There are many different types of pain, each with a distinct set of pain medication options.
What is Acute Pain?
Acute pain starts suddenly and only lasts for a short period (minutes to a couple of days, occasionally a month or two). It is usually caused by a broken bone, car crash or other type of accident, fall, burns or cuts, dental work, labor and childbirth, and surgery.
What are common medications for Acute Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Codeine
- Tramadol
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that has persisted for longer than six months. It is associated with arthritis, back pain, cancer, circulation problems, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and headache.
What are common medications for Chronic Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Codeine
- Tramadol
- Antidepressants
What is Breakthrough Pain?
Breakthrough pain is a sudden, short, sharp increase in pain that occurs in people who are already taking medications to relieve chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or fibromyalgia. It may also occur with exercise or physical activity, coughing, illness, stress, or during the period between pain medication doses.
What are common medications for Breakthrough Pain?
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Morphine
What is Bone Pain?
Bone pain is a tenderness, aching or discomfort in one or more bones that is present during both exercise and rest. It is commonly associated with cancer, bone fracture, infection, leukemia, mineral deficiency, sickle cell anemia, or osteoporosis. Many pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain.
What are common medications for Bone Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Bisphosphonates
What is Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain is caused by nerve damage or inflammation. It is usually described as a sharp, shooting, burning or stabbing pain and may also be called neuralgia or neuropathic pain.
Common causes of nerve pain include alcoholism; an injury to the brain, a nerve, or the spinal cord; cancer; circulation problems; diabetes; herpes zoster (shingles); limb amputation; multiple sclerosis; stroke; and vitamin B12 deficiency.
What are common medications for Nerve Pain?
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
What is Phantom Pain?
Phantom pain is pain that feels like it is coming from a body part that is no longer there. It is common in people who have had a limb amputated.
What are common medications for Phantom Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Ketamine
What is Soft Tissue Pain?
Soft tissue pain results from damage or inflammation of the muscles, tissues, or ligaments. Common causes include back or neck pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia, rotator cuff injury, sciatic pain, sports injuries such as sprains or strains, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
What are common medications for Acute Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Corticosteroids
What is Referred Pain?
Referred pain feels like it is coming from one particular location, but is the result of an injury or inflammation in another structure or organ. One example is a heart attack, when pain is often felt in the neck, left shoulder, and down the right arm.
What are common medications for Referred Pain?
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
Always consult your doctor about which pain medication is right for you. Shop at Watsons for pain-relieving medications and other essential healthcare needs.
Reference:
https://www.drugs.com/article/pain-management.html#a6. Accessed 03 September 2024