Alternative Pain Treatments

We all know that medicines are developed to make us feel better when we are feeling sick. Medicines are chemical substances or compounds that are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases and their symptoms. Advances in medications have enabled doctors to find cure to many diseases and save lives.

Analgesics are medicines for pain relief. However, each type of pain responds to certain medications differently. What works for one may not work for another. That is why there are OTC (Over-The-Counter) pain relief drugs and prescription pain medicines.

OTC pain medicines include acetaminophen and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain medicine used for the treatment of fever, headaches, and other common aches and pains. It is safer for children and easier to the stomach than other pain medicines. NSAIDs are pain relief drugs that can reduce inflammation or swelling caused by injury, arthritis, or fever. These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other prescription drugs.

Prescription pain medicines include COX2 and other narcotic painkillers for treatment of severe pains. These drugs are very strong and potentially habit-forming.
Some people prefer alternative pain treatments such as relaxation techniques, massage, biofeedback, hot and cold compress, and rest.

-Ramon Bravante