Diclofenac is a household name for millions of people seeking quick relief from pain and inflammation. Whether for a toothache, menstrual cramps, back pain, or a chronic condition like arthritis, this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is often seen as an effective and easily accessible solution. It is frequently obtained without a prescription, becoming a staple in the self-medication of countless households, which creates a false sense of security regarding its continuous use.

However, behind the scenes of clinical practice and scientific research, a warning has been sounding with increasing intensity. Robust and large-scale studies have consistently raised a critical question: Can diclofenac cause cardiovascular problems? The answer, supported by a growing body of evidence, is affirmative and deserves attention. The convenience of pain relief may be masking silent yet significant risks to heart health, including an increased chance of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

This finding places patients and healthcare professionals in a dilemma. How to balance the legitimate need to control pain and inflammation with the potential dangers that treatment may entail? Ignoring pain is not an option, but consuming a medication without full awareness of its side effects is also not the safest path. The key to navigating this complex scenario lies in quality information and seeking a more integrated approach to health.

In this article, we will delve deep into the evidence connecting the use of diclofenac to cardiovascular problems. We will explain what science says, what mechanisms are behind this risk, and, more importantly, what you can do about it. We will do this from the perspective of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, which advocates for a broad view of health, where pain control and emotional well-being go hand in hand and can reduce dependence on drugs.

After all, many of the conditions that lead to the use of diclofenac are exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Understanding this connection is the first step in discovering complementary and effective strategies, such as scientific hypnosis, that can enhance treatments and offer a better quality of life. The goal is not only to treat the symptom but to understand and care for the person as a whole, empowering them to make healthier and more conscious choices for their body and mind.

What is Diclofenac and Why is it So Popular?

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used around the world. Its popularity is due to its effectiveness in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and controlling fever. Diclofenac works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2, which play crucial roles in the production of prostaglandins, substances that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

This drug is often prescribed for a variety of conditions. It is effective in treating acute pain, such as muscle pain, postoperative pain, and cramps. Additionally, diclofenac is widely used in chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, where it helps improve the quality of life for patients suffering from persistent pain.

Another factor contributing to its popularity is its availability. In many places, diclofenac is available without a prescription, making it easier to access the medication. However, this ease of access can lead to self-medication without proper professional guidance, increasing the risks associated with the improper use of the drug.

It is important for patients to be informed about the possible side effects and interactions of diclofenac, as even though it offers quick relief, unsupervised use can bring adverse consequences. It is essential that any use of the medication is accompanied by a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate and safe guidance.

The Scientific Evidence of Increased Cardiovascular Risk

The relationship between the use of diclofenac and the increased cardiovascular risk has been the subject of intense study in recent years. One of the most comprehensive studies, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from millions of patients, providing robust evidence about the dangers associated with this common anti-inflammatory. According to the results, the use of diclofenac is directly linked to a significant increase in adverse cardiovascular events.

The research found that, compared to not using the medication, diclofenac presented the following percentage risks:

• 50% increase in the risk of myocardial infarction or heart failure.
• 20% increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia).
• About 30% increase in the overall risk of serious cardiovascular events.

These findings are alarming, especially considering that diclofenac is often used for conditions like acute pain and chronic diseases. The impact on heart health may be even more pronounced when considering the duration and dosage of treatment. The risk is amplified with higher doses and prolonged use, but even short-term treatments can present concerns.

Several physiological mechanisms may explain how diclofenac contributes to these risks. One of the main ones is increased blood pressure, which can occur due to sodium and water retention promoted by the use of anti-inflammatories. Additionally, diclofenac may lead to pro-thrombotic effects, increasing the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can culminate in events such as heart attacks and strokes.

In light of this evidence, it is crucial that both doctors and patients are aware of the possible risks associated with the use of diclofenac, considering alternatives for pain management that may present fewer adverse effects on the heart.

Pain Management Beyond Medications

Chronic pain is a complex experience that goes beyond simple physical discomfort. It is often influenced by emotional and psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and fear. This aspect of pain transforms the daily lives of many individuals into a vicious cycle: the increased perception of pain leads to the growing use of analgesics, such as diclofenac, which, in turn, presents significant cardiovascular risks. Thus, rethinking how we deal with pain becomes essential.

Pain management does not have to rely solely on medications. It is possible to incorporate non-pharmacological approaches that do not aim to replace but to complement conventional treatment, creating a range of tools for individuals to reduce dependence on analgesics. Some of these strategies include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps restructure thoughts about pain, allowing for a more positive and less anxious interpretation of physical sensations.
• Mindfulness and Meditation Practices: Increase body awareness and reduce reactivity to discomfort, bringing focus to the present and alleviating the emotional burden associated with pain.
• Physical Therapy and Exercise: Help strengthen the body, improve mobility, and often reduce pain safely and effectively.
• Relaxation and Breathing Techniques: Modulate the nervous system’s response to stress, decreasing tension and, consequently, the perception of pain.

