The risks of painkillers to the kidneys: a medical warning and pain clinics as an alternative
In a strongly worded medical warning highlighting common but dangerous practices, Dr. Ali Al-Malallah, a consultant in anesthesia and pain management at Qatif Central Hospital, revealed the serious health risks associated with the excessive and indiscriminate use of painkillers. The consultant explained that these medications can be the direct cause of kidney damage in at least 5% of users, sounding the alarm about the culture of consuming medication without medical consultation.
Alarming statistics and common drugs
Dr. Al-Malallah pointed out that recent medical statistics paint a grim picture of the consequences of the unregulated use of painkillers. Data indicates that approximately 3% of cases of kidney damage resulting from these medications may progress to chronic kidney failure. The consultant specifically mentioned commonly used drugs such as Voltaren and the ibuprofen group, emphasizing that they are among the leading causes of these serious complications when used for extended periods without close medical supervision.
Medical context: Why are the kidneys damaged?
Medically speaking, the kidneys act as the body's vital filter, relying on a constant blood supply to function. The danger of painkillers, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lies in their potential to constrict the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. This reduces the kidneys' efficiency in filtering toxins and, over time and with repeated use, can lead to kidney tissue damage, a condition medically known as NSAID-induced nephropathy.
Pain clinics: The shift towards interventional treatment
In contrast to these risks, Dr. Al Malallah introduced "Pain Clinics" as an advanced and safe treatment option that aligns with the latest global trends in medicine. These clinics utilize a highly precise "interventional needle" technique, where medication is injected directly into the source of pain under the guidance of ultrasound or X-ray imaging. This technology ensures that the treatment reaches its target with high accuracy, thus sparing the patient the need to take large quantities of oral medications that can spread throughout the body and harm healthy organs.
Integrated treatment protocols
The specialist revealed that the treatment options used in injections vary between cortisone and stem cells, and the appropriate protocol is chosen based on an individual assessment of each case. The treatment is not managed by a single doctor, but rather by a comprehensive medical team that ensures the patient's adherence to supportive programs such as physical therapy, to guarantee complete and lasting pain relief.
Social and health importance for the elderly
The consultant emphasized the critical importance of these clinics, particularly for the elderly, who often suffer from multiple chronic conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension) that make their kidneys more sensitive to medications. Pain clinics aim to protect this vulnerable group from the side effects of medications, giving them the opportunity to live healthy and dignified lives, free from the pain and complications of painkillers, and reducing the future economic and health burdens associated with treating kidney failure.
In closing, the doctor urged patients suffering from chronic pain that has lasted for more than 3 to 6 months, especially those who have exhausted traditional treatment options, to immediately go to pain treatment clinics as a safe and effective alternative.
