Drug Choices for Chronic Pain Management

Many conditions can cause chronic pain. Just a few of the most well-known are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, herniated discs, lupus, and migraines. All such conditions demand relief for the people who suffer from them. Fighting pain day after day is exhausting but knowing the best pain treatments can help. Some of the best types of medicines for these chronic pains are the following.

Anti-Inflammatory Pills

Anti-inflammatory pills are sometimes the first line of defense for the previously mentioned ailments. Some of them work by blocking certain enzymes and thus preventing inflammation from occurring. The affected person usually feels a great sense of relief once the inflammation or swelling declines. Examples of anti-inflammatory drugs are items such as Celebrex, Lodine, Naproxen, and Feldene (https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/ask-the-expert/do-nsaids-help-fibromyalgia/). An anti-inflammatory diet can be a great addition to help with these kinds of issues as well. Leafy greens and green vegetables are a great source of valuable nutrition and vitamins. Foods like broccoli, spinach, celery, bok choy, and beets can help lower inflammation and are a good source of antioxidants.

 

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids work by slowing down the activity that the immune system does. They can be highly helpful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, which are the auto-immune diseases. Slowing the immune system down can stop a lot of the inflammation that occurs. Examples of corticosteroids are prednisone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, and so on. Someone who takes these items may not see results for a week or two (https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/corticosteroid-use-pain-management). Like many anti-inflammatory alternatives, natural takes on corticosteroids would be things like an antioxidant-rich diet. You could also include supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Tumeric has also been shown to have some good anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Natural Painkillers

Narcotic painkillers are effective for pain management because they bind to the opioid receptors and make it impossible for the person who takes them to feel pain for a certain amount of time. They are probably the most effective regarding quick and solid relief, but they are the riskiest because of the chance that a physical addiction will develop over time (https://www.morethanrecovery.com/soberlink.html). If you want to avoid the risks that can come with narcotic drugs but reap their pain-blocking benefits, try some plant-based options with similar ingredients. Blue lotus has historically been used to successfully treat muscle spasms, cramps, and migraines. It can be made into a tea or even wine (http://naturalsociety.com/4-natural-legal-herbs-for-pain-relief-you-dont-know-about/). Wild opium lettuce looks like an ordinary weed to most of us but has opioid properties that can be used in pain relief. Kava kava is most often used in Polynesia and has been used to reduce anxiety and to achieve a euphoric-like feeling.

 

Anticonvulsants and Antidepressants

Some specialists prescribe anticonvulsants or antidepressants for people who have chronic pain. Their line of thinking is that the drugs will affect their serotonin and dopamine levels. Both of those chemicals can change the way a person experiences pain. Some patients have had relief, while others have not experienced any positive changes. Examples of anticonvulsants that doctors sometimes use in pain management are Lyrica and Savella (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26491936). Examples of antidepressants that specialists use in chronic pain treatment regimens are elements such as Cymbalta and Elavil.

 

Those are just a few of the medicines that one can take for chronic pain. Each case is different, so a treatment that works for one person may not necessarily work for the next. The list should give interested persons a clue as to where to look, however. They can ask their doctor to consider prescribing one of these elements for the pain.

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