In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about painkillers and the most effective ways to relieve pain, including an advanced technique called Prolotherapy.
Understanding Pain and Its Impact
Pain is a universal experience that can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-altering agony. Whether acute or chronic, pain can disrupt daily activities, sleep, work, and overall quality of life. Managing pain effectively is crucial for restoring function and well-being. Finding the best painkiller depends on the type and cause of pain. While strong painkillers are sometimes necessary, they are not always the best or safest solution for everyone.[1]
Treatment options may include painkillers, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions. Nerve pain may require different management approaches than other types of pain.
Types of Pain
Pain can present in several different forms, and understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing is key to finding the most effective treatment. Acute pain is a short-term pain that typically follows an injury, surgery, or illness. It usually resolves as the body heals. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for months or even years and can significantly impact daily life and mental well-being. Breakthrough pain refers to sudden, intense episodes of pain that occur even when you’re regularly taking pain medicines for ongoing pain conditions.
Identifying the type of pain helps your medical team determine whether options like opioid painkillers are appropriate—these are often reserved for severe pain or breakthrough pain that doesn’t respond to other medicines. By tailoring treatment to the specific type of pain, you can achieve better pain control and avoid unnecessary side effects from strong painkillers or opioid drugs.
E-E-A-T: Why Trust ProHealth Clinic for Pain Management Advice?
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What Are Strong Painkillers?
Strong painkillers, also known as opioids or narcotics, are prescription medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. An opioid drug is a potent pain-relieving medication used for severe pain. Common examples of strong painkillers include morphine, oxycodone, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl, and co codamol, which is a combination painkiller containing codeine and paracetamol. These drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing relief.[2]
Opioid medicines come in various forms, including tablets or capsules, slow release tablets, skin patches, nasal spray, and subcutaneous injection. Slow release and long acting formulations provide steady pain control, while short acting opioids are used for breakthrough pain. Some patients may have difficulty swallowing tablets, so alternative forms such as liquids or patches are available. The dose of opioid medicines is usually started at a low dose and may require a dose increase or higher dose for effective pain control, depending on the patient’s needs. How much morphine or other opioid is needed varies for each patient, and it is important that any dose adjustments are made under medical supervision.
While strong painkillers can be effective for short-term pain after surgery or injury, they are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of addiction, tolerance, side effects, and overdose.
Risks and Side Effects of Strong Painkillers
- Addiction and dependence
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Constipation and nausea
- Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- Increased risk of overdose and death
- Hormonal changes and immune suppression
The most common side effects of opioid medicines include constipation, nausea (feeling sick), and drowsiness (feeling drowsy). Possible side effects should be monitored and reported to your healthcare provider. Some people may feel sick or feel drowsy when starting opioid medicines, but these effects often improve after a few days as your body adjusts. Laxatives are often prescribed to prevent constipation when taking strong painkillers. If you experience persistent or troublesome side effects, seek more advice from your healthcare team.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend using strong painkillers only when absolutely necessary and for the shortest duration possible.[3]
Interactions and Warnings
When taking opioid painkillers, it’s important to be aware of how they might interact with other medicines and health conditions. Opioid drugs can interact with anti-inflammatory drugs, certain antidepressants, and a range of other medicines, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of your pain relief. Combining opioids with substances like alcohol can further increase the risk of drowsiness, confusion, and dangerous breathing problems.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. This helps your medical team prevent harmful interactions and ensures that your painkillers and other medicines work safely together. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without professional advice, especially when taking opioids or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Managing Moderate Pain
Moderate pain can often be managed with a combination of approaches tailored to your needs. For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are commonly used. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe opioid painkillers like codeine or tramadol for short-term relief. If pain becomes more intense or persistent, stronger painkillers such as morphine may be considered for moderate to severe pain.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare professional to find the right balance of pain medicines and alternative therapies, such as physical therapy or heat and ice treatments. Regularly reviewing your pain relief plan ensures that you’re using the most effective and safest options for your type of pain, and helps prevent unnecessary side effects from higher doses or stronger painkillers.
Managing Moderate to Severe Pain
For moderate to severe pain, especially