Millions of people around the world rely on medication every day to manage chronic back pain, joint discomfort, and muscle aches. For many, these drugs offer relief that allows them to work, sleep, and function normally. However, recent large-scale research has raised important questions about the long-term cognitive effects of certain commonly used back-pain medications, including a possible link to an increased risk of dementia.
While these findings do not mean that people should stop their medication abruptly, they do highlight the importance of awareness, informed discussions with healthcare providers, and safer long-term pain management strategies.
This article explains what the study found, which drugs are involved, why dementia risk may increase, and what practical steps patients can take.
What Did the Study Find?
A large observational study involving hundreds of thousands of adults examined the long-term use of certain pain-relief medications and their association with cognitive decline.
Researchers found that regular or long-term use of some back-pain medications was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, with risk increases reported at up to 40% in specific populations.
It’s important to clarify:
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This study shows an association, not direct causation
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The risk increased mainly with long-term and frequent use
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Occasional or short-term use did not show the same level of concern
Which Back-Pain Drugs Are Being Studied?
The medications most often discussed in these studies belong to a group known as anticholinergic drugs and, in some cases, certain muscle relaxants and older pain medications.
Common examples include:
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Some muscle relaxants prescribed for back pain
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Certain nerve pain medications
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Older pain medications with anticholinergic effects
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Some medications also used for bladder issues, allergies, or sleep that are sometimes prescribed alongside pain treatment
These drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain that are also involved in memory, attention, and learning.
