College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What are NSAIDs primarily used for?

1. Muscle relaxation

2. Reduction of fever

3. Pain and inflammation

4. Infection control

The correct answer is: Pain and inflammation

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are primarily used for the management of pain and inflammation. These medications work by inhibiting enzymes in the body that contribute to inflammation and pain signaling, specifically cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, NSAIDs effectively reduce the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in response to injury or illness. This mechanism makes NSAIDs particularly useful in treating a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues where both pain and inflammation are present. They are commonly used not just for acute pain relief but also for chronic inflammatory conditions. While NSAIDs can have a role in reducing fever, their primary indication is for alleviating pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxation is typically managed with different classes of medications, and infection control involves antibiotics rather than NSAIDs, which do not have antibacterial properties. Thus, the use of NSAIDs is clearly aligned with their primary function as agents for reducing pain and inflammation.