Which is better for sore muscles ibuprofen or tylenol

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You know that after pushing yourself hard your body is going to be sore.

That might be middle-of-the-road, pretty-good sore if you've just played an unexpectedly intense game of pick-up soccer, or it might be holy-hell, what did I do to myself sore if you've just raced a triathlon or decided to open the winter season with a day snowboarding on steep trails.

Either way, you might be inclined to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) when you are done. It seems like it makes sense. You've shredded your muscles and stressed your ligaments, bones, and tendons, and you know there's some inflammation there. So why not take an anti-inflammatory drug?

But for general soreness — especially if you want your body to recover best and get stronger — you shouldn't.

Inflammation causes pain, but it's also the first step towards healing. When you work out you're damaging muscles. In response your body adapts, healing that damage and making you stronger so that you can better handle those forces in the future.

Some research has found that some of the pro-inflammatory compounds produced by exercise then cause the release of powerful anti-inflammatory substances that help damaged muscles heal and have other long-lasting health benefits. There's reason to think that artificially suppressing the initial inflammation could prevent that healing process, neutralizing some of the real benefits of exercise.

Studies in mice have shown that ibuprofen cancels out some of the skeletal muscle growth that would normally happen after distance running. And while mice aren't people, human research seems to agree. Some researchers have found that both ibuprofen and acetaminophen (another type of pain reliever, often branded as Tylenol) suppress the protein formation that occurs in muscles after high-intensity exercise. Even more research has found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (aspirin is also in this category) inhibit bone healing. There's even some evidence showing that using ibuprofen regularly for soreness may damage cellular tissue and generally prevent your body from even being able to take full advantage of exercise.

Even using ice baths or ice packs to reduce inflammation can slow the body's adaptation process, though that just delays healing, it doesn't actually stop it from happening.

There's an exception to all this, of course. If you have an actual injury, using a painkiller to reduce inflammation may help you heal.

But for general muscle soreness, you're better off just toughing it out.

Over-the-counter painkillers have earned their spot in your medicine cabinet. You reach for them to lower a fever, banish a headache or ease those monthly cramps.

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Both acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) are used to treat fevers and pain. But they’re not exactly interchangeable. Which should you choose? Here family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, discusses what you should know about which med makes the most sense for your aches and pains.

Ibuprofen basics

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As the name suggests, it tends to be most helpful for discomfort that goes hand in hand with inflammation, which can include redness, swelling, heat, pain and/or loss of function at the site or source. That makes it a smart pick for pain such as:

• Back and neck pain.
• Earache.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Muscle sprains and strains.
• Sinus infections.
• Toothache.

Acetaminophen basics

Acetaminophen is a type of drug called an analgesic. Translation: It reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site itself. That makes it a good choice for pain such as:

• Headaches.
• Joint pain/arthritis.
• Sore throat.

Pain medication side effects

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen carry a risk of side effects, so follow the dosage info on the labels. Here’s what to look out for when you’re taking these painkillers.

Ibuprofen side effects

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Stomach pain (so it’s important to take with food).

Taking ibuprofen for a long time or at high doses can also increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:

• Blood clots.
• Heart attack.
• Kidney damage.
• Stomach bleeding (ulcers).
• Stroke.

Acetaminophen side effects

Side effects of acetaminophen are minimal, but some people experience problems including:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.

Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and therefore is not a great option for those with kidney issues. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and is not a great option for those with liver issues. For those who have neither kidney nor liver issues, sometimes we alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen to avoid overdosing as well as attacking pain and inflammation from two different approaches.

Acetaminophen can also be hiding in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications. If you’re taking more than one medication, read drug labels carefully so that you don’t go over the recommended dosage. For example, it may not be safe to take cold medicine and Tylenol at the same time.

Which painkiller should you pick?

So which pain med reigns supreme? While there’s no right answer, these pointers can help you decide.

Fever

Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.

Stomach trouble

If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.

Period pains

Ibuprofen reduces your body’s production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and start periods each month. Ibuprofen can ease menstrual cramps and may also make menstrual bleeding lighter.

Other meds

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If you’re taking medication, talk to your provider doctor or pharmacist before reaching for the painkillers.

Persistent pain

If you’re taking painkillers over several days, consider alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lower the risk of side effects.

Kids

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids. But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your little one’s age and weight.

What’s the takeaway? When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. And isn’t it good to have options?

Should I take Tylenol or ibuprofen for sore muscles?

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