Medication for Pain Management

Pain can make it hard to live the life you want. Whether it’s from an injury or a long-term condition, constant discomfort can affect almost every area of your life. When pain starts to interfere with your daily routine, medication may help bring relief and restore your quality of life. 

Here’s what you need to know about medication for pain management, including the different types, when they’re prescribed, and how to use them safely.

Pain medication is often prescribed when pain begins to interfere with your ability to live a fulfilling life. If discomfort makes it hard to go to work, go to school. Exercise, sleep, or enjoy hobbies and relationships, it may be time to explore professional treatment. 

For many people, short-term pain relief helps the body heal and restores function. For others, medication can be part of a long-term pain management plan aimed at improving mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life. Doctors will consider medication when: 

• Over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies no longer help
• Pain is disrupting daily activities or sleep
• The cause of pain involves inflammation, nerve damage, or muscle tension
• Symptoms need managed during physical therapy or other treatments

Types of Pain That Can be Managed with Medication

Pain comes in different forms, and treatment depends on how long it lasts and what’s causing it. The first type of pain is acute pain, which affects almost 80 million adults in the U.S. each year. 

Lasting up to three months, acute pain usually begins suddenly, like after an injury or surgery, and can result in symptoms like low back pain, neck pain, dental pain, or headaches. Medication can help control pain symptoms while the body heals naturally. 

Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts longer than three to six months and can continue even after the original injury has healed. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve pain, or lower back pain are just a few examples of this type of pain. In these cases, medication usually complements other treatments like physical therapy or behavioral therapy.

Pain medication describes any medicine made to relieve pain, whether that pain is mild, moderate, or severe. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of medication for pain management.

Non-Opioid Pain Relievers

Non-opioid pain relievers are a first-line treatment for most people with mild to moderate pain. They’re safe, effective, and carry a lower risk of addiction, overdose, or long-term dependence than opioids. The most common non-opioid medications include: 

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin

These medications help relieve everyday pain from headaches, arthritis, muscle strain, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries. 

Research shows that NSAIDs are generally more effective than acetaminophen for acute pain, especially when there’s inflammation. However, both can relieve pain, and using them together may provide stronger relief for some people. 

Opioid Medications

Opioids are strong prescription drugs used for moderate to severe pain, and they work by blocking pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Research shows that about half of cancer patients experience pain, and one-third report it as moderate to severe. Opioid treatment in these cases has a 75% response rate and can cut pain intensity by about 50%. 

Common prescription opioids include: 

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Fentanyl (used only in specific medical settings)

Opioids can be very effective when used short-term and under close supervision. However, they come with serious risks if misused or taken longer than prescribed. Possible side effects and risks include: 

• Drowsiness and dizziness 
• Slowed breathing or heart rate
• Nausea, constipation, or confusion
• Dependence or addiction
• Risk of overdose

In 2023, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, most involving opioids. Due to this risk, doctors reserve opioids for cases where other medications don’t work or pain is severe and short-term. 

Other Pain Medications

Other medications may also help manage pain when traditional pain relievers aren’t enough. These include: 

• Antidepressants such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and amitriptyline, which can relieve nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic muscle or joint pain
• Antiepileptic drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), which calm overactive nerves and reduce shooting or burning pain
• Local anesthetics such as lidocaine (patches, creams, or injections) to numb painful areas and block nerve signals.

Effective pain control can improve quality of life and make it easier to stay active, social, and emotionally stable. One study found that better pain management resulted in: 

• Improved mood and emotional well-being
• Better sleep quality
• Easier movement and reduced pain while walking
• Stronger relationships with family and coworkers
• Increased participation in daily activities 

Finding the right pain medication is a thorough process that takes into account your overall health, lifestyle, and the type of pain you’re experiencing. Before prescribing, your doctor will consider things like: 

• The cause and duration of your pain
• Your medical history
• Other medications or supplements you’re currently taking
• How the pain affects you in your daily life
• Past experiences with medications or allergies
• Your risk of side effects, misuse, or dependence
• Non-medication options that may work alongside or instead of medicine

Typically, doctors start with non-opioid treatments before moving on to stronger prescription drugs. The goal is always to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time needed to help you live and function comfortably.

Pain medication can make a big difference in your comfort and quality of life, but you need to use it correctly. Here are some ways to protect yourself when using pain medicine: 

1. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements. Share a full list of what you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.
2. Always take your medicine as prescribed or recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. 
3. If you don’t understand how or when to take your medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting. 
4. If your medication isn’t working, or if you notice side effects like dizziness, nausea, or stomach pain, contact your doctor. 
5. Never share or borrow medication. Even if someone has the same symptoms, their prescription may not be safe for you. 
6. Keep all medicines in a secure, dry place out of reach of children and pets. 

Most importantly, don’t stop taking prescription pain medication suddenly. Some medications, such as opioids or certain nerve pain drugs, can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly. Always consult your doctor before reducing or ending treatment.

Pain doesn’t have to control how you live your life. With the right treatment, you can improve your symptoms and get back to doing what you enjoy. 

At Pulse TMS, we focus on helping patients find safe and effective ways to manage pain and improve their well-being. Our goal is to help you feel better, function better, and live better, one step at a time. 

If pain is holding you back, reach out today to learn more about your treatment options.