Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) 1.5–5g of EPA and DHA per day, taken with meals
White Willow Bark 240 mg/day
Curcumin (turmeric) turmeric powder 400–600 mg taken three times per day
Green Tea 3-4 cups per day
Pycnogenol (maritime pine bark) 100–200 mg daily
Boswellia (Frankincense) 300-500 mg two or three times/day
Resveratrol 50 to 500 mg daily
Cat’s claw 20-60 mg daily
Capsaicin (chili pepper) topical creams
Surg Neurol Int. 2010; 1: 80.
Published online 2010 Dec 13. doi: 10.4103/2152-7806.73804: 10.4103/2152-7806.73804
PMCID: PMC3011108
PMID: 21206541
Joseph C. Maroon, Jeffrey W. Bost,* and Adara Maroon1
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
1Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
Joseph C. Maroon: ude.cmpu@cjnooram; Jeffrey W. Bost: ude.cmpu@jtsob; Adara Maroon: gro.yelkciwes@noorama
*Corresponding author
Received 2010 Oct 20; Accepted 2010 Oct 22.
Abstract
The use of both over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal medications is frequently recommended in a typical neurosurgical practice. But persistent long-term use safety concerns must be considered when prescribing these medications for chronic and degenerative pain conditions. This article is a literature review of the biochemical pathways of inflammatory pain, the potentially serious side effects of nonsteroidal drugs and commonly used and clinically studied natural alternative anti-inflammatory supplements. Although nonsteroidal medications can be effective, herbs and dietary supplements may offer a safer, and often an effective, alternative treatment for pain relief, especially for long-term use.