Anti-inflammatory medicine use linked to chronic long-term pain
Jul. 17—Popular over-the-counter pain relief medicines, anti-inflammatories and steroids can offer short-term relief, but may leave users with long-term chronic pain or conditions.
A new study from McGill University found inflammation to be a crucial part of healing due to neutrophils, a white blood cell that helps fight infection and set the stage for tissue repair. When these neutrophils were blocked in mice with anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, they experienced prolonged pain up to ten times the normal duration. The study determined interfering with neutrophils could lead to dangerous results including a higher chance of developing chronic pain.
"Inflammation is a normal part of healing and when that inflammation is blocked, healing is disrupted," says Toula Glass, N.P. "The healing process is complex and it's important to consider how best to get relief without causing longer-term impact."
Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, there are a number of low-risk options for relief that do not require medication. These include topical ointments, exercise therapy, acupuncture, massage, heat and cooling. A heating pad or warm bath can relax and loosen tense muscles and increase blood flow to an injury. An ice pack can be used to bring down swelling because it causes blood vessels to constrict.
"Consult with your provider before starting any pain medicines to determine what treatment is best for you," says Glass.
To learn more about the risks and benefits of pain medicine or to find a physician, visit Navarro-Docs.com or call 903-872-DOCS.
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About Navarro Regional Hospital
Navarro Regional Hospital is your community healthcare provider. We are a 162-bed licensed acute care facility with inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, emergency department, medical and surgical care. We offer cardiac rehab, physical and speech therapy, an outpatient surgery center, 3D mammography and a 64-slice CT scanner. We offer a special procedures room for interventional radiology procedures and heart catheterizations. Navarro Regional is a chest pain and primary stroke accredited facility.
Sources:
https://neurosciencenews.com/inflammation-chronic-pain-20565/
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-you-drugs/drug-interactions-what-you-should-know
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/featured-topics/pain-management.html
https://www.cdc.gov/acute-pain/postsurgical-pain/index.html
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-self-care-approaches-to-treating-pain/