Various Medications
With some conditions it is often not possible to effectively treat them without the use of prescribed medication. Whilst Nicky Snazell's Pain Relief Clinic provides this information for general purposes, it is always important to consult with the prescribing doctor before taking any medication. When prescribing medication, there are often a number of routes that it is possible to take.
Analgesics
More commonly known as "pain killers" this group of medications works by interrupting the pain signals in the nervous system. This has the effect of blocking the pain and reducing its effects. Some of the common analgesics used include:
- Paracetamol
- Co-Codamol
- Tramadol
- Dihydrocodeine
- Morphine
Whilst morphine is occasionally prescribed for extreme cases, Paracetamol at full strength is often sufficient for most problems.
Some antidepressants, such as Amitriptyline, can sometimes be used at low doses have been found to help relieve certain types of pain. For example, taken at night, Amitriptyline is used to treat chronic (persistent) pain.
Specific nerve pain symptoms are sometimes treated with Pregabalin.
Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatories
This group of medications works to reduce pain by reducing the inflammation that is causing it. Often, the pain is caused by the inflammation process itself. Some example of anti-inflammatories are:
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
- Naproxen
Anti-inflammatories are often highly effective when used in combination with analgesics, such as a combination of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
Muscle Relaxants
Some muscle relaxants, such as Diazepam, can be used to help relax muscles which are in spasm. In more severe cases, muscle relaxants such as Botulinum Toxin (Botox) can be injected directly into the muscle to release the spasm.