Scientists from McGill University have found something surprising: the pain medications we’ve used for years—like ibuprofen and steroids—might actually make pain worse over time.
These drugs are known as anti-inflammatories. They work by blocking inflammation, which helps reduce pain quickly. That sounds like a good thing, right? But the new research shows that stopping inflammation might also stop the body’s natural healing process.
Normally, when we get hurt, inflammation is part of how the body repairs itself. This study shows that letting inflammation happen might actually help pain go away for good. On the other hand, blocking it could lead to long-lasting or chronic pain.
The researchers studied both mice and people. In mice, they looked at neutrophils—white blood cells that help fight infections and heal injuries. When these neutrophils were blocked, the mice’s pain lasted up to 10 times longer.
They also tested what happened when mice were given anti-inflammatory drugs. The mice felt better at first, but later, their pain lasted longer than it should have.
Then, the scientists looked at data from 500,000 people in the UK. They found that people who used anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen were more likely to have chronic pain years later.
People who used pain relievers that don’t block inflammation, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or antidepressants, had a lower risk of long-term pain.
This means that anti-inflammatory drugs might help in the short term but could cause problems in the long run. The researchers suggest we think carefully before using these medications for everyday aches and pains.
So what can we do instead? There are other ways to manage chronic pain that don’t interfere with inflammation:
Medications like acetaminophen or certain antidepressants can help without blocking the healing process. Physical therapy helps by strengthening muscles and improving movement. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method using tiny needles, can relieve pain.
Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises reduce stress and can help with pain. TENS therapy (a device that sends small electrical pulses to nerves) can help manage pain in specific areas. Heat and cold packs can relax muscles or reduce swelling.
This study, led by Jeffrey Mogil and published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, challenges the way we think about pain medicine. It shows that while anti-inflammatory drugs may help us feel better at first, they could make pain last longer.
If you deal with chronic pain, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor about your treatment options. New research like this is helping doctors find better, safer ways to manage pain—without the risk of making it worse.
If you care about pain, please read studies about Chronic morphine use for cancer pain may increase bone loss and findings of Scientists find a new hope for chronic pain.
For more about pain, please read studies about What you need to know about diabetes and joint pain and findings of Understanding the connection between liver disease and joint pain.
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