{"id":19892,"date":"2022-09-20T09:39:59","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T14:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=19892"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:36:55","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T20:36:55","slug":"doctors-debate-pain-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/doctors-debate-pain-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctors Debate Pain Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain really is a pain. Whether you\u2019re dealing with a headache, a sprained ankle or something else, finding relief can make or break your day. However, you want to make sure you\u2019re choosing the right pain medicine. Opioids, for instance, are incredibly effective prescription pain medications, but they\u2019re also highly addictive and their misuse is contributing to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\/trends-statistics\/overdose-death-rates#:~:text=Opioid%2Dinvolved%20overdose%20deaths%20rose,2020%20to%2068%2C630%20overdose%20deaths.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tragic and fatal epidemic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the US.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We asked doctors to weigh in on the pain relief options out there, both over the counter and otherwise. If you\u2019re just experiencing situational muscle soreness or a one-off headache, it\u2019s good to know which pain medicine is most effective. If you\u2019re dealing with chronic pain, however, you\u2019ll want to go the extra mile and see a doctor specializing in pain management.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Ibuprofen<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682159.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (widely known under brand names like Advil, Motrin and Midol) falls under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As the name implies, these medications reduce inflammation (one cause of pain) but are not steroids. This is notable because steroids, while also anti-inflammatory, are both more powerful and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/steroids\/art-20045692#:~:text=Increased%20risk%20of%20infections%2C%20especially,appetite%2C%20nausea%20and%20muscle%20weakness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">associated with side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like high blood pressure, fluid retention, weight gain and even thinning bones. NSAIDs are also different from narcotics, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-06\/Narcotics-2020.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">class of pain-relieving drugs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that have numbing or paralyzing properties and includes opiates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen managing pain and inflammation, it\u2019s not uncommon for a person to be prescribed an NSAID like ibuprofen,\u201d says Dr. Lewis Jassey, a pediatrician and medical director of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/leafwell.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leafwell<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a medical marijuana advocacy group. \u201cThey\u2019re used by millions of people worldwide without ill effects when dosed appropriately. Unlike narcotic painkillers, they can be used with much less chance of dependence or other effects that can impact quality of life, like sedation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there are some drawbacks. \u201cIbuprofen can be highly effective at treating musculoskeletal pain, arthritic pain and menstrual pain,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caseintegrativehealth.com\/dr-agarwal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Deepti Agarwal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist in Chicago<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThat said, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks that come with taking ibuprofen, most commonly, gastrointestinal distress. More seriously, long-term usage can cause damage to the kidneys.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While taking ibuprofen here and there is generally okay for your kidneys, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4036662\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research has found<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that long-term use can increase the risk of kidney failure, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bjgpopen.org\/content\/6\/1\/BJGPO.2021.0208.long\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">especially in those<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with preexisting conditions like chronic kidney disease or diabetes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Naproxen<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sold under brand names like Aleve, the NSAID <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a681029.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> combats pain by counteracting inflammation. The pain medicine is used for many of the same purposes as ibuprofen: joint pain, swelling, menstrual cramps and headache.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agarwal says there are a few significant differences between ibuprofen and naproxen. For one, naproxen works longer, for typically up to 12 hours. Naproxen can also bring even more intense gastrointestinal side effects than ibuprofen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Aspirin<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cveteran\u201d of NSAIDs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682878.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aspirin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has been around for more than 100 years. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/uofmhealthwest.org\/doctors\/marc-helzer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Marc Helzer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a family practitioner at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">University of Michigan Health-West<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, praises aspirin as nonaddictive, inexpensive, readily available and effective at fighting pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a good option for treating headaches, menstrual pain, fever and pain from inflammation in the short term, but aspirin isn\u2019t great for chronic pain. This is because long-term use of aspirin is associated with GI issues like nausea, vomiting, heartburn and even ulcers or stomach bleeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agarwal explains that as a pain medicine, aspirin, \u201cwas once hailed as a \u2018wonder drug,\u2019 not only for its ability to treat pain, but also because some studies show it can lower your risk of heart attack and certain cancers.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While doctors used to recommend people take aspirin daily to prevent cardiovascular disease, because of the risk of internal bleeding, the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org\/uspstf\/sites\/default\/files\/file\/supporting_documents\/aspirin-cvd-prevention-final-rec-bulletin_0.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in people over the age of 60.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Acetaminophen<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You probably know it as Tylenol: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a681004.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the only common over-the-counter pain medication that isn\u2019t classed as an NSAID. It\u2019s technically part of a group called \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002123.htm#:~:text=Acetaminophen%20(Tylenol)%20is%20known%20as,It%20does%20not%20relieve%20inflammation.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonaspirin pain relievers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d Agarwal says it\u2019s effective at treating mild to moderate pain or fevers, but not inflammation or swelling (like the pain caused by arthritis or a muscle strain), and is best used for headaches or common colds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acetaminophen doesn\u2019t carry the adverse GI effects of NSAIDs, making it a good choice for people with acid reflux or other digestive issues. Because it\u2019s not an NSAID, says Agarwal, it can also be used in tandem with ibuprofen, though \u201cit is essential not to exceed the recommended dosage of either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While acetaminophen was long considered virtually side-effect-free, she adds, \u201cresearch is increasingly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ard.bmj.com\/content\/75\/3\/552.full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proving this to be untrue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d Helzer says high doses of the drug taken over a long period of time can \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.raps.org\/regulatory-focus%E2%84%A2\/news-articles\/2015\/11\/fda-amends-liver-warning-labeling-guidance-for-some-otc-drugs-containing-acetaminophen#:~:text=years%20of%20age%3A-,Liver%20warning%3A%20This%20product%20contains%20acetaminophen.,day%20while%20using%20this%20product.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severely injure the liver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Cannabis<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve likely heard every argument about using marijuana for pain management or otherwise. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000899.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cannabis plant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contains several different chemical compounds, or cannabinoids. The most commonly known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive chemical that people use to get high) and CBD (cannabidiol, a chemical without any psychoactive effects). These compounds target the endocannabinoid system, a receptor system in our bodies that\u2019s fundamental to the regulation of functions including pain perception and inflammation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen the endocannabinoid system is out of tune, this is when health problems can occur, which often includes inflammation,\u201d Jassey explains. \u201cCannabis can help bring the body back in tune and keep it balanced.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulatory frameworks <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disa.com\/maps\/marijuana-legality-by-state\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are not consistent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> across the United States regarding cannabis use. In most states, you need a prescription to access marijuana for pain management. CBD is more widely available, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one product<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has even been approved to treat epilepsy by the Food and Drug Administration, though CBD\u2019s legality overall <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cfah.org\/cbd-legal-states\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">varies widely<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by state and even municipality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen it comes to alternative and unconventional pain management options, there are perhaps none so popular at the moment as CBD,\u201d says Jassey. \u201cIt\u2019s extremely well-tolerated by the body.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That doesn\u2019t mean we know everything about how suitable it is for every potential patient, he adds. While more research is needed, Jassey notes that known <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/consumer-health\/expert-answers\/is-cbd-safe-and-effective\/faq-20446700#:~:text=CBD%20use%20also%20carries%20some,taking%2C%20such%20as%20blood%20thinners.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potential side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can include drowsiness, an upset stomach and dry mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Ready to book a doctor\u2019s appointment? Visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\"><span class=\"s2\">Zocdoc.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> From ibuprofen to acetaminophen, which is best for what ailment? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":19893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[103,41,69,106],"class_list":["post-19892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-prep","tag-mental-health","tag-the-psychology-of-being-a-patient","tag-treatment","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What&#039;s the Best Pain Medicine? 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