49ers talk of age-old dilemma: Heal, or take drugs to play

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Linebacker Michael Wilhoite articulated the perpetual dilemma NFL players face:

“Basically, do you take care of your body or keep playing?” Wilhoite said Tuesday. “That’s a very difficult decision. You want to be out there for yourself and your teammates. It’s tough to balance.”

Wilhoite spoke two days after agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration questioned medical officials with the 49ers and four other NFL teams. Those surprise visits highlighted the issue of what medicinal help players occasionally need to stay on the field, and the role of club officials in the process.

Sunday’s inspections were part of an ongoing DEA investigation sparked by a lawsuit filed in May in federal court in San Francisco. The suit, filed on behalf of more than 500 former players, alleges the NFL and its teams, physicians and trainers acted without regard for players’ health in distributing prescription pain-killers and anti-inflammatory medication.

Wilhoite and two other 49ers players interviewed Tuesday said they usually take nothing stronger than Advil or other anti-inflammatories. Wilhoite insisted he really doesn’t know what any of his teammates take.

Asked whether he trusts team physicians when they offer advice and medications, he replied, “I trust them 100 percent. We don’t have the time or energy to research everything. I know we should, but those guys have medical degrees and we don’t.”

Center Daniel Kilgore, on injured reserve with a broken ankle, acknowledged he needed stronger painkillers in the wake of his surgery. He said he asks questions and “knows what he’s taking.”

“You do think about the long-term effect on your liver and kidneys,” Kilgore said. “But you also have to worry about the now, getting yourself ready to play on Sunday.”

Michael Wilhoite, flexing after a tackle against the Chiefs last month, says he trusts team physicians about medications. Michael Wilhoite, flexing after a tackle against the Chiefs last month, says he trusts team physicians about medications. Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 49ers talk of age-old dilemma: Heal, or take drugs to play 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Tight end Garrett Celek, who is expected to rejoin practice this week after recovering from back surgery, leans on his wife, Sarah, for guidance. She did extensive research on nutrition, Celek said, and makes him daily protein shakes.

He understands the temptation to use painkilling medication to stay on the field, but he tries to avoid anything too strong.

“To me, there are other ways to take care of your body,” Celek said. “A lot of problems can be solved through healthy eating. I try to stay away from pills.”

Playoff push: Two weeks ago, the 49ers were scrambling to stop a two-game losing streak. Now, after winning two straight, they take renewed hope into Sunday’s home game against Washington.

“We’re right back in this thing,” safety Eric Reid said. “We’ve got to keep winning.”

The 49ers, at 6-4, trail Arizona by three games in the NFC West but find themselves in a crowded wild-card race.

Briefly: As expected, the 49ers officially opened the 21-day practice window for Celek, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, offensive lineman Brandon Thomas and cornerback Keith Reaser. ... The 49ers also signed cornerback Marcus Cromartie to the practice squad and released tight end Xavier Grimble. ... Linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who reportedly pulled himself from Sunday’s game to protest reduced playing time, was not available during Tuesday’s media access period.

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: rkroichick@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick