In North America, there are over 50 million people who struggle with constant, chronic pain.
The reasons for this pain vary from nerve conditions to genetic defects and other conditions. Even if you don’t have chronic pain, a large portion of the population has acute short-term pain at various points in their life. There are different pain relievers depending on what you are suffering from.
No matter what kind of pain you are in, there is a relief if you know what to look for.
There are two main over-the-counter pain relievers, NSAIDs and acetaminophen. There are also combination drugs, like Excedrin which use aspirin with acetaminophen and even caffeine. Let’s break down the most common pain relievers and look at what pain you can take pain relievers for.
NSAID Pain Relievers
Among the most common types of pain relievers taken every day by millions of people, NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This covers naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications work by lowering the amount of hormone that excites nerve endings and causes pain.
NSAIDs are great at reducing fevers, as well as dealing with aches and pains. They are one of the best choices to deal with pain that is related to inflammation. Some women use them for easing menstrual symptoms as well.
While they are great, children under 18 should never take aspirin, and you should avoid using NSAIDs if you drink heavily. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney and liver problems should also avoid NSAIDs. If you have any questions, consult with a doctor or pharmacist.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a common pain reliever but doesn’t work like NSAIDs. There is no anti-inflammatory benefit to acetaminophen, but there are fewer side effects. Acetaminophen is great for minor aches and pains as well as fevers and is often used as a means to treat arthritis pain.
The way acetaminophen works is to affect the part of the brain that receives pain impulses. This helps to reduce their impact. Acetaminophen can be taken with an NSAID as long as you aren’t actively drinking or have any liver problems.
Consult with a doctor before combining any medicine, so that you can be sure it won’t harm you.
Narcotics
You can only get narcotic painkillers by having a doctor’s prescription. These are for severe or life-altering pain and breakthrough pain that can’t be managed otherwise. There are various narcotics, some are used more for one problem than another, with different pain relievers for different pain.
Of all the different pain relievers, narcotics are the most dangerous. If you’re suffering from severe pain, seek medical attention. If the pain is specific you can try specific remedies, though you need to learn about what kind of pain it is, such as more about Toothache Remedies.
Different Pain Relievers
If you’re experiencing pain and having difficulty treating it, consult with your doctor. They may be able to find a more specific treatment option. For most pains, we experience regular over-the-counter pain treatment effective with many different pain relievers as choices.
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