In a medical warning highlighting a silent health risk, Dr. Ali Al-Malallah, a consultant in anesthesia and pain management at Qatif Central Hospital, cautioned against the serious consequences of excessive use of painkillers. He revealed that approximately 5% of patients who are chronically dependent on these medications are at risk of developing kidney damage, which in 3% of cases may progress to chronic kidney failure. He presented "pain clinics" as an advanced and safe treatment alternative that utilizes minimally invasive techniques instead of oral medications.
General context: The culture of painkillers and its hidden dangers
The use of painkillers, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Voltaren and Ibuprofen, is a common practice worldwide for managing acute and chronic pain. Historically, these medications were considered a quick and effective solution. However, growing medical awareness has shown that their long-term use without medical supervision carries serious risks, not only to the kidneys but also to the digestive and cardiovascular systems. This increasing awareness has prompted global healthcare systems to seek safer and more effective alternatives, paving the way for the emergence of pain management as an independent medical specialty that aims to treat the root cause of pain rather than simply masking its symptoms.
Pain clinics: A paradigm shift in treatment
Dr. Al-Malallah explained that pain clinics specifically target patients suffering from chronic pain lasting three to six months who have not found relief from traditional treatments such as physiotherapy, surgery, or oral painkillers. These clinics utilize an innovative treatment methodology known as "interventional procedures," where medication is injected with pinpoint accuracy directly into the source of the pain. This is done under the guidance of advanced imaging equipment such as ultrasound or X-rays, ensuring that the treatment reaches its target with exceptional precision and avoiding the systemic side effects caused by oral medications.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Locally, the expansion and activation of pain clinics in hospitals across the Kingdom, such as Qatif Central Hospital, represents a strategic step aligned with the goals of Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and enhance healthcare services. These clinics not only protect patients, especially the elderly suffering from multiple chronic diseases, from serious medication side effects, but also contribute to reducing the burden on kidney departments and alleviating waiting lists for unnecessary surgeries. Regionally and internationally, this trend reflects a global shift towards precision medicine and targeted therapies, moving away from comprehensive drug solutions, thus positioning the Kingdom among the leading countries in managing chronic pain and sustainably improving public health.
Al-Malallah pointed out that the treatment options used in injections are varied and include cortisone to reduce inflammation, or even regenerative therapies such as stem cells, with the treatment protocol being tailored to each patient individually. He emphasized that the success of the treatment is not limited to the interventional procedure itself, but depends on a comprehensive medical team that monitors the patient and ensures their adherence to support programs such as physical therapy, with the aim of eliminating pain completely and enabling the patient to resume their normal life with dignity and health.
