One in every five Americans suffers from some long-term chronic pain. Dealing chronic pain can be difficult, and you may decide that you need to go to a doctor in hopes of relief. If you do, your doctor will most likely prescribe you a pain killer.
However, there are several types of pain medication, so you don’t always know what your doctor might recommend. Sometimes doctors can also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, so you usually go in blind.
Looking for some info on what you might need? This article will go over five of the medications you might get if you go to your doctor with pain.
1. Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is an anti-depressant but can be used as a prescription pain reliever for lower back, shoulder, and neck pain. It works best for chronic pain problems. It blocks the pain signals from ever getting from your brain to your muscles, keeping your pain levels way down.
Not sure if your neck pain is chronic or not, and wondering when to go to a specialist? Check out this neck doctor for more information on when you should go.
2. Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an excellent prescription for treating pain that feels like burning, shooting, or stabbing through you. It reduces your brain’s ability to create pain signals, meaning you won’t feel any pain once it’s kicked in. Because of how Gabapentin works, it’s used as a seizure medication as well as for pain relief.
3. Lidocaine
If you’ve heard of pain patches, you’ve heard of lidocaine. You can get these as OTC pain relievers, but your doctor can prescribe stronger versions that you can’t get on your own. Pain patches are an excellent choice if you’re suffering from muscle pain, arthritis pain, or fibromyalgia and can significantly ease your discomfort.
4. Asprin
Aspirin is an OTC pain reliever that works well for overall pain, especially after surgeries or minor injuries that are going to heal. You’ve taken this medication before, and you’ve probably found that it works well for those smaller injuries! Sometimes doctors will recommend this medication if you’re suffering from short-term pain.
5. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is another OTC pain reliever that doctors may recommend. Commonly known as Tylenol, this medication is an excellent solution for low-level or temporary pain. You can get this medication without needing a prescription, so it may save you some time at the doctor’s office.
What Types of Pain Medication Should You Ask For?
If you’re going to the doctor with some pain complaints, you may wonder what types of pain medications you should ask your doctor for. The answer varies based on what kind of pain you’re hoping to treat and what the cause of the pain is.
If your pain is from a low-level injury or a temporary headache, your best bet for treating your pain is probably an OTC pain reliever. If you’re suffering from a muscle strain or chronic arthritis pain, look for a topical solution. If you’re suffering from stabbing pains, migraines, or chronic migraines, ask about amitryptiline or Gabapentin.
If you found this article helpful, read more from our health section for more tips for healthy living!