Pain Relief Medicines

Pain medicines work a number of different ways to relieve the pain. Some examples of these medicines are:

* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): reduce swelling, inflammation, and soreness. Effective for mild to moderate pain. Can cause stomach problems or interfere with blood clotting. (Examples are: aspirin, ibuprofen).

* Opioids (narcotics): used for sort-term, acute pain. Work by blocking the pain pathways to the brain. Effective for severe pain. Side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, itching, and interference with breathing or urination. (Examples are: Morphine, Dilaudid, and Percocet).

* Local anesthetics: given near the pain or through a small tube in the back. They work by temporarily blocking the nerves that transmit pain signals. Can cause weakness in the legs or dizziness.