How do pain relievers work?
When a part of the body is injured, special nerve endings send pain messages back to the brain. Painkillers interfere with these messages, either at the site of the injury, in the spinal cord or in the brain itself. By binding to pain receptors in the brain, spinal cord or at the site of injury, painkillers are able to effectively block the feeling of pain, therefor reducing it or alleviating it entirely.
There are two different types of painkillers: Paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin and ibuprofen. Often they are combined with other ingredients such as caffeine or codeine, which serve to increase the pain relieving effect.
Although both types of painkillers produce similar results, the way that they work to relieve pain is different. Paracetamol acts primarily on the brain, inhibiting the production of pain and inflammation-causing chemicals called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are found throughout the body, however Paracetamol works primarily on those that are in the brain. This makes Paracetamol perfect for pain and fever relief, however it has no effect on inflammation.
NSAIDs also stop the production of prostaglandins, however they do this throughout the entire body, not just in the brain. It is important to note that because of this, NSAIDs can actually inhibit prostaglandins that serve integral roles in the body, such as protecting the stomach lining. Although NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain, they can also cause side effects such as constipation and irritation of the stomach.
Because the two types of medication work differently to relieve pain, they can interact with other medications differently and cause alternate side effects, which means they are not suitable for use by everyone.
Pain relief medication should never be taken for more than 3 months in a row, as they are highly addictive and can have negative effects on the body. Drowsiness, impaired judgment, constipation and diarrhoea are all common side effects of pain relief medication.
Although painkillers provide effective relief from pain, they should never be used long-term. It is important to address the cause of the pain rather than using painkillers as a blanket solution.
It is important to note that many individuals suffer from withdrawal symptoms after using pain medication. Strong cravings, insomnia, restlessness, mood swings and diarrhea are all common side effects when discontinuing use. To prevent these symptoms, it is recommended that you lower the dosage gradually, over time. Learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we’ve invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-do-pain-relievers-work
George Zaidan is the host of Pocket Science
An important note: The information provided by Bad Backs is general advice only. Please consult with your practitioner for the best pain management options specific to you.
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