A former Pittsburgh Steelers player opened up in August 2024 about ditching Toradol shots after harsh side effects and trying medical cannabis instead. He said Toradol helped pain fast but caused stomach pain, bleeding concerns, and kidney worries. That kind of blunt honesty matters because NFL pain care often favors quick fixes.
He described how repeated Toradol injections felt like a shortcut that wore on his body. One season he needed relief to play, and Toradol meant he could perform that week. Later he noticed worse recovery, persistent stomach problems, and tests that worried his doctors.
He chose medical cannabis after researching alternatives and talking with medical pros. Cannabis didn't erase every ache but offered pain control with fewer stomach and kidney signals. He also used it with rehab, sleep help, and lower doses of pain pills. That mix helped him feel more stable long term.
This switch is personal but points to a bigger issue: athletes need safer, long-term pain plans, not just fast fixes. Toradol (ketorolac) is useful short term but can cause real harm if overused, including bleeding and kidney strain. Cannabis has risks too — it can affect thinking, coordination, and rules around drug testing — so it's not a simple swap.
If pain is a regular thing for you, ask hard questions. Which medicine treats pain now and which one protects your health later? Talk to a doctor about alternatives, physical therapy, sleep and nutrition. If considering cannabis, check legal status, dosing, and interactions with other meds.
For families and fans, hearing a former pro speak openly helps change the conversation. It pushes teams and leagues to examine pain protocols and support long-term health. That could mean fewer quick injections, better follow-up care, and more rehab support.
Canadian Pharmacy 24 covered this story in August 2024 because it fits our focus: practical, safer health choices. We share tips and medication facts so you can ask the right questions when managing pain, whether you're an athlete or dealing with everyday aches.
A quick look at how Toradol works: it's an NSAID called ketorolac that cuts inflammation and pain, and that helps when you need fast relief. Doctors usually limit its use to a few days because longer use raises the chance of stomach bleeding and kidney trouble. Mixing Toradol with blood thinners or dehydrating yourself after hard practices raises those risks.
Cannabis is not one thing. CBD can help inflammation and pain without the high. THC can help more with acute pain and sleep but can cause dizziness or slower reaction times. Delivery matters: oils and edibles last longer, vapes act faster. If you're an athlete, THC can trigger positive drug tests, so check league rules before trying it.
Talk to a clinician who understands both sports medicine and cannabis. Ask about kidney tests if you've had repeated NSAIDs, and discuss tapering strategies to avoid rebound pain. Try combining smaller medicine doses with focused rehab, targeted sleep routines, and nutrition that cuts inflammation — fish, leafy greens, and staying hydrated all help recovery.
If you're curious about safe options, Canadian Pharmacy 24 posts drug info and links to legal suppliers. We don't replace your doctor, but we aim to help you ask smarter questions and push for safer pain plans that protect health beyond a single season.
Start small, track changes.
