Most of us reach for over-the-counter pills when we have pain, and we know that after a while the unpleasant feelings will subside. Painkillers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are commonly used to treat pain associated with conditions that include:
- headaches
- toothache
- period cramps
- sore throat
- general aches and pains.
The type of over-the-counter pain medication that you take will depend on the type of pain that you have. Below is a brief guide of what each medication is useful for.
Naproxen – general aches and pains, headache, and pain caused by conditions that cause inflammation such as broken bones, sprains, and arthritis. This should be taken every eight to twelve hours.
Aspirin – general aches and pains, headaches, and pain associated with inflammatory conditions. It can be taken every four hours.
Acetaminophen – general aches and pains, fevers, and headache. It does not contain any anti-inflammatory properties so is not recommended for pain caused by inflammatory conditions. It can be taken every four to six hours.
Ibuprofen – general aches and pains, headaches, and pain associated with inflammatory conditions. This medication can be taken every six hours.
Sometimes, over-the-counter medications do not provide the relief from pain that a person needs. It may be that the individual has moderate to severe pain and that stronger medication is required. In the case of severe acute pain caused by an injury, illness, or surgery, opioid medication is often prescribed. Opioid drugs come from opium and include codeine and morphine. The problem with opioids is that they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause addition. In fact, current recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) state that opioid drugs should not be used to treat acute pain for longer than 3 days to reduce the risk of addiction.
But what if you have chronic pain and nothing is working? What if over-the-counter medications are not providing you with any relief and you are in constant pain? Is there any other way to treat your pain?
Can a Pain Clinic Help?
If your pain is not responding to traditional medication, you might be at your wit’s end. However, there are other options, and your own doctor might decide that a referral to a medical cannabis pain clinic, like that at KindlyMD, should be made for you.
Before you panic and worry that you are going to have to take marijuana for your pain, you should know that these pain clinics do more than just dole out certification letters for medical marijuana. In fact, medical cannabis is just one tool in their arsenal.
Pain clinics are staffed by fully qualified and accredited doctors who have excelled in the field of pain management. These individuals know how to identify and treat a variety of pain types, with chronic pain being one of their main areas of expertise.
Pain doctors will use a variety of different treatment options to help patients effectively manage pain. A plan of care will be created around the needs of the individual and might include muscle injections, acupressure, massage therapy, and talking therapies. Sometimes, changes to diet and lifestyle will be recommended.
Conclusion
There are a number of different over-the-counter medications designed to treat pain, but when it comes more severe pain prescription drugs may be necessary. The type of medication that is best will depend on the type of pain. Nevertheless, sometimes medication is not sufficient for treating pain, particularly chronic pain. In this case, a referral to a pain clinic may be appropriate, at which a tailored treatment plan will be created around the needs of the individual.
