Get the low down to properly use OTCs rather than depending on harsher, addicting drugs for pain relief
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) Pinellas Park, Fla. — About 2,500 people a year lose their fight against pain pill addictions in Florida; that’s an average of seven deaths a day. With that alarming rate, it’s imperative to have the low-down on over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications that can be used as a replacement to harsher, more addictive drugs.
When you have a tension headache from work stress or muscle strain from last night’s workout, you’ll most likely pick up an OTC pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort. But not all OTCs are created equal, so how do you know which one to choose? And what if the pain is more severe – will these products still be effective?
Terel Newton, M.D., pain management specialist at Pain Relief Centers in Pinellas Park, explains the differences between your everyday OTCs and how you know which to choose to stop your pain.
The OTC Breakdown
There are two primary types of over-the-counter pain analgesics – acetaminophen and NSAIDs,” says Newton. “While they both work to reduce pain, they do so in very different ways. The cause and extent of your discomfort will help you decide which OTC to use.”
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in products like Tylenol. It is one of the most commonly used OTCs on the market and is used as both a pain reliever and fever reducer. It affects the area of the brain that receives pain signals and regulates the temperature of the body, changing the way the body senses pain and requiring more powerful pain signals for the person to feel discomfort. Acetaminophen is best taken for pains associated with headaches, back pain and sore muscles.
The second type of OTC pain reliever is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short. These come in several different forms, like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, but their common factor is not only that they all relieve pain, but swelling and inflammation, as well. They do this by inhibiting the body’s production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and swelling. NSAIDs are generally very effective at relieving:
• Back pain
• Muscle strains
• Pain associated with minor injuries
• Menstrual cramps
• Arthritis pain
Which OTC and How Much to Take
“Every person’s body is a little different, causing them to respond differently to medications,” says Newton. “So choosing the right OTC that works best for you will mean listening to your body. If you try one and it doesn’t relieve your pain, consider a different one to which your body may have a better response. If you have used one that has worked for you previously, it may still be your best option.”
When it comes to how much to take, always follow the instructions on the bottle. OTCs are generally safe when taken as directed, but can cause serious health problems when too much is ingested. Dosage recommendations are there for a reason, so unless otherwise advised by your physician, stick to the dosage amount and time intervals indicated on the label.
Should I Use an OTC for My Severe Pain?
OTCs can be used for more severe pain if they work for the individual in alleviating the discomfort. However, it’s important to remember that they are generally safe for most people in treating short-term pain only. Long-term use of these products, as with prescription pain medications, is not recommended.
If you’re unsure of the reason for your pain, visit your physician to ensure that it’s not a sign of a larger problem. And if you suffer from pain lasting longer than 10 days, it may be time to visit a pain management specialist to better assess your condition and suggest other methods of pain management.
Even OTCs Have Side Effects
“OTCs can be very effective and quite safe for many people,” says Newton. “Side effects from OTCs are rare; however, for those with certain conditions, special precautions need to be taken when considering these products.”
For example, while acetaminophen is generally easier on the stomach than other OTCs, it can cause kidney or liver damage in high doses or long-term daily use. If you already have liver damage or consume more than three alcoholic drinks a day, use extreme caution when using acetaminophen, or avoid it altogether.
NSAIDs also carry their own set of risks, including the potential for ulcers, stomach bleeding and gastrointestinal problems. For those who are taking blood-thinning medications, have kidney damage, stomach ulcers or heart problems, your physician should be consulted before using an NSAID OTC.
So consider acetaminophen for that work-related stress headache. Try an NSAID for that inflamed ankle sprain from your workout. And remember that if it works for you, OTCs can be used for more severe pain. Just read the label first and, when in doubt, ask your doctor.
About Florida Pain Relief Centers:
Pain Relief Centers are multi-specialty practices that use a combination of innovative and minimally invasive treatments that help relieve patients’ pain and improve their quality of life. Pain Relief Centers’ Board-Certified physicians utilize advanced technology and interventional therapies to diagnose and treat pain effectively. Pain Relief Centers’ comprehensive approach ranges from osteopathic manipulation and nerve ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures. Pain Relief Centers treat a variety of conditions such as neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Pain Relief Centers works with patients to improve their pain and return them back to their busy lives.
Visit www.pinellaspain.com or call 727-518-8660 for more information.
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