“Don’t Confuse Comfort for Healing”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Advises Painkillers Might Not Be the Right Choice to Recover From Injuries

Pain is a sensation our body feels when it sends a signal to our nervous system about something being wrong with us. And at times, painkillers are the solution to reduce this sensation. But how efficient is it for our body to intake these painkillers? In the latest edition of the newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Arnold Schwarzenegger opened up some hard facts about administrating painkillers. 

Majority of the people around the globe have had painkillers at some point in their life. It is an over-the-counter drug, and it relaxes people from pain. What else does one need? However, in his newsletter, Schwarzenegger alarmed people that “don’t confuse comfort for healing.” Healing and relieving pain with painkillers are two different aspects of treatment. Let us have a detailed look at what the former bodybuilding champion disclosed in his wellness corner. 

Painkillers aren’t your long-term friends

Indeed, painkillers help a lot when unbearable pain attacks our bodies. However, there are certain contradicting points to them as well. First of all, they have their side effects. Other than that, they might suppress the pain for a few hours, but they do not help in the recovery from the damage. As Arnold pointed out in his newsletter, “Research suggests that NSAIDs (think medications like Advil or Motrin) can actually slow your recovery.” NSAIDs stand for Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, which reduce inflammation for a given period and further masks the pain. But NSAIDs or painkillers are important at times, so is there any right way to use them? Indeed, there is.

NSAIDs work against inflammation, which is actually important for the healing process. Inflammation is proof that our body is fighting certain foreign antigens and is trying to heal our body. However, in the process, we also feel pain because of this clash. And as the drugs reduce inflammation, “the pills can help reduce pain, but don’t confuse comfort for healing. When inflammation is reduced, the pain might feel less but your recovery could be longer.” In the newsletter, Arnold mentioned a study whose results show a better way to use NSAIDs. Here’s what it says.

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According to research, “If you want the best of both worlds, new research suggests that only taking pain pills in the morning will help you take off the edge without disrupting your body’s natural healing process.” This change in the time of administration has shown significant results in maintaining the balance of healing and fighting pain. As The Austrian Oak mentioned, the people who took NSAIDs only in the morning “had a significant increase in the 500 genes that play a role in healing and experienced much faster recovery.” 

The legendary bodybuilder explains the negative sides of painkillers. Painkillers can be a friend as well as an enemy at the same time. Even the popular UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan once revealed the major side effects of painkillers and how they massively affected Ronnie Coleman’s life. Indeed, painkillers are a double-edged sword. If not used correctly, it can take a toll on your body. However, if used properly, it can be beneficial. 

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