Archive for the ‘Pain’ category

Pain Medicine: Different Types of Pain Medicine

May 17th, 2011
William Berg asked:




The formal term for painkillers is analgesics, a word derived from the Greek words an (without) and algia (pain). The three most commonly used types of pain medicine today are the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the paracetamol based drugs and the opioid drugs.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) group contains a wide range of different painkillers. Examples of commonly known NSAID painkillers are Aspirin, Diclofenac and Ibuprofen. NSAID pain killers do not only alleviate pain; they will also lower fever and decrease inflammations. They are called non-steroidal in order to discern them from the steroids, since the steroids are also used for their anti-inflammatory capacity. Aspirin was discovered in 1829 when salicylic acid was chemically isolated for the first time, but willow bark containing salicylic acid has been used as a pain killer long before the 19th century. A lot of NSAIDs are available over-the-counter but this does not mean that they are harmless. When misused, even comparatively weak NSAIDs can have severe side effects, including bleeding ulcers and photosensitivity. NSAIDs are generally not recommended during pregnancy.

Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen. Both words are derived from the chemical name for this painkilling compound: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol and para-acetyl-amino-phenol. Two examples of commonly known brand names under which Paracetamol is marketed are Tylenol and Panadol. Painkillers containing Paracetamol will relieve pain and decrease a fever, but unlike the NSAID painkillers they have no anti-inflammatory properties. One of the advantages of Paracetamol compared to NSAIDs is that Paracetamol painkillers will not affect the blood’s ability to clot. Nor will they damage the kidney or lining of the stomach as long as you stay within the recommended limits and never use too much Paracetamol. High doses of Paracetamol will however be damaging to a wide range of bodily functions. Paracetamol should never be combined with alcohol since the liver will be overloaded with the burden of breaking down both alcohol and Paracetamol, which makes the risk of Paracetamol poisoning higher. If you are healthy, well-nourished and do not drink alcohol, a single 10 gram dose of Paracetamol can cause significant liver damage.

Opioid drugs are very potent painkillers but will come with a sever side effects, even in low concentrations. Morphine is one of the most commonly used opioids in pain killing drugs. An example of a morphine based painkiller is Tramal. Pethidine is another pain killing opiate and can be found in medications such as Alodan and Demerol. Morphine will act directly on the central nervous system and can relieve even sever pains, such as post surgery pains and cancer pains. Morphine is addictive and it is important that it is used with caution. The addiction can be physical as well as physiological. The side effects are also both physical and psychological. Among the physical side effects are constipation and an inhibition of the cough reflex. Psychological side effects include euphoria as well as nightmares, and drowsiness can come hand in hand with insomnia. Morphine was isolated from opium in 1803 by Friedrich Serturner, a German pharmacist. He named it morphium after the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. Serturner soon discovered its usefulness as a painkiller, but morphine didn’t grow really popular until the hypodermic needle was invented in 1853.

Taking Fioricet

What causes pain in the whole right side during pregnancy?

May 15th, 2011
Laurie Smith asked:


I have pain all down my right side and Im pregnant. I have it in my lower back, in my pelvic area, my legs, my chest, and I usually get headaches on the right side. What causes this pain and what should I do about it?

Butalbital Live

Burning Shoulder Pain – What is It?

May 15th, 2011
Jimminy Mercer asked:




Many people just like you find themselves with a burning shoulder pain that as you may know, can brutally control your life. I used to have to deal with the same pain but I, unlike most people found a cure to this wretched pain. Do you ever feel like somebody is holding a lighter up to your shoulder? Or that every time you move your arm, this fire sparks up and ignites throughout your shoulder? I’ve got the solution for you.

A burning pain in your shoulder can be caused by several different things. There are a number of disorders out there that take effect on the shoulder such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), bursitis, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, shoulder dislocation, and many more. It’s hard to believe that there are so many specific injuries that can effect your shoulder, but it’s true.

One of the most common causes of a burning shoulder pain is bursitis. Another name for it is “impingement syndrome”. This is caused primarily by over using the joint. But deep down what happens is your tendons and bursa (small sacs of fluid) get pinched between bones. This causes the highly irritating burning sensation that you are feeling.

To treat this burning shoulder pain, there are several home remedies that will help promote proper health of your shoulder. One of the best ways to solve any type of shoulder pain is to use a simple set of stretches and exercises. We have included a link below where you can find many helping, easy to do exercises that will help you to cure your pain!

Another very effective way to cure a burning shoulder pain and douse the flame is to simple – stop using the shoulder as much as you normally do. It’s as simple as that. You can just give it some time and it will work itself out. A lot of people don’t know that simple trick. Refrain from strenuous activity with your shoulder until symptoms disappear. This along with the exercises included below are a combination bound to get you back to feeling healthier and better in no time.

Taking Fioricet