Pain Medication
Our goal is to maximize pain relief while minimizing adverse affects. We may recommend over-the-counter products or prescribe stronger compounds. Pain relievers may include:
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), available both over-the-counter (Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin® or generic ibuprofen) or at prescription strength (Motrin® or Celebrex®) and many others. They are used after an injury when inflammation is suspected. Careful consideration is given to patients with impaired kidney function, liver disease, cardiac disease, or ulcers and reflux disease. Over-the-counter analgesics
Over-the-counter analgesics, such as Tylenol®, Advil & Alleve. They are appropriate for mild pain. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants that may be used after an injury when spasms are frequent and disabling. Topical Pain Medications
Topical pain medications, typically pain patches, gels or ointments, which deliver medicine directly through the skin to the bloodstream, traveling to the painful site.Oral Steroids
Oral steroids may be given immediately after an injury to rapidly reduce swelling. They are used only for a limited time as doses are gradually reduced. Steroids have many side effects and are not appropriate for long-term use. Generally when steroids are taken for a short period there are no long-term effects such as weight gain, hair loss and bone loss leading to osteoporosis.Narcotic analgesics
Narcotic analgesics are used to treat extreme pain. These controlled substances require a special prescription and must be carefully monitored by a physician to limit the likelihood of addiction and adverse reactions.