Can taking painkillers cause long-term nerve damage?
July 19, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Emilia Klein
Dear Neurologist,
I hope that you can help me with my question. My name is Babette Huber and I have been suffering from chronic pain for some time, which I treat with painkillers. Lately, however, I have been concerned that the long-term use of these medications may potentially cause nerve damage.
As background information, I can tell you that I have been taking painkillers regularly for about a year to alleviate my pain. I have heard that the long-term use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can have negative effects on the nerves. Since I do not want my pain treatment to lead to further health problems in the long term, I am worried about the potential effects on my nerves.
My question to you as an expert in the field of neurology and nerve medicine is therefore: Can the long-term use of painkillers actually cause nerve damage? What risks are associated with this and are there possible solutions or alternatives that I should consider?
I want to ensure that my pain treatment does not lead to further health problems in the long term and would therefore like to receive your assessment on this topic. Thank you in advance for your support and expertise.
Sincerely,
Babette Huber
Dear Mrs. Huber,
Thank you for your question and your trust in my expertise in the field of neurology and nerve medicine. It is understandable that you are concerned about whether long-term use of pain medication can cause nerve damage. I will try to clarify your concerns as best as possible.
First of all, it is important to know that long-term use of certain pain medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can indeed pose potential risks to the nerves. These medications belong to a group of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can indeed have negative effects on the nerves with long-term use.
One of the possible consequences of long-term NSAID use is peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which nerve fibers are damaged and can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling. In addition, NSAIDs can also affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to stomach discomfort or bleeding, which can also indirectly affect the nerves.
It is important to emphasize that not everyone who takes pain medication will necessarily develop nerve damage. The risks depend on various factors, including the type and dosage of the medications, the individual sensitivity of the patient, and any pre-existing conditions.
To minimize the risk of nerve damage, I recommend discussing with your treating physician. Together, you can consider possible alternatives or additions to pain therapy. These may include non-pharmacological therapies such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, or relaxation techniques, which can help reduce the need for pain medication.
It is important that you attend regular medical check-ups to detect and treat potential side effects early. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or provide additional information about your individual circumstances so that I can give you a more accurate assessment.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am happy to assist you on your journey to effective and safe pain treatment.
Sincerely,
Emilia Klein
