During our lifetimes we can subject our bodies to all matters of physical endurance. Either through disease, accidentally or known injury causing environments it can become necessary to resort to the various methods of pain relief in order that we can manage the associated pain due to either an injury, an emotional disorder or a disease.
The type and quantity of medication for the pain relief that we require is dependent on the level, duration and the area of the pain. The first step in understanding what method of pain relief is required is through diagnosis. In certain circumstances over-the-counter medication is all that is required to allow our bodies to recuperate. The most common forms of pain are that of headaches, muscular pain, backache and those pains and aches associated with the common cold virus, learn more here.
In these circumstances a variety of non-prescription analgesics are available:
* Paracetamol and Aspirin – For mild to moderate pain relief. For the use of headaches, muscular pain and cold and flu symptoms. * Anti inflammatory – Medications such as Ibuprofen which act as a pain killer and is combined with anti inflammation properties to aid relief from pains such as arthritis.
* Opiates – The use of a weak morphine type medication like Codeine or Dihydrocodeine which act as a painkiller, but is a stronger form than Paracetamol and Aspirin based products.
* As well as in tablet form you can obtain medication that can be applied directly onto the skin. The use of a topical gel or cream for muscle and joint pain.
WARNING – When using over the counter medication it is essential to read the instructions carefully and only take the recommended dosages. If you have any queries, particularly if you are taking any other medications, you should always consult the pharmacist or your own doctor.
Prolonged use in over the counter medications can lead to additional health problems.
Sometimes pain is not relieved by non-prescription medications or the pain is persistent. In these circumstances it is necessary to seek advice from a health care professional.
A diagnosis may then be made that results in a prescribed medication or the use of surgery to alleviate the symptoms.
Prescribed medication can include a more potent acting painkiller for physical symptoms, or the use of medications such as anti-depressants to relieve psychological pain.
Chronic Pain – The term ‘Chronic’ is used when a pain appears consistent, particularly longer than what is deemed to be the normal healing time. The pain can be felt for weeks, months or even years. When a person is suffering from Chronic Pain it may be necessary to resort to a particular or combined methods such as medication, the use of acupuncture, electrical or brain stimulation and surgery.
Chronic pain can be the result on an injury or an illness and can cause both distress and disability to the sufferer.
An example of Chronic Pain is that caused by Arthritis.
Arthritis can affect people of any age and it causes inflammation around the joints of the body. There are around 200 forms of Arthritis, but the two most common forms are Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis, which causes damage and pains to the bones, the joints and the muscles of the body.
There is no cure but the pain relief and alternatives available for the sufferers can help them to cope and to manage the symptoms of joint pain and swelling.
* Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve episodes of pain.
* The use of Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the damaged joint(s) and relieve the pain. Also regular forms of exercise can be of benefit.
* The replacement of a damaged joint, i.e the hip or knee, when medication is not successful.
Some people prefer to take more natural substances to ease the symptoms such as:
* Ginger – For its anti-inflammatory properties, widely known for its benefits for arthritis.
* Cayenne, Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba – To improve circulation and blood flow.
* Glucosamine sulphate supplements – A part of the protein found in cartilage. Supplements may help to repair the damage to the joints.
* Cod liver oil – Omega 3 and Essential Fatty acids to ease the symptoms of pain and inflammation.
* Some people resort to an old aged method of using Stinging Nettles to alleviate arthritis symptoms. It is believed that the sting of the nettle, which contains many chemicals, notably Histamine, may cause our own bodies to act in anti-inflammatory measures and relive the arthritis.
A person does not need to suffer abnormal aches and pains and there a wide form of medication and remedies available to ease the symptoms and enable a person to operate more effectively and live a more normal life.
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