

And guess what? IT IS OKAY!

Just like how we learned about the idea of eating in moderation and the food pyramid in fourth grade, taking OTC medication can be treated the same way. In moderation, it’s most likely okay! But relying on it every single day would be like saying eating Ben & Jerry’s every single day is a healthy choice.

If your doctor has ruled out a serious cause for your chronic back pain, then it’s now your job to take control. This might mean that you decide to rely on OTC drugs…and that’s okay! Or, this might mean that you’re ready to take control of your health and create a plan to get rid of your back pain for good.

Nothing positive comes from judging each other and making others feel bad about their health choices…what we decide to do with our bodies is a basic human right! But if you or your friend or family member hates relying on OTC drugs, then please tell them (or yourself!) this:

There’s always something you can do or someone you can see to help you feel better; it just depends on what route you want to take!

Want some help? I help women create their own easy plan for healing their back pain at home. Comment below or send me a message HERE.

And find me over on Instagram @kelly.dunklow for daily tips and tricks on how to get more comfortable wherever you are!