OVERUSE OF PAINKILLERS – THE HIDDEN DANGER NO ONE TALKS ABOUT
Why frequent painkiller use can harm your health more than you realize
Whenever we get a headache, body ache, period pain, back pain, or fatigue — the easiest thing to do is pop a painkiller.
It gives quick relief, works within minutes, and lets us get back to routine.
But here’s the truth most people don’t know:
❗ Frequent or long-term painkiller use can damage your kidneys, stomach, liver, and even worsen your pain in the long run.
❗ Many patients end up in the hospital because of regular, “harmless-looking” pills.
This blog explains the risks, warning signs, and safer alternatives — in simple, human words.
🧠 What Painkillers Actually Do
Painkillers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, ketorolac) work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.
But with regular use, they start affecting:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Stomach lining
- Blood pressure
- Heart
- Intestines
Painkillers are helpful only when used correctly — not daily.
🔥 Common Reasons People Overuse Painkillers
✔ Untreated acidity
✔ Poor posture / desk job strain
✔ Muscle weakness
✔ Period pain
✔ Migraine
✔ Stress & poor sleep
✔ Dehydration
✔ Delayed meals
✔ Underlying infections
✔ Old injuries
Instead of treating the root cause, people take tablets again and again — which causes bigger problems later.
⚠️ Hidden Dangers of Painkiller Overuse
1️⃣ Kidney Damage
Regular use reduces blood flow to the kidneys, causing:
- Kidney swelling
- Increased creatinine
- Chronic kidney disease
The damage can be permanent.
2️⃣ Stomach Ulcers & Bleeding
Painkillers irritate the stomach lining, leading to:
- Acidity
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Bleeding in stools
This is one of the most common emergencies seen in hospitals.
3️⃣ Liver Damage
Paracetamol in high doses can injure the liver.
4️⃣ Heart Risks
Certain painkillers increase:
- Blood pressure
- Risk of heart attack
- Fluid retention
Especially in older adults.
5️⃣ Rebound Headaches
Frequent tablet use can CAUSE headaches — known as Medication Overuse Headache.
6️⃣ Pain Worsens Long-Term
Over time, your body becomes resistant.
Painkillers stop working, and the pain becomes chronic.
🧩 Signs You’re Overusing Painkillers
If you notice these symptoms, it may be due to painkiller overuse:
- Daily or frequent headaches
- Weakness
- Acidity or stomach pain
- Dark stools
- Swelling in legs
- Reduced urine output
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Pain returning quickly after tablet
Do not ignore these — they are early warning signs.
🏡 Safer Alternatives for Pain Relief
✔ Hot water bag
Reduces muscle spasm.
✔ Stretching
Especially for back, neck, shoulder, and leg pain.
✔ Proper hydration
Many headaches improve with just water.
✔ Timely meals
Reduces acidity-related headaches.
✔ Magnesium-rich foods
Help with muscle and nerve relaxation.
✔ Good sleep habits
Rest is as important as medicine.
✔ Treating root cause
(PCOD, thyroid, vitamin deficiency, posture strain, infection, constipation, etc.)
🩺 When to Consult a Doctor
- Pain lasts more than 48–72 hours
- Pain keeps returning
- You need tablets more than 2–3 times a week
- Pain affects sleep or daily routine
- Pain started suddenly and intensely
- Pain is associated with fever, vomiting, or weakness
Your doctor will help identify the real cause and offer safer, long-term solutions.
🏥 Pain Management at Our Clinic
At Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic, we help patients by:
- Detecting the real cause of pain
- Minimizing tablet use
- Giving safe medication when required
- Treating acidity, dehydration, or deficiencies
- Checking kidney & liver function (if needed)
- Offering lifestyle and posture guidance
Our goal is simple:
Relief without harming your body.
📍 Contact for Appointment
Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Thane
📞 086910 33033
🌐 bestsurgeoninthane.com
