anaesthetics as pain boosters?

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Anaesthetics 'could worsen pain' Some general anaesthetics could actually worsen the pain following surgery, say scientists. So-called "noxious" anaesthesia drugs - used commonly worldwide - stimulate nerves to cause irritation long after the operation is over. The drugs act on the same receptors on nerve cells which are activated by contact with other irritants, such as garlic, mustard or chilli.