Tylenol Or Advil? Not Created Equal For Pain Relief

As we move merrily along into our so-called midlife, it’s not uncommon to feel pesky, everyday aches and pains from things like headaches, back pain, arthritis, sciatica the list goes on. Because I exercise pretty frequently, it’s not unusual for me to feel pain from time to time (yes, I’ll admit pushing myself beyond my reasonable limits every once in a while!). Granted, I can’t always blame exercise although I hate to use the age card to start complaining so I won’t.

One of my most recent and pleasant discoveries for pain management has been self-massage for various aches and pains; my favorite thing to use is a hand-held massager, like these made by Wahl. But that’s not always the only remedy. My medicine cabinet is filled with different over-the-counter pain relievers, among them Tylenol and Advil. And I usually reach for one or the other with no thought given as to why I’m taking that particular one, other than the fact I can no longer stand the pain I’m feeling, or I’ve run out of one or the other.

Which is why a recent article in the Wall Street Journal caught my eye: It’s about how all over-the-counter pain relievers do not work interchangeably; apparently they work differently in your body, and they can have different side effects. What’s good for a headache is not necessarily good for achy knees.

The article says: “Got a headache? Tylenol, or its generic version acetaminophen, might be your best bet since it comes with fewer side effects, many experts say. Inflamed elbow? Advil, whose active ingredient is ibuprofen, is likely to bring greater relief. And if you’re trying to bring down a fever, either medication will probably work, although some studies have found Advil to have a slight edge.”

Who knew?

Curious, I scoured the Internet for more info. And sure enough, you need to be selective when choosing which to take for what ailment. The Cleveland Clinic pitted acetaminophen (Tylenol) against ibuprofen (Advil). They reported that Tylenol works better for things like headaches and arthritis, while you’re better off with Advil for things like fever, pain and inflammation.

Which Pain Reliever Is Right for You?

An aspirin may help your nagging headache, but will it reduce a fever, soothe a toothache, alleviate back spasms or reduce knee swelling? Not all over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, including aspirin, are created equal, according to Samuel Weiner, MD, a Virtua family physician.

“It can get confusing with the number of brands available on the market,” says Dr. Weiner, “but there are only four major over-the-counter pain-killing products – aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. Each has a different overall effect on the body.”.... Read More.....