The Importance of Pain Medications and Why They Do Work

If you’ve recently had a sports injury or you suffer from a chronic pain condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia, it can be debilitating. Even dealing with occasional or acute neck, back, or joint pain can be frustrating and throw a wrench into your everyday activities. 

Though coming up with a pain management plan can often feel overwhelming, our team at SEPA Pain & Spine offers comprehensive care when it comes to treating your pain. Some of our methods for optimal pain relief include steroid injections, physical therapy, and pain medications. 

Although pain medications can often have negative connotations because of their side effects, they play an essential role in pain management. Our team reviews how they work and their importance in your treatment plan.

Explaining pain medications

When it comes to types of pain medications, they typically fall into two categories: prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. 

Prescription pain medications include opioids or muscle relaxers while over-the-counter pain medications are medicines like acetaminophen (better known as Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, including ibuprofen).

Over-the-counter pain medications work to reduce swelling or inflammation and offer pain relief from stiffness and irritation. 

Opioids and muscle relaxers are used to treat more acute or short-term pain like if you’re recovering from an injury or have occasional neck and back pain that may make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and sleep.

What pain medications can do for you

Pain medications are going to help keep your pain under control, so you can regain your quality of life. Chronic –  and even acute pain –  can keep you from accomplishing things like going up and down stairs or walking around as easily as you’d like. Pain can also keep you from being as active as you need to be, which can pose some serious health risks down the road.

Chronic pain can also keep you from socializing since it can really start to wear on your mental health. Pain medications can keep that pain at bay to help you find joy in your social life again. 

In addition, pain medications can also help you to complete physical therapy without being miserable while doing it. Physical therapy can help to build up muscle strength, which can lessen pain as a result. 

Next steps

If you’re worried about the negative side effects of pain medications, our team at SEPA Pain & Spine offers pain medication management to ensure the right medication and proper dosage are being prescribed to you for optimal results and minimal negative effects. 

To learn more about how we can cater a pain management plan for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices located in southeast Pennsylvania, or use our online scheduler to request an appointment with us today.