Chronic pain becomes a prominent part of life as we age. It can significantly reduce our quality of life and make it harder to do the things that we used to be able to do. Exercising, hanging out with family, socializing with friends can all be things that are negatively impacted if we are experiencing an abundance of chronic pain.
Chronic back pain, joint pain, headaches, and any other ailments that make mobility harder can be seen more in older adults. Long years of wear and tear start to add up and can lead to the breakdown of some of our joints and tissues, compounded with the fact that healing becomes much harder and our tissues becomes less elastic as we get older.
Due to this pain we may find ourselves using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They are a group of medications that are used to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. Drugs like ibuprofen are an example of insights, and if you find yourself using them every single day for pain you may actually be putting yourself at risk for some adverse effects of chronic NSAID use. This is why it will be important to find other methods of healing and dealing with chronic pain other than taking pain medications. In this article we will be reviewing some of the \ adverse effects of using NSAIDs chronically, as well as some alternative methods of dealing with chronic pain.
How NSAIDs work
NSAIDs work by blocking our bodies production of certain chemicals that are associated with pain and inflammation. They block a very important enzyme called COX and there are two forms that both contribute to the pain in our joints, muscles, etc.
One is called COX-1 and it protects the stomach lining and also helps with kidney function. The second is called COX-2 and it is produced when joints are injured or inflamed. Some NSAIDs work to block both forms of these. They are nonselective because they work on both COX enzymes. Common forms of pain medication include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Their non selectivity means that they block both enzymes and that’s why they can cause stomach irritation.
There are other NSAIDs that only block COX-2 and they are called selective NSAIDs. This includes celecoxib and are thought to cause less stomach irritation.
Common side effects
Because NSAIDs are drugs, it is very common for there to be side effects. Older individuals with chronic illnesses may be at increased risk for some of these side effects. Many people tolerate NSAID use very well, and mild side effects may be reduced by reducing the dose of NSAIDs that are used or taking another drug that can help reduce some of the side effects. Below are some of the common side effects that can be seen with NSAIDs use.
Stomach problems
Irritation or pain, heartburn, gas, diarrhea or constipation, bleeding and ulcers, nausea and vomiting are all negative side effects that can take place while using NSAIDs. Some of these side effects can be reduced by taking NSAIDs with food, milk, or any drug, like an antacid, that reduces acid production.
Increasing acid production while also blocking the enzyme most responsible for lining the stomach wall and protecting it are the reasons why NSAIDs use lead to stomach issues. Therefore in order to reduce this discomfort, it’s important to protect the stomach by alkalinizing the pH of the stomach, or reducing the amount of acid that could potentially damage the lining of the stomach and lead to some discomfort. Drinking alcohol while taking NSAID’s can also increase the risk for internal bleeding, so it’s best to avoid that combination.
Heart attack and stroke
All of NSAIDs except for aspirin can increase risk for high blood pressure, stroke, or heart attack. Therefore if you already have these issues, then it may be more beneficial to look for an alternative way of reducing pain then taking NSAIDs. Increase risk can happen in the first weeks of NSAIDs use so if you have been using them for awhile, then most likely you will not be experiencing these adverse effects. However if you just start to use them and you are starting to notice symptoms such as swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc., then it may be time to switch to something else. If you already have risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or any kidney issues then it may be better to consider taking something else.
Kidney problems
NSAIDs cause a lot of fluid retention, and this can lead to swollen ankles and feet. Other common kidney issues are normally not seen with NSAIDs use. These effects are normally dose dependent so this means that the higher the dose, the more likely there will be issues. If you are taking a low dose every single day, the most likely you will not experience many of these kidney difficulties. NSAIDs may cause increased risk or send kidney failure or kidney damage, so the National Kidney Foundation advises that if you already have kidney dysfunction then you should avoid NSAIDs use. Kidney dysfunction should have been diagnosed by your primary care physician or nephrologist, and signs of this include a high serum creatinine level, swelling, foamy or dark urine, trouble urinating, and any other discomfort in the lower abdominal area or back.
Alternative methods for chronic pain
Chronic pain can be really debilitating and hard to live with. And only people living with chronic pain know the extent to which chronic pain negatively impacts their life. Therefore it may be very hard to justify not using insects for chronic pain if there is any chance that they may make you feel better. However NSAIDs use may just provide temporary relief, but they actually don’t get down to the root of the problem. In order to do that, here are some things that you may try:
- Osteopathic manual manipulation
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic medicine
- Therapy
- Support groups
- Diet and exercise
- Weight loss
If you think that any of your problems may be deeper, or you try some of these and they don’t work, then it may be a deeper problem such as a pinched nerve root or something that requires some sort of surgical consultation. Be sure to try some of these techniques but then also speak with your primary care physician to see if there can be a more permanent solution for your chronic pain.
If your chronic pain is so debilitating, that yo cannot perform your activities of daily living, or get around, then Diverse Health Services may be able to assist. Transportation, grocery shopping, food preparation, medication dispensing, and company are just some of the ways in which our company can serve those from the comfort of their own homes. Please check out our services page to see if any of our home health professionals are a great fit for your family and needs!
Resources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/side-effects-from-nsaids#ask-a-doctor-if
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