Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: KJVMike on 01/11/2010 03:18:25
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As I grow older, I find myself using pain relievers more frequently. I've wondered recently if the use of analgesics, particularly NSAIDs, before or after exercise may be ill-advised because of possible interference with muscle growth. If muscle hypertrophy following exercise results when microscopic stresses in the muscle tissue are repaired and made stronger, would a pain reliever lessen or otherwise interfere with the chemical signals produced by damaged tissues and thereby lessen muscle growth? Or, on the other hand, is it better for me to take pain relievers in order to suppress the normal level of discouragement from the pain of exertion, thus allowing me to exercise at a higher intensity or for a longer period of time?