Pain Management
Question #7071
31 days ago
49

analgesic - #7071

Anonymously

I’ve been dealing with chronic pain for a while, and my doctor recommended trying an analgesic to help manage it. I know that analgesic is just a general term for pain relievers, but there are so many types—how do I know which one is best for me? I’ve tried over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but they don’t always work well for my pain. Is there a difference between NSAIDs and other analgesic medications? I heard that NSAIDs can cause stomach issues if taken too often—how serious is that risk? And is acetaminophen safer, or does it have its own risks? My pain is mostly muscle and joint-related, but sometimes I also get nerve pain. Are there specific analgesics that work better for nerve pain, or do they all work the same way? I’ve heard of people using opioids for pain, but I’m worried about addiction and side effects. Are there safer prescription analgesics that don’t carry the same risks as opioids? I also wanted to ask about natural pain relief options. I’ve seen some people talk about herbal analgesics like turmeric, ginger, or CBD oil. Do any of these actually work, or are they just hype? If I take a natural analgesic, is it safe to use it alongside regular painkillers, or can there be interactions? One thing I’ve noticed is that certain analgesics work well for some types of pain but not others. For example, ibuprofen helps my back pain a bit, but it does nothing for my headaches. Why is that? Does it have to do with how different analgesics work in the body? I don’t want to rely too much on painkillers, but my pain sometimes gets unbearable. What’s the best way to use an analgesic safely without overdoing it? Are there long-term risks if I take them regularly? Also, should I alternate between different analgesics, or is it better to stick with one type?

Analgesic
Pain relief
Nsaids
Acetaminophen
Chronic pain
Nerve pain
Natural painkillers
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
30 days ago
You’re right that there are many types of analgesics, each suited for different kinds of pain. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, are effective for reducing inflammation, which is why they help with joint and muscle pain. However, they can irritate the stomach if used too frequently, and long-term use might increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues like ulcers. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is gentler on the stomach but has its own risks, especially related to liver function if taken in excess. For nerve pain, medications like gabapentin or pregabalin are more commonly prescribed, as they target nerve function directly. Opioids should be used cautiously due to the risk of dependence, but alternatives like tramadol might be options your doctor could discuss. As for herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, or CBD oil, some studies show they can offer mild relief for certain types of pain, but they are not as potent as prescription medications. Always check with your doctor before combining these with over-the-counter medications to avoid any interactions. To use analgesics safely, I recommend sticking to the lowest effective dose and not combining multiple painkillers unless directed by your doctor. It’s also important to monitor your pain levels and communicate with your healthcare provider if you notice side effects or diminished effectiveness.
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