A new study, “Acute inflammatory response via neutrophil activation protects against the development of chronic pain,” suggests that two anti-inflammatory drugs often used for chronic pain may actually make the pain worse. Chronic lower back pain is the most frequently reported chronic pain condition. Another 15 million Americans experience severe joint pain associated with arthritis, about half of them reporting “persistent” pain. The group with the lower average pain rating was considered to have “resolved” pain and labeled “R.” The group reporting higher pain at follow-up was labeled “P” for “persistent” pain. But identifying root causes and embracing non-pharmaceutical approaches to fix chronic pain are likely more effective solutions in the long-term.

Source: Washington Post May 17, 2022 13:56 UTC