have pain that improves by taking NSAIDs, it probably indicates you
have a fat imbalance as previously discussed.
NSAID side effects often come with many potential problems.
These include intestinal bleeding, delayed healing, including bone
and cartilage, interference of fat balance, muscle dysfunction, liver
and kidney damage, headaches, skin rash, tinnitis (ringing in ears),
drowsiness and poor sleep (suppression of melatonin).
Some people continue taking aspirin for pain despite the fact that
they do not obtain significant relief or no longer need it. One study
showed that 20 of 44 patients who had osteoarthritis were able to stop
their regular NSAIDs without return of significant pain, and without
other therapy.
Other Muscle Pains
In addition to pain caused by muscle imbalance, other types of mus-
cle pain are common. There are three general types of pain associat-
ed with muscles: 1.) Pain experienced during or immediately after
physical activity; 2.) Delayed-onset muscle soreness; and 3.) Pain
induced by muscle cramps:
- Pain experienced during or immediately after activity
usually has a chemical origin. Lactic acid does not cause
pain directly, but may be responsible for pH changes
associated with pain. Reduced blood flow may also be
linked to this type of muscle pain, which will subside
quickly once activity is stopped. - Delayed-onset muscle soreness usually develops within
24 to 48 hours after activity, with a peak in discomfort
between 48 and 72 hours. This pain is usually associated
with muscle damage. Diminished ranges of motion
accompany pain (although muscle dysfunction often
continues after pain has resolved). - Muscle cramps may be due to some type of muscle
imbalance, and the reason for the imbalance must be
addressed. Proper hydration and the use of sodium or
magnesium may be helpful in correcting and preventing
MECHANICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH • 285