Widely popular over-the-counter 'Painkillers' with the likes of ibuprofen and paracetamol contributes 'more harm than good' as health officials warn the public of its frequent use for chronic pain.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) believes that these drugs, together with opioids and aspirin, have 'little or no evidence' they work.. NICE also claims that these drugs prove to be addictive and might cause harm to patients.
Daily Mail said that this claim by NICE is a part of their draft guidance for the public that was published on Monday, saying that the prescription of these types of medicine is inappropriate. NICE guidelines are evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England to help health and social care workers and professionals.
Chronic Pain
This type of pain sounds like a huge deal and severe, the fact is, they really are. Chronic pain is a type of pain that is persistent and does not fade away easily. This pain stays for three months or so and is usually results of accidents, surgeries, and injuries.
More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and this usually affects livelihood and relationships as this pain is unbearable and often needs medication for ease.
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What do other health care researchers say?
The National Health Service or NHS says the opposite of what NICE claims, as they believe and advice that the use of the over-the-counter painkillers such as the commonly known paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe even over many years.
NHS says that the safe dosage of the drug, paracetamol, is two 500 milligram doses up to four times a day. Paracetamol is known to treat non-nerve pains and is directed for headaches. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is more effective in treating injury-related pain and is given in inflammatory causes. This drug should not be prolonged, for it poses a huge risk in your stomach, kidneys, and heart. Another known NSAID is the ever-popular, aspirin.
Despite its uses and wide range of treatment for chronic pain, NHS warns an excellent deal for increasing your dosage as these drugs pose serious risks and side effects.
Another known treatment for chronic pain is Opioids. The American Society of Anesthesiologists or ASA says that these drugs are prescription drugs used to treat severe cases of pain. These drugs are highly addictive and are to use under doctor's prescription and medication.
It is recommended to consult your physician or a healthcare professional when symptoms persist, and the feeling of intense pain does not fade.
Alternative Treatments for pain
NHS and ASA give off tips and guidance with regards to steering away from the use of drugs in combatting chronic pain. Drugs like paracetamol and NSAID ibuprofens are not necessarily the answer when pain is felt by the body.
- Exercise - the cheapest and worry-free treatment for chronic pain, promotes fitness, health, and body conditioning.
- Physical Therapy - patients are often advised to seek physical therapy from professionals that specialize in helping the patient with mobility and other body-related pains.
- Acupuncture - This type of treatment carefully places thin needles throughout the skin to interrupt pain signals.
- Nerve blocks - this type of alternative is given to patients with severe cases of chronic pain, muscle spasm, and nerve pain.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Alonzo
