Arthritis Pain Relief
July 30th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Arthritis is very common, and because there are many different kinds of arthritis, there are many different kinds of pain relief.
Arthritis pain medications are classified into eight categories. They include:
Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Biological Response Modifiers (BRM)
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD)
Fibromyalgia Medications
Glucorticoids (Cortisone related medications)
Gout medications
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
Osteoporosis Medications
Analgesics are the most common form of arthritis pain medication. Most are available over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Analgesics that require a prescription include oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine. Prescription analgesics can become habit-forming, so be certain to adhere to the dosage prescribed by your physician.
Biological Response Modifiers are substances that modify the body’s response to infection and disease. BRMs are sometimes used to treat severe forms of arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Depending on the severity of the symptoms, BRM therapy may require patients to stay in the hospital during treatment. Side effects of BRM therapy include flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and body aches.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs are used to slow the progression of joint destruction and deformity and are generally prescribed to patients who suffer from aggressive forms of arthritis. DMARDs are typically used for long periods of time and may require dosage alterations. Side effects of DMARDs include upset stomach, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and vision changes.
Fibromyalgia medications are basically anti-depressants that affect neurotransmitters, the chemical transmitters within the brain. These medications are usually most effective when combined with other treatment programs such as stress reduction, regular exercise and certain dietary changes.
Glucorticoids are medications that include cortisone and related drugs. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes.
Gout medications are typically prescribed in combination with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Gout medications are used to treat gout (also called metabolic arthritis), a form of arthritis caused by a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are commonly prescribed medications to reduce the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendonitis and bursitis. Some of the more common NSAIDs include asprin, Motrin, Advil and Ecotrin. The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to the gastrointestinal system and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and upset stomach.
Osteoporosis medications can help slow down the progression of bone loss. Common osteoporosis medications include Actonel, Boniva, Evista and Fosamax. Side effects of osteoporosis medications include upset stomach or pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle aches and headache.
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Over the Counter Pain Relief Products - you have a wide choice
June 20th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
The good news is that there are many options available in pain relief products today. You don’t need to travel any farther than your neighborhood grocer or pharmacy to find a plethora of available pain relief products that you can try at home. If the over the counter medications and therapies do not bring the desired relief from your pain, your doctor can recommend prescription pain relievers that might prove helpful as well.
Medications
There are many choices in pain relief medication today that can be very effective in treating pain. Acetaminophen is still the tried and true, and can work well with mild cases of pain in particular. Tylenol is the most common brand name of this drug, and is fairly safe when taken according to the package directions. Ibuprofen and aspirin are effective pain relievers since they reduce inflammation as well as pain. Aspirin should especially be used with caution, because it can cause gastric bleeding or stomach upset with overuse. NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) are marketed under names like Aleve, and can offer longer pain relief, although these can have potentially dangerous side effects as well. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any of these medications for more than a day or two as a pain relief product.
Other Types of Pain Relief Products
Hot and cold therapy are very effective ways to treat pain as well, and the market has improved considerably when it comes to these types of pain relief products. Now you can find packs that will turn hot or cold simply by removing them from their packaging and many can be applied to your body as a patch or wrap. These new heat therapies can offer up to eight hours of heat, allowing you to sleep or work more comfortably. ThermaCare offers many different versions of this pain relief product, so that you can find comfortable heat therapy for any part of your body that ails you.
Other types of pain relief products include topical medications like Bengay that offer medicinal relief that is absorbed through the skin. These can soothe painful areas as well as bring relief for the discomfort. There are also a number of herbal remedies on the market that have been shown to be effective pain relief products in some studies. One of these, willow tree bark extract, is known as herbal “aspirin” because it works in much the same way that aspirin does. In fact, this substance has been used in some countries for centuries as an effective pain relief product, and it was the prototype that modern day aspirin is modeled from.
Chronic pain does not have to overshadow every aspect of your life. With the proper use of pain relief products, you can be on your way to more pain-free days in no time at all.
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Chronic Pain Relief - dealing with pain long term
June 14th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Chronic pain can be the result of age, injury or illness.
It can affect many parts of the body, although the back is generally the most common culprit. Chronic pain can have emotional side effects like depression, so it is important to find effective treatment for your pain whenever possible. The good news is that there are many options in chronic pain relief, and through a process of trial and error in partnership with your doctor and other health professionals, you can keep chronic pain from destroying your quality of life. If you are suffering from chronic pain, the first place that you should go is to your doctor’s office so that he can diagnose the cause of your pain. Discovering the root of pain is often the first step to chronic pain relief. Once you know what is causing your condition, you will be better prepared to find a solution.
Medications
Often the first course of action in treating chronic pain relief is medication. This can include over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen for times when the pain flares up. It can also incorporate prescription medications such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids. While any of these medications can be successful in bringing chronic pain relief in the short term, long term use of most of these medications can result in serious side effects. Because of this, it is a good idea to find other methods of chronic pain relief that can reduce the pain while also reducing the frequency of medication.
Other Methods of Chronic Pain Relief
While rest might be recommended for the first day or two after an injury, physical activity is generally thought of as an effective means of bringing chronic pain relief. Regular exercise can increase flexibility and strength while improving muscle tone. It is also an essential part of a healthy lifestyle while bring relief from chronic pain. If you want to begin a regular exercise program as a way to treat your chronic pain, make sure that you do it under the supervision of a doctor, physical therapist or personal trainer. This professional guidance will ensure that you get started on the right track without causing further damage or injury to yourself.
Other means of finding relief from chronic pain include herbal treatments, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Your doctor may prescribe some physical therapy for you as well, to bring strength and conditioning back to an injured area. Hot and cold therapies can be an effective home treatment that can bring chronic pain relief, by alternating ice and hot packs to the affected area. Some find that aromatherapy and biofeedback techniques can help them to relax muscles and release tension, which can in turn bring chronic pain relief as well.
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