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Experiencing side effects from joint pain medication is quite common; however, long-term abuse can lead to severe health risks.
Many patients visiting ACC Clinic share that they immediately take painkillers whenever they feel discomfort. Unfortunately, not only does their condition fail to improve, but they also suffer from serious complications affecting the liver, kidneys, and stomach.
1. Common Groups of Bone and Joint Pain Medications
With the mindset of “Eat greens when hungry, take medicine when in pain,” many people rely on painkillers for immediate relief as soon as joint discomfort arises. Among them, the following medications are widely used due to their low cost and rapid effectiveness:
1.1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
This is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever used for mild to moderate pain. However, it is not effective for severe inflammatory conditions, such as joint swelling or muscular inflammation. Paracetamol is relatively safe if taken at the correct dosage.
1.2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, and diclofenac, provide potent analgesic (pain-killing) and anti-inflammatory effects. These are typically used as an alternative to Paracetamol when the latter proves ineffective.
1.3. Corticosteroids (Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
This group of medications provides extremely rapid pain relief. However, over time, patients often find they must increase both the frequency and the dosage to maintain effectiveness. Currently, in addition to oral forms, corticosteroids are also administered via direct joint injections to manage severe pain and inflammation.
1.4. Opioid Painkillers (Single-dose)
These medications are typically prescribed for moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain. They act directly on the nervous system to inhibit pain signals quickly and effectively. Nevertheless, many doctors warn that these drugs should only be used for short-term treatment to minimize the risk of dependence and unwanted side effects (such as nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, slowed breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, or digestive disorders).
1.5. Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants are a treatment option for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain accompanied by muscle tension and swelling due to acute injuries or when NSAIDs are ineffective. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, doctors may prescribe Cyclobenzaprine, Metaxalone, or other types of muscle relaxants.
1.6. Central Nervous System (CNS) Analgesics
Gabapentin is a widely used medication for bone and joint pain today. It acts on the central nervous system to alleviate aches caused by lumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, or sciatica. Additionally, Gabapentin helps manage moderate to severe pain, prevents seizures, and treats restless legs syndrome. Notably, it can be combined with opioid painkillers to enhance overall effectiveness.
2. Warnings: Harmful Effects of Misusing Joint Pain Medication
To achieve rapid relief, many patients take it upon themselves to alter their dosage without a doctor’s prescription, which eventually develops into a difficult habit to break. Consequently, many individuals have been hospitalized for severe complications in internal organs due to overdosing on bone and joint medications. Below are the Top 5 Common Side Effects that patients must strictly monitor:
2.1. Side Effects on the Digestive System
Most joint pain medications inhibit the components responsible for maintaining the protective mucus layer. This leaves the stomach lining vulnerable to attacks by gastric acid, leading to ulcers, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. In severe cases, this can lead to gastric perforation (stomach holes), intestinal perforation, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.
2.2. Side Effects on the Liver and Kidneys
Prolonged use of joint medication not only elevates liver enzymes leading to severe liver failure but also causes water retention in the kidneys. This increases the risk of chronic kidney failure or acute kidney injury.
2.3. Side Effects on the Cardiovascular System
Abusing musculoskeletal pain medications puts users at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and even death.
2.4. Side Effects on the Musculoskeletal System
High doses of painkillers hinder the development of bone and cartilage, leading to a rapid decline in bone density. Fractures and osteoporosis frequently occur in the spine or the femoral neck (hip), sometimes resulting in complications such as necrosis or permanent paralysis.
2.5. Other Harmful Effects
In addition to dangerous internal organ complications, self-medicating leads to drug “dependence.” Patients often experience fatigue, loss of appetite, persistent aching, and physical weakness once the medication is discontinued.
3. Important Notes When Using Bone and Joint Pain Relief Medication
When using medication for musculoskeletal pain, patients should keep the following five principles in mind to prevent health hazards:
- Consult a physician: To avoid potential drug interactions, meet with a doctor to be advised on the specific uses and side effects of each medication.
- Adhere to professional prescriptions: Strictly follow your specialist’s instructions: take the correct dosage (do not alter or increase the dose on your own), at the correct timing (take medication after a full meal), and for the specified duration (avoid prolonged use).
- Limit stimulants: While using painkillers, patients should restrict the intake of stimulants such as alcohol and tobacco.
- Special considerations for chronic conditions: Individuals with a history of chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity) must consult a physician before using these medications.
- Monitor for complications: If any complications occur during the course of treatment, contact your doctor immediately for timely assistance.
If the pain becomes severe, persistent, and unresponsive to medication, patients should consider natural, non-pharmacological approaches. These include rest, heat/cold therapy, physical therapy, and especially, conservative treatment through Chiropractic adjustments at ACC Clinic.
>> Read more: What is Chiropractic? All about care, treatments and benefits
With precise manual adjustments, ACC doctors realign misaligned spinal structures to their correct physiological positions, releasing pressure on compressed nerves. This method effectively and permanently relieves pain, helping to restore the body’s natural mobility.
Ms. Tran Thi Hao (81 years old, residing in Hanoi) had suffered from chronic bone and joint pain for many years, requiring constant assistance from her family for daily activities. She sought treatment at ACC Clinic, where she underwent a comprehensive program combining Chiropractic adjustments with Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Her treatment utilized advanced technologies, including Shockwave therapy, Class IV Laser therapy, and the DTS Spinal Decompression system.
Today, after just three weeks of treatment, Ms. Hao is free from her debilitating pain. She can now walk with ease and comfort, having achieved an impressive 80% recovery in her condition.
The harmful effects of misusing bone and joint medications have been widely warned about by experts. Therefore, patients must strictly adhere to their doctor’s instructions and avoid overusing or arbitrarily increasing dosages to prevent serious health risks. Furthermore, if any unusual symptoms arise due to medication, it is essential to consult a physician immediately for timely advice and corrective action.
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