These approaches not only provide relief but also empower individuals with skills to manage pain in their daily lives. The focus should be on overall well-being, allowing people to feel more in control of their health and reducing the need for treatments that may carry risks, such as those associated with diclofenac. Thus, effective pain management can be the key to a healthier and more balanced life.

The Role of Hypnosis in Pain and Stress Management

When we talk about pain management, especially in cases involving the use of medications like diclofenac, it is essential to explore alternatives that provide relief without the associated risks. In this context, scientific hypnosis emerges as a powerful and effective tool. Defined by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), hypnosis is an induced state of consciousness where attention is focused and peripheral awareness is reduced, increasing the capacity to respond to suggestion.

Scientific hypnosis should not be seen as something mystical or supernatural. According to the SBH, it is an ethical practice supported by scientific evidence. This technique allows people to reinterpret pain signals and reduce the emotional response that often accompanies it, such as anxiety and fear. This modulation in pain perception is particularly important, as we have discussed, stress and anxiety can exacerbate the painful experience, creating a difficult-to-break vicious cycle.

The SBH’s maxim states: ‘everything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help.’ This directly applies to the cycle of chronic pain. By utilizing hypnosis, patients can learn to direct their attention, reprogramming their reactions to discomfort and thereby decreasing the need for analgesics. This approach does not aim to eliminate medications but rather to provide tools that allow for greater control over pain.

When applied by qualified professionals, hypnosis enhances other treatments, restoring to the patient a sense of control over their body and well-being. This proactive strategy can reduce dependence on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, thus reducing the potential cardiovascular risks associated with these medications.

In summary, scientific hypnosis represents a viable and safe alternative for pain management. Incorporating it into integrative approaches can bring significant benefits to patients, promoting not only pain relief but also emotional balance. This highlights the importance of pain management that considers not only the physical aspect but also the emotional and psychological.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have unraveled a crucial reality about an extremely popular medication: diclofenac is not without risks. Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that its use, especially without proper professional supervision, is associated with a significant increase in serious cardiovascular problems. This information is not intended to generate panic but rather to promote awareness and empowerment. Knowing the risks is the first and most important step towards making safer and more informed decisions about one’s health, in constant dialogue with a qualified professional.

Pain is a real and debilitating experience, and the search for relief is entirely legitimate. However, exclusive dependence on pharmacological solutions, ignoring their potential side effects, represents a reactive and limited approach. It is essential to understand that pain, especially chronic pain, is a complex phenomenon, intrinsically linked to our emotional state. Stress and anxiety are not mere co-stars; they act as amplifiers of pain, intensifying suffering and perpetuating the cycle that leads to the consumption of more medications.

It is at this point that the approach of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis becomes so relevant. By recognizing that everything that stress and anxiety worsen can be aided by scientific hypnosis, we open up a range of therapeutic possibilities. Hypnosis, practiced ethically and based on evidence, offers a powerful tool for modulating pain perception, reducing the associated anxiety, and breaking the vicious cycle. It empowers the individual, giving them more control over their automatic reactions to discomfort and promoting lasting well-being.

Therefore, the solution to the risks of diclofenac goes beyond simply switching medications. It involves a paradigm shift: looking at pain in an integrated and proactive way, utilizing all the safe and effective tools at our disposal. For healthcare professionals, this means adding competencies that allow for more comprehensive and humanized care, treating not only the symptom but the person in their entirety.

Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even to have a new profession? Discover the training and postgraduate courses in evidence-based hypnosis offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main uses of diclofenac in medicine?

Diclofenac is a widely used anti-inflammatory for the relief of acute and chronic pain. It is effective in treating muscle pain, postoperative pain, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Its ability to reduce inflammation and control fevers makes it popular. However, its use should be supervised to avoid side effects.

How can diclofenac affect cardiovascular health?

Studies indicate that diclofenac is associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The use of this anti-inflammatory can raise blood pressure and promote pro-thrombotic effects, increasing the chance of clots. This occurs especially at higher doses and prolonged use.

Is self-medication with diclofenac safe?

Self-medication with diclofenac is not recommended, as it can lead to serious adverse effects. Although available without a prescription, use without professional guidance can result in risks, especially cardiovascular ones. It is essential to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

What alternatives to diclofenac exist for pain management?

There are several non-pharmacological alternatives for pain management. Strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical therapy, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be effective. These approaches help reduce dependence on analgesics and promote pain control in an integral manner.

How can hypnosis help in pain management?

Scientific hypnosis is a technique that helps reprogram pain perception and reduce the associated anxiety. This practice allows patients to redirect their attention and modify their emotional reactions to discomfort, decreasing the need for medications like diclofenac and promoting well-being.