🧪 Could NSAIDs Be Contributing to Chronic Pain? A Surprising Twist in Pain Science
For years, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen have been the go-to solution for aches, pains, and inflammation. From weekend warriors to office desk slouchers, many of us pop these pills expecting quick relief. But what if blocking inflammation is sometimes part of the problem?
🤔 The Hidden Risks of Long-Term NSAID Use
While NSAIDs can effectively manage short-term pain, overusing them may backfire in unexpected ways:
- Gut Trouble: Long-term NSAID use can damage the lining of your stomach, leading to ulcers, bleeding, and chronic abdominal pain, which in turn will lead for more back pain.
- Kidney Damage: Especially in those with pre-existing conditions, NSAIDs may cause kidney damage, thus resulting in pain in the lower back or sides.
- Rebound Headaches: Using NSAIDs too frequently for headaches can actually cause more headaches. Known as “rebound” or “medication overuse” headaches, these can become a frustrating cycle of chronic pain.
🧬 New Research: Inflammation Might Be Necessary to Stop Chronic Pain
A groundbreaking study from McGill University, published in Science Advances, has turned some old ideas on their head. Researchers looked at how the body recovers from pain, and it turns out that inflammation (yes, the thing we usually try to get rid of) might actually be part of the healing process.
They studied macrophages, a type of immune cell that helps regulate inflammation. When these cells were blocked or deactivated in mice, the pain didn’t go away — in fact, it lingered long after the injury healed, suggesting chronic pain.
This means inflammation isn’t always the villain we thought it was. In some cases, it may actually help the body shut off pain signals once the job is done.
Is it safe to use NSAIDs?
- Not really, even if you get a short term benefit, the damage to the body is quite severe
- You can still use it if there is no better choice, but you will have to take some steps to reverse the damage
- Alternative medicine helps you to understand the root cause of your pain and eliminate it.