Alcohol consumption decreases dopamine neurotransmission in the brain. Meanwhile, dopamine interacts with the brain’s pain sensors, and a high-dopamine level decreases the sensation of pain. Whether you have chronic joint pain, fibromyalgia, or migraines, frequently-consuming alcoholic drinks can exacerbate your pain. Additionally, the overuse of opioid painkillers can also increase your sensation of pain. Rather than self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, obtaining treatment for your particular pain is vital to obtaining ongoing pain relief.
The providers of Tulsa Pain Consultants are experienced in diagnosing and treating pain resulting from a wide range of causes.
Spine Pain, Alcohol Use, and Accidents
Among all adults in the US who are injured in traffic accidents, at least 10 percent are injured in alcohol-related crashes. Spinal injuries are the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). A cervical spine injury typically involves an initial forward thrust of the neck (which is then quickly-forced backwards into the backrest of the car-seat).
Termed a whiplashinjury, this MVA-caused injury to the cervical vertebrae of the spine can lead to the following manifestations (per an article in Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine):
- Neck pain;
- Neck stiffness;
- Arm pain;
- Arm paresthesia (tingling and/or numbness due to nerve damage);
- Memory and cognitive difficulties
Meanwhile, lower back injuries are also common in alcohol-related crashes. Indeed, you can easily cause injuries to others by self-medicating with alcohol and then driving. The positive news is that chronic pain resulting from whiplash and lower back injuries are both treated at Tulsa Pain Consultants, along with chronic pain from other causes.
Understanding Risk Factors for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia has been documented in 2.7 percentof the worldwide population, and is featured by chronic muscle and/or bone pain. The two primary risk factors for fibromyalgia specified by the Centers for Disease Control are: 1) older-age; and 2) diagnosis of lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
However, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) notes that 20 percent of all people with fibromyalgia in the US have been co-diagnosed with clinical depression (or an anxiety disorder). Indeed, depression is also considered an independent risk factor for developing fibromyalgia – and a well-recognized link exists between alcohol abuse and depression.
While study findings published in Arthritis Research and Therapy suggested that low and moderate alcohol consumption alleviated fibromyalgia symptoms in some study participants, heavy alcohol consumption was revealed to worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
Standard Treatments for Fibromyalgia
Three standard treatment modalities for fibromyalgia are:
- Medications (e.g.,NSAIDs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and opioids).
- Physical therapy and exercise.
- Psychologically-aimed therapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy [CBT]).
The use of opioid medications in treating both fibromyalgia and lower back pain needs to be limited due the recognized addictive properties of opioid drugs. Since both alcohol and opioids have a similar effect in the brain (i.e.,transmitting a brain signal that lowers heart rate), the risk of fatality from ingesting alcohol and opioid medication together is tremendously increased. Thus, overusing alcohol and/or opioid medication is not an advisable way for you to cope with your pain.
Exercise and Endorphins
Endorphins in the brain reduce the experience of pain, and exercise increases endorphin release in the brain. Therefore, incorporating exercises if possible into an overall pain management approach may be beneficial to your quality of life. At Tulsa Pain Consultants, we utilize a wide array of approaches to assisting our patients with pain that includes medication, alternative and complementary medicine approaches, and noninvasive surgical interventions.
Tulsa Pain is a pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or Request An Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
