Posted on November 5th, 2008 by admin

Few drugs can match the universal appeal of aspirin, a potent pain reliever for headaches, toothaches, fever, and muscle soreness. Because it reduces inflammation, aspirin is especially soothing for arthritis and injuries like strains and sprains. In a recent study at the University of Alabama, 20 women who were given two aspirin four times a day had less soreness and a greater range of motion two days after performing some unusual arm exercises than volunteers who didn’t take aspirin.The researchers speculate that aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effect was responsible for the reduction in “delayed muscle soreness.”

If aspirin upsets your stomach or if you are allergic to it, acetaminophen is a good substitute. Acetaminophen also relieves pain and fever, but not inflammation. Ibuprofen relieves inflammation as well as pain and fever. Ultimately, however, your choice of pain reliever may simply come down to whatever works best for you. Just be aware that if you are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen is generally off limits too.

Tags: a potent pain reliever for headaches, and muscle soreness, aspirin, fever, toothaches