Joint Pain Reliever – Types of Joint Pain Relievers
Arthritis causes extreme joint pain that restricts mobility and inflicts frustrating limitations on everyday life. Finding a good joint pain reliever is essential if you want to move around freely and enjoy everyday activities. Many doctors will recommend a joint pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. There are many other painkillers on the market, however, ranging from traditional medications to herbal pain relievers. You might need to try a few different types before you find the best joint pain reliever for you. Make sure to discuss your plans with your doctor so that he or she can assess your risk level.
Doctors usually start by prescribing a type of drugs called NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This type of joint pain reliever includes Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, and Advil. NSAIDs treat pain while reducing inflammation. Doctors often recommend taking NSAIDs for long-term arthritis treatment; however, NSAIDs can damage the stomach lining and cause severe, potentially life-threatening side effects when taken for extended periods of time. New, “selective” NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, can provide joint pain relief without the harmful side effects. Any NSAID will make an effective joint pain reliever.
The second most common type of joint pain reliever is an analgesic. This group of drugs is divided into two categories: narcotic and non-narcotic. Narcotic analgesics include Morphine, Vicodin, and Codeine. These drugs are powerful, but addictive. Doctors usually recommend taking one of these as an extremely short-term joint pain reliever. Non-narcotic analgesics include milder versions such as Tylenol. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, is also found in many other over-the-counter drugs. If you decide to take Tylenol as a long-term joint pain reliever, make sure that you do not accidentally overdose on acetaminophen. Analgesics can damage the liver when taken for too long.
You can avoid many harmful side effects by taking a natural joint pain reliever instead. Fish oil is an effective joint pain reliever that reduces inflammation, supports memory and brain function, boosts your immune system, and improves circulation. Other natural pain relievers include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and oregano oil. Olive oil also has some analgesic properties. Glucosamine and chondroitin are rarely found separately. Glucosamine builds and repairs cartilage, while chondroitin prevents cartilage breakdown. MSM is also a powerful joint pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. If you are suffering from severe joint pain, try any one of these traditional or natural remedies for joint pain relief. Your joints will thank you!
