Absurd as it sounds, this latest research, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, echoes several previous studies which suggest that, counter-intuitively, painkillers taken even for a few days may cause chronic symptoms by interfering with our bodies’ essential natural healing processes.

It found that those who were taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to treat it were more likely to have pain for up to ten years later than those who didn’t take the anti-inflammatories. Indeed, this effect was not seen in people taking paracetamol — which dulls pain but does not dampen inflammation.

It’s not the only new evidence that we might be better off without pills when we get a painful twinge. Last week, a major new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that the key to controlling chronic back pain lies in retraining the mind — not turning to tablets.

Why taking painkillers like ibuprofen can make you feel WORSE! | Daily Mail Online