Acute pain lasts a short time as your body heals, whereas chronic pain is persistent, can last longer than six months and usually requires prescription medication. About 33 percent of adults in the United States experience severe chronic pain according to research published in the "Journal of Pain" in August 2010. Good pain pills include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen and fish oil.
Opioids
Opioids are morphine-like substances that have significant side effects and can become addictive and abused. Opioid medications, such as oxycodone, are best suited if you have serious and severe pain that cannot be relieved with other medications. You can build a tolerance for opioids over time and may require increasing the dosage to get more relief. Increased usage and dosage, however, increases your risk for side effects that include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lowered libido, decreased sex hormone production, depression and suppression of your immune system. Oxycodone is a schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine and is available in controlled release tablets that range in dosage between 10 to 160 mg. Controlled release tablets provide longer lasting effect because the drug is slowly absorbed over a longer period of time. Crushing, breaking, cutting or chewing the pills, however, can cause quick absorption and potential for overdose and death.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, are often prescribed to treat joint and arthritis pain associated with inflammation. NSAIDs include ibuprofen aspirin and naproxen. NSAIDs are available as over-the-counter medications and prescription medications for higher dosages. Side effects from NSAIDs can include increased stomach acid, ulcers, kidney damage, liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Unlike opioids, NSAIDs have a ceiling effect, so additional dosage does not provide added pain relief.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain killer that can be used to treat backaches, muscle aches, headaches and osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen may be effective for acute pain for short periods of treatment. Taking acetaminophen in high doses or for long periods of time, however, can cause liver damage. Certain medications combine opioids, such as oxycodone, with acetaminophen and are effective for pain relief, but with a higher risk of side effects.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains long chain omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaneoic acid and docosahexaneoic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oil is effective in relieving inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and colitis. Fish oil may also relieve chronic neck and back pain, according to research published in "Surgical Neurology" in April 2006. The results demonstrate that fish oil may be as effective or more effective and safer than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and that 59 percent of fish oil users discontinued their use of NSAIDs.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Chronic Pain Medicines; 2009
- "Journal of Pain"; The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in United States Adults: Results of an Internet-Based Survey; Johannes, C.B., T.K. Le, et al.; Aug 25 2010
- American Chronic Pain Association; Consumer Guide to Pain Medication and Treatment; 2010
- Purdue Pharma; Oxycontin Prescribing Information; 2010
- Food and Drug Administration; Acetaminophen and Liver Injury: Q & a for Consumers; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 25 2009
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