OTC Painkillers May Increase Inflammation

We don’t hesitate at the first sign that we feel pain and crack open. A bottle of ibuprofenOr a similar over the counter (OTC) medicine. After all, they’re commonly referred to as painkillers—as in, they are meant To relieve A variety of aches, and pains can be caused by these conditions. “headaches, sore muscles, [and] arthritis,” According to the National Institute of Health.

You might reconsider using these medications. A new study says that OTC painkillers—including ibuprofen—may actually worsen inflammation. Learn more.

READ THIS: Doctors Have a Clearer View of What Happens when you take Ibuprofen for 30 days consecutively.

When it comes to pain, most people are used to getting relief from OTC meds—and they don’t always wait until they’re actually experiencing discomfort. A 2022 survey of 2,000 U.S. citizens OnePoll conducted the survey for Chirp, which makes devices for back pain relief. 42 percent of respondents indicated that they use OTC pain medication to help with their pain. They also use OTC meds to try and avoid pain altogether. These are 34 percent of pain sufferers turn to OTC medication.

Many respondents also reported regularly using OTC medication. Twenty percent of respondents admitted that they use pain relievers at minimum once per day and twelve percent said they do. “a few times a day.” However, recent research shows that this practice may be problematic.

A study The 2022 Radiological Society of North America conference in November revealed that certain types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen, can worsen osteoarthritis.

This study included 277 participants in the Osteoarthritis initiative cohort who had moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Who used NSAID treatment For at least one year, a Press Release explained.

Researchers looked into the relationship between NSAIDs use and synovitis in these patients. “the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint,” Johanna Luitjens, MD, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco, said in a statement. However, the results weren’t very promising.

“In this study there was no structural long-term benefit from NSAID use in patients who had a history of NSAID abuse.” [osteoarthritis] Could be found“, concluded the researchers. “Furthermore, users showed more synovitis at baseline and change over four years, which may lead to an increase in pain and a decrease in joint function.”

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Osteoarthritis can be described as “the end of the world”.The most common form is arthritis“, and is sometimes referred as “degenerative joint disease,” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC). This condition is estimated to affect more than 32.5 millions adults in the United States. Yet, it is a common condition. “no cure for this disease process,” Kelly Johnson-ArborMD Doctor of medical toxicology Tells as co-medical director at the National Capital Poison Center. Best Life.

“Treatments are limited to pain control and maintenance of joint function and stability,” Johnson-Arbor explains. “NSAIDs are often used to reduce the pain and acute inflammation of arthritis.”

The study found that the opposite effect may occur over time. Leann PostonMD A licensed physician Invigor Medical’s medical expert. “This suggests that NSAIDS may not reduce the structural changes found in the knee joint due to osteoarthritis and may actually lead to more pain and a decrease in joint function,” Poston explains. This could be due to increased inflammation. “Inflammation typically causes pain because the swelling and buildup of tissue starts pressing against nerve endings. This pressure sends pain signals to the brain, causing discomfort,” According to Garden State Pain and Orthopedics.

Luitjens claimed that the study was “able to show that there were no protective mechanisms from NSAIDs in reducing inflammation or slowing down progression of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.” This suggests that these pain relief medications can be used for these patients. “should be revisited,” The lead researcher concluded.

Poston, however, was not part of the study and cautioned against drawing conclusions without further research. “This was a small study, and randomized controlled trials are needed to better advise patients about whether NSAIDs are a benefit or harmful in their case,” She says.

Naheed AliDr. Internal medicine doctor Medical Copywriting Services is a physician writer who recommends speaking with your doctor to determine if you should be taking ibuprofen long-term for pain. “This is because long-term use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, may be associated with certain risks and side effects,” Ali said. “The doctor may recommend alternative treatment options or may suggest taking NSAIDs on a more short-term basis. The best NSAID treatment approach will depend on the individual’s specific needs and medical history.”ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Johnson-Arbor’s study suggests that the short-term use painkillers for knee discomfort might be more effective, according to Johnson. “Long-term use of NSAID drugs can help mask the pain of osteoarthritis, temporarily allowing people with the condition to be more active. This may, in turn, cause more wear and tear on the joints, which may actually worsen the underlying condition,” This is what the medical toxicologist says.

Best Life provides the latest information from top experts and new research. However, our content is not intended to replace professional guidance. Your healthcare provider should be consulted if you have questions or concerns about your medication.

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