Reducing the need for NSAIDS and Anti-inflammatory drugs
Hydration – Drink ½ your weight in ounces of water. Limit coffee/tea as they are a diuretic. Alcohol is always a proinflammatory and will generally make symptoms worse.
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) after particularly strenuous activities will often lessen medication needed.
The most important prevention of inflammation is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Some of my favorite foods in this diet are salmon, blue/blackberries, garlic, onion, turmeric, leafy greens, flax seeds and green tea.
I go over this in detail with almost all patients because it can be helpful for many other conditions including allergies, arthritis, eczema, chronic bloating and headaches as well.
There are many anti-inflammatory supplements available as well. Many of these have bioflavinoids and herbs such as turmeric, ginger, bromelain, quercitin and curcumin. Pains that have more of a cramping nature generally respond best to mineral supplementation.
As always, check with your medical provider before starting any new OTC supplements as there are some contraindications to taking these with certain medications.