Painkillers are often taken for temporary relief, but it is common for people living with chronic pain to become dependent or addicted to painkillers.Though these drugs give short relief, doctors warn that overdependence on them may create greater health challenge than users can handle.
Yes, it is not just cocaine or heroin that people abuse; thousands of Nigerians are in the grip of a deadly drug addiction to everyday painkillers commonly known as analgesic.
According to a report by Michael House Pain Treatment and Alcohol Centre, Palm Beach, United States of America, taking any painkiller for a long period of time will most likely lead to the development of a tolerance and physical dependence upon the drug.
But then, how do you know you have reached the point of addiction? General practitioner, Dr. Lanre Salami, says someone is said to be addicted to painkillers when taking the drug has become the only ‘treatment’ for the chronic or slight pain the person feels in any part of his body and he no longer has control over their use.
He states that since most pain relief medications contain nicotine, caffeine and Ibruprofen, it is easier to get addicted to them.
Apart from addiction, experts warn that there are three main health concerns when using painkillers to treat pain over a long period. One is that the pain you are trying to repress or cure may become worse.
The Director, Pain Management and Research Institute, New York, Prof. Michael Nicholas, adds that painkillers are psychotropic drugs and their prolonged use could cause mood changes and sedation and eventually lead to depression.
However, with the rigour of living in a socially and physically demanding 21st century, pain is more common than ever and so is the increased use of pain medication.
But not to worry, there are some natural remedies and quite simple lifestyle changes that could stop the pain and get one off painkillers. One of them is physical exercise.
A health and fitness expert, Valerie Johnston, says the brain releases chemicals known as endorphins during exercise, which block pain signals and also serve as mood boosters. “Any form of physical exercise also works on other levels to reduce pain. By strengthening your muscles, increasing your mobility, improving your range of motion, increasing your endurance, and improving your cardio health, your body’s resistance to pain will increase naturally.”
She recommends stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery that naturally relax both the body and mind.
“As you learn to live a more relaxed, stress-free life, you will progressively be able to manage your pain more effectively. Knowing how to access a mental escape will be of great benefit for moving out of your pain and into a more peaceful state of mind.”
She also states that poor diet is one of the key culprits in causing inflammation and pain.
According to her, individuals who are overweight and/or malnourished are much more prone to chronic pain, adding that a variety of vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, beans, peas, nuts, and other healthy food choices, while reducing unhealthy foods, can reduce back and neck pain, as well as headaches.
Johnston says, “Proper nutrition, in combination with exercise, will result in a stronger body that is better able to combat pain and a number of other health problems that can lead to chronic pain.”
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