Illness, injury and overuse can cause pain. There are several options available for pain relief. Prescription pain relievers, over-the-counter medications, and natural methods are among the many available.

Narcotic pain relievers are the strongest type of medications available. These must be prescribed by a doctor and can carry serious side effects. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications include codiene, morphine, and oxycodone. These drugs are in the opiate family. Codiene may be combined with acetaminophen to enhance its effectiveness. Side effects from these drugs may include allergic reactions such as swelling of the tongue and face, a decrease in sexual desire, and an increase of sensitivity to pain. Opoid drugs are habit forming and can be addictive in some people.

Over-the-counter pain medications pose less of a threat for side effects and are generally considered safe. These include Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxyn. NSAIDs are a good choice because they not only treat the pain, but treat the inflammation that may be causing pain. Acetaminophen is a non-steroidal drug that can be effective for pain relief for people who may be allergic to NSAIDs or are at risk for stomach upset that may occur while taking NSAIDs.

Natural remedies can be effective for pain relief without the use of drugs. Relaxation therapy has been shown to help reduce stress and help people cope with chronic pain. Massage or physical therapy can be useful to stretch and strengthen injured or overused muscles. Yoga and Chiropractic medicine has long been a choice for pain management and relief. All of these methods may give you the relief you seek without having to take medications.

Another method of pain relief without the use of drugs is Acupuncture. Used in the East for centuries, Acupuncture works on the theory that the placement of small sterile needles in the correct position in the body will redirect energy. Acupuncture practitioners believe that if a person’s natural body energy, chi, is not aligned properly pain and disease may develop. It is believed that the insertion of small needles redirects and corrects the chi in a person’s body, thereby relieving pain and preventing or curing a disease. Acupuncture has gained popularity in the West in recent years and a qualified Acupuncture practitioner should be easy to locate.

Whichever method you choose, you should find a qualified physician or health care practitioner. Do not take more than the recommended dosage of any medication because this can cause serious side effects or death. Finding the correct pain relief for you may improve your quality of life and give you the relief you seek.

Related Questions