Nobody likes being in pain, and though it comes and goes, we can agree that often it is more than just discomfort. Some types of pain can greatly affect your daily routine and even lead to serious mental issues, like anxiety or even depression. And pain for sure makes you moody. While acute pain happens at a time and goes in a few days, chronic pain is much more serious, and it is the one that usually lasts for over 3 months. That type of pain always needs to be addressed more seriously.
As we know, there are multiple ways of countering pain – either using pain-relief meds, or homemade alternatives it helps, but can have some side effects as well. The fact is that especially OTC medications can be pretty addictive, and it can become quite a problem. Not being able to function without at least a few pills of Oxycontin, Morphine or Codeine, for example, can lead to serious issues in all aspects of your life. That is why we feel the need to address the methods of countering pain, while still explaining the risks of those.
Sourcer: bestdoctors.com
Contents
When Should You Visit A Doctor
While visiting a doctor might not be your favorite day activity, there are times when it is recommended and even mandatory in order to combat your problem:
- If the pain has not gone after a few weeks, and it just increases
- If the pain is affecting your sleep schedule and is causing you stress
- If it affects your ability to exercise or relax
- If it does not go even after different methods of therapy
A doctor will usually be able to tell you from where does the problem come, and prescribe you the relevant treatment, that can sometimes even be a surgical intervention
Should You Use OTC Pain Relievers
There is some type of medications that are available without a doctor’s prescription, like for example Tylenol or any NSAID type of meds. NSAID medications are the most common one, and they work by blocking substances COX-1 and COX-2 and thus relieving the pain that comes from inflammation. With the most known ones being ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, these are most effective with headache pain, backache, arthritis or any type of sprain or muscle injury. While NSAID can be pretty effective especially in the short-term you should take only the recommended package amount as anything above is increasing the risks of issues like kidney failure, ulcers, liver problems and excessive bleeding (your blood not being able to coagulate).
Prescription Drugs
Drugs that you can’t legally get unless prescribed by your doctor are much stronger than the OTC and are thus riskier. These include hydrocodone or oxycodone type of drugs that are well-known opium-based, giving you a pleasant feeling which can later lead to an addiction. Though they are really helpful especially in chronic pain, and tough medical conditions you need to be extremely careful with these. Fentanyl, oxymorphone, codeine, methadone are all popular drugs that can cause serious addiction and even lead to overdose and death if not approached properly. Before taking any, consult with the doctor that gives you the prescription and inform him on any possible side effects.
Sourced: Everyday Health
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are becoming pretty popular when it comes to pain suppression, and the way these work are by reducing the ongoing inflammation and thus aiding the pain relief. Most common corticosteroids are hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, etc. Yet again, you should be pretty careful with these as overuse can cause side effects like – weight gain, problems sleeping, anxiety, high blood sugar and an even higher risk of infections.
The One To Debate – CBD Oil
CBD oil use is a big debate all over the world. Though being legalized in a lot of countries in the past few years, many people are still wondering whether or not it should be and what might be the side effects. CBD oil supporters are claiming that it may have a relieving effect when it comes to pain by affecting the nervous system and that it may even aid in stuff like seizures, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. And while there are actual research studies that partially prove this effect of CBD oil, we cannot give a unanimous conclusion whether or not you should use it. Until more research is done, it is your decision to try this type of treatment. People respond differently when treating their ailments with CBD. Another option, closely related to this one, is hemp gummies that also contain CBD oil which may help with pain relief.
Source: Medical News Today
Summary
As you can see, there are many various ways you can counter both acute and chronic pain, whether using OTC, prescription medication or even homemade methods. Still, it is important to address the doctor and don’t be a case solver if the pain doesn’t go after a while, as he will be sure to tell you what is wrong and what to do!
