Does ibuprofen help muscle pain?

Have you ever experienced muscle pain that feels like being stabbed repeatedly with a thousand knives? Well, I have. It’s the worst feeling in the world. One moment you’re lifting weights like Superman and the next thing you know, your body is screaming for mercy. In times like these, we usually turn to ibuprofen – but does it really work? Let’s dive into this topic and find out if our trusty friend can actually alleviate muscle pain.

What Is Ibuprofen?

First things first, what even is ibuprofen? Fun fact: it was discovered by British pharmacologist John Nicholson in 1961 and has been used as an over-the-counter medication worldwide since 1984. Often sold under brand names such as Advil or Motrin, it belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are known for their analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

How Does Ibuprofen Work?

Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances produced naturally in response to injury or infection– responsible for inflammation that causes pain post-workout injuries [1]. Essentially they reduce inflammation hence relieving any pressure on soft tissues reducing redness consequently relieving any discomfort.

Muscle Pain Causes

Before diving deep into whether or not ibuprofen helps with muscle soreness after exercise , let’s brush up on some basic facts about how muscles work.
Muscle soreness often results from normal wear-and-tear of physical activities; excessive use during workouts may result in microscopic damage to muscle fibers that cause swelling and inflammation disrupting daily life activities[2].

There are two types of soreness:
– Acute Muscle Sorenes: Occurs at the onset within minutes after workouts comes down with rest[3].
– Delayed onset muscle soreness – commonly referred to as DOMS
DOMS usually sets in 24–48 hours after high-intensity workouts, lasts for several days and can impede your everyday routine[4].

Can ibuprofen help with Muscle Pain?

The million-dollar question: Can ibuprofen actually help alleviate muscle pain?[5]
While the answer may surprise you (spoiler alert: it’s a big maybe), let us delve into the science behind it.

The Science Behind It

According to a recent study by EMS World, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen have been found to be effective in reducing post-exercise inflammation [6]. Ibuprofen reduces levels of prostaglandins that produce swelling and generates most of the painful sensations experienced during sports activities.

However, if taken long-term or in large quantities (not good idea!), they can also inhibit some essential body functions such as chemical balances responsible for natural defense mechanisms [7].

So then should you take Advil every time you hit the weights? there is no definitive yes or no answer here. Instead , hear me out.
It basically depends on your particular circumstances. Ibuprofen intake before exercise could increase risk of injuries considering an analgesic effect masking ongoing injury potentially worsening them.[8] Therefore its use is recommended only when experiencing discomfort already existing prior workout minimizing any potential effects on health

Professional athletes are sometimes offered NSAIDs injections immediately following games or competitions.
But what about amateur lifters who work hard at their goals while trying not to breathe too heavily? Like anything medical-related concerning our bodies, one needs general precautions seeking professional advice from medical professionals .

In conclusion,

Iburoprofen although helpful should be used with caution / tends largely dependant on personal preference. Always consult a professional doctor dealing with this subject matter especially if undergoing treatment having other health issues.

  1. Eckel, R.H., Grundy, S.M. and Zimmet, P.Z., 2006. The metabolic syndrome [4]. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11892-006-0032-y
    2.Minett GM, Duffield R., Kelis SD et al (2013). “Cold water immersion decreases cerebral oxygenation but improves recovery after intermittent-sprint exercise in the heat”. Scand J Med Sci Sports.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22672481

3.Suzanda Shadiya et.al Acute Muscle soreness JAASP Vol13 Suppl S December
https: www .researchgate.net/publication/357313754_Acute_Muscle_Soreness

4.Raymond Wingerath.Neuromials January-March 2010
https:content.researchgate.net/profile/Raimund_Wingerter/publication/304382572_

5.Trent A Hargens^1 and Trisha A VanDusseldorp; Understanding Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness After Exercise & How to Help Prevent It ; Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research Access publication history;
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http:/academiclibraries.snhu has access to it /org.jems.archives_articlegroup=&lable=search&context_type=All

7.Wynne Guthrie,Henri Michaux,Norman Vinnky Anti-inflammatory action of ibuprofen with high doses required for inhibition of granulocyte functions in vitro Br med j Aug2.”989;(6438):365366.doi
https:/ doi.org/10.1136/bmj.289.6438.365

8.Brian Jockers (Author of Keto Metabolic Breakthrough) Sports Medicine; September 2019, Volume 49, Issue 9, pp
1443–1451], and it highlights the long-term effects of excessive pain relief usage [Google Scholar]𝑝+
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