Alcohol is a common part of our lives, and we encounter it at social events and dinners. Some people even enjoy a glass of wine to unwind at the end of the day. However, it's important to remember that alcohol is a potentially dangerous drug. Alcohol addiction is a serious issue that can make it difficult for people to stop or reduce their consumption. This can lead to problems in relationships, work, and overall health. Chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to long-term damage and nerve pain known as "alcoholic neuropathy."
Recent research conducted in 2019 revealed that more than half of alcohol addicts experience chronic pain called allodynia during withdrawal periods. This type of pain is triggered by stimuli that should not cause pain, such as the wind blowing, fabric touching the skin, or even a light touch. Women are more likely to experience this phenomenon than men. If you experience ongoing pain and consume alcohol regularly or even in moderation, it's worth considering the possibility that alcohol may be the cause.
How does alcohol cause pain?
Researchers are still unsure about the connection between chronic pain and excessive alcohol consumption. In an effort to gain insight into the matter, a study was conducted by Dr. Vittoria Borgonetti and her team at the Scripps Research Institute in California. The study involvted comparing the pain levels of rats that had developed alcohol dependence, rats that drank moderate amounts of alcohol, and rats that had never been exposed to alcohol. Male and female rats were used and divided into three groups: the alcohol-naive group, the non-dependent group, and the dependent group. The non-dependent group had access to both water and alcohol and drank alcohol in moderation.
The rats in the dependent group were given water and alcohol but were also exposed to ethanol vapor inhalation and withdrawal periods to mimic alcoholism in humans. The researchers monitored the rats' allodynia pain using von Frey fibers on their feet.
What did the research show?
Additionally, the researchers tested the immune system's response in non-dependent rats with neuropathic pain by evaluating protein molecule levels in the spinal cord, which are activated in response to the immune system's activity. The study found that alcohol activates immune cells in the spine.
Alcohol activates immune cells in the spine
The researchers observed that the dependent group consumed more alcohol than the non-dependent group. The rats in the dependent group developed allodynia during 72 hours of withdrawal, which disappeared immediately after they consumed alcohol. However, almost half of the rats in the non-dependent group also showed signs of allodynia. The study found an increase in the levels of IBA-1 and CSF-1 proteins in the spinal tissues of rats suffering from allodynia due to withdrawal and neuropathic pain and alcohol consumption. This suggests that immune system cells are active in the spinal tissues in both cases, but rats with allodynia also had higher levels of IL-6 and ERK44/42, which are proteins associated with the immune system.
What do these findings mean?
The issue of neuropathic pain resulting from alcohol consumption has not been extensively studied in models that can draw conclusions about humans. Therefore, it has been challenging to understand the pathological processes that cause pain in individuals addicted to alcohol. However, a recent study introduced a preclinical model that sheds light on this topic and opens up possibilities for future research. Dr. Mitchell Nutham of Barker Laboratories at Drexel University commented that the study demonstrated how even moderate drinking can cause pathological pain and that alcohol consumption is not a recommended way to deal with pain.
If you're using alcohol to manage pain or for relaxation but are experiencing unexplained pain, it's advisable to reconsider your habit. Seek professional assistance if needed. It's worth noting that alcohol addiction may begin as early as age 12, so parents should be aware. Click here for tips on discussing this issue with your children and preventing it if necessary. Dr. Mitchell Nutham of Barker Laboratories at Drexel University commented that the study demonstrated how even moderate drinking can cause pathological pain and that alcohol consumption is not a recommended way to deal with pain.
If you're using alcohol to manage pain or for relaxation but are experiencing unexplained pain, it's advisable to reconsider your habit. Seek professional assistance if needed. It's worth noting that alcohol addiction may begin as early as age 12, so parents should be aware.
Go to BabaMail
