What's the deal with NSAIDs?

I used January as a time to researching a plan/goals to becoming more healthy. I'm soon to be 56 and this old body isn't as "well oiled" as it used to be... however, I do weigh less than I have most of my adult life. In the last 3 years I gained back 20 of the 70 pounds I lost and boy can I feel the pain. It's true. Each pound added makes a difference in my joints. However... I am wondering if there is more to it than I think!

February is my month to go clean. No artificial sweeteners... mindful of the sugars I consume... I'm also stopping the use of NSAIDS and Sudifed.

I'm already sleeping better although there is still room for improvement in that area.
But... my achy joints (I have a little arthritis but not bad) are WORSE than ever.
My research says NSAIDS are NOT addictive but reduce inflammation & pain. I'm doubting the addictive part. Doctors tell arthritis patients to take NSAIDS all the time. Couldn't find any current info on Spark.

Could the research be wrong? Has my years of NSAID use created withdrawals in my body as I go cold turkey this month?
Withdrawals is what it feels like... and I am wondering if this is like the rebound headaches I had years ago when a doctor said I was "hooked" on Excedrin Migraine! That was an ugly few weeks of rebound headaches...

I need to try something to relieve the achy pain I'm experiencing right now. I'm going to start stretching more... move more... exercise through the pain and rest more this month when possible and see if this (mostly hand & feet pain but also starting in the back/hip/knee) goes away.

Latest research (2018) that perked my interest was this in a nutshell...
NSAIDS do reduce inflammation and pain but in the process inhibit healing. What???? The stuff in the meds which create a pain relieving anti-inflammatory response is inhibiting the proper healing of the joint. Good grief. Has my use of NSAIDS to relieve swelling created a bigger arthritis monster?

Any words of wisdom on this subject out in Sparkville land? Please chime in...