Chronic reliance on pain relief medications can backfire, leading to heightened sensitivity to pain and a diminished response to the drugs themselves. This insight was discussed by therapist Elena Solomatina on the program Doctor 24. The discussion highlights how persistent use of analgesics alters the body’s pain regulation system, creating a cycle where relief becomes harder to achieve over time.
According to Solomatina, using painkillers for headaches or migraines around fifteen times each month for three consecutive months creates a real risk of developing drug-induced pain. When this pattern is detected, it is essential to seek medical guidance rather than self-adjusting or increasing the dose. The key concern is the way the brain learns to react to pain and relief. After a painkiller takes effect, a person may experience a reflexive sense of relief, which can prompt taking another pill at the slightest sign of discomfort. Over time, this behavior alters how the body perceives pain and how it responds to medication.
What happens, in simple terms, is that repeated exposure to analgesics gradually occupies receptor sites that help protect the body from excessive strain. As these receptors become occupied, natural pain modulation can be dampened, diminishing the effectiveness of the analgesic. The upshot is a reduced capacity for the drug to relieve pain, and in some cases the headaches can return with greater intensity. This phenomenon underscores the importance of using pain relievers judiciously and under medical supervision, especially for chronic or recurrent headache conditions.
Past research notes that certain natural extracts, such as those from Ginkgo biloba, have shown promise in cognitive support after stroke in some individuals. While this area continues to be explored, it is important to rely on medical advice for pain management and to consider comprehensive treatment plans that address underlying factors contributing to headaches, rather than depending solely on medications.
Citation context: Doctor 24 program, therapist Elena Solomatina, discussions on chronic analgesic use and its impact on pain perception. Researchers and clinicians emphasize cautious medication strategies and personalized care plans to avoid drug-induced pain cycles. Attribution: Doctor 24 program, therapist Elena Solomatina.