There are almost as many brands of pain relievers as there are types of pain. The question is which pain reliever is the right choice for your particular situation, be it a pain, a twinge, or any other form of discomfort. But the terrain of these pills is not as complicated as it might seem when you first examine drug store shelves.
There are two main categories of pain relievers. The first is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. The second category is acetaminophen (paracetamol) – this pain reliever does not treat inflammation.
Both an NSAID and acetaminophen (or sometimes even both) can be effective for everyday pain and fever. But only NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation (swelling). Mind you, most types of pain, such as muscle aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps, involve a certain amount of inflammation.
7 common pains and how to treat them with pain relievers
Headaches
There are many different types of headaches, from tension headaches to cluster headaches and migraines. For most headaches, you can use NSAIDs or parcetamol.
Starting with acetaminophen can be helpful, as it generally has the lowest risk of harmful side effects. But if, in general, you find other medications more helpful in relieving headache symptoms, opt for the ones that are usually effective for you.
Be on the lookout for rebound headaches, which can occur if you take too many pain relievers. Take no more than a couple of days a week. And always follow the directions on the label.
Before treating a headache, make sure it's not a symptom of something more serious, like a stroke or brain aneurysm. These headaches tend to be severe, start suddenly, and get worse over time. Vision changes, numbness, tingling, or weakness can be red flags.
Menstrual cramps
NSAIDs can be helpful in reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps. In fact, if you have a history of really bad cramps, you can start taking pain relievers a day or two before your period starts to help prevent or reduce the level of pain.
Muscle pains
The most common causes of muscle pain include injury or trauma, strain and stress, and exercise. And many of these involve inflammation. That makes NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, an obvious choice, as long as you don't have any risk factors and don't take too much.
Aspirin is not used much for pain anymore. Doctors prescribe low-dose aspirin to prevent a second heart attack or stroke.
Back pain
About 80 percent of us will need medical help for back pain at some point in our lives. And there are likely more people who are not seeking medical help.
Back pain can have many causes, including sitting for too long, poor posture, injury, or arthritis. Taking an NSAID can be helpful in relieving mild or temporary back pain. Just keep in mind that these medications are intended for short-term use. Always follow the dosage instructions on the container. See a doctor if the pain persists or if you have a chronic condition, such as arthritis.
Some people forgo back pain medications entirely, instead seeking relief in physical therapy, acupuncture, or even meditation.
Sore throat
Infections (both viral and bacterial), allergies, and even postnasal drip can cause a sore throat. If you think you have an infection, see your doctor. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Other types of sore throats can be relieved with acetaminophen or an NSAID .
Many cold and flu medications also contain acetaminophen and other pain relievers.
If you're taking any combination of products, be sure to check the label so you don't go over the RDA, which for acetaminophen is 3,000 milligrams a day.
Joint pain
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, especially as we age. Osteoarthritis, which is more common with age and "wear and tear," is the most common.
Inflammation is one of the main characteristics of arthritis, which makes NSAIDs a reference medicine for people with the condition. But talk to your doctor if you use them frequently to control pain, as NSAIDs should only be used for a few days at a time.
Fever
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can treat fever. The dosage for each is different: try taking acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours and ibuprofen every 6 to 8 hours.
You should not give ibuprofen to children younger than six months. Aspirin can also help treat fever, but never give it to children as it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, which can cause inflammation of the liver and brain.
How to choose the best pain reliever for you?
Personal preference plays a role in choosing a pain reliever, regardless of the type of pain. But so do your personal risk factors. Every drug has a downside, and over-the-counter pain relievers are no exception.
Acetaminophen has fewer side effects, but they can be serious. The main potential side effect is liver damage , especially if you take three or more a day. Regular use doesn't really have much toxicity, but make sure you don't exceed dosage instructions.
NSAIDs are associated with kidney damage if you take them for long periods of time. If you have any level of kidney dysfunction or kidney disease, you should be very, very careful and talk to your doctor before taking an NSAID. These can cause heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, and other digestive-related side effects .
NSAIDs other than aspirin may increase the chance of heart attacks and strokes . You should also not take NSAIDs during pregnancy .
Generally speaking, go for acetaminophen for most minor pain. It does not have the potential toxicity that NSAIDs have. But if you're dealing with pain alongside inflammation, such as menstrual cramps or muscle aches, an NSAID is likely to be more effective.
