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You may be aware that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are associated with muscle damage and pain. But even few doctors are aware that a study published in a major medical journal found statin drugs to be associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. [1] This included an increased risk of dislocations, strains, and sprains. More specifically, researchers found that treatment with a statin was associated with a 19% increased risk of any type of musculoskeletal injury, a 13% increased risk of dislocations, strains, and sprains, and a 9% increased risk of musculoskeletal pain! [2] The study included 6,967 statin users and compared their symptoms to that of an equal amount of people who did not take statins. Most of the treatment group (73.5%) was taking simvastatin, also known as Zocor. There are many potential side effects associated with statin drugs. Examples include:
In case you are not aware of the common brand name statin drugs, I have listed them below:
If you are on a statin drug and are looking for alternatives, then schedule a visit with one of the doctors at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine.
[1] Mansi I, Frei CR, Pugh MJ, Makris U, Mortensen EM. Statins and musculoskeletal conditions, arthropathies, and injuries. JAMA Intern Med 2013; DOI:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.6184
[2] ibid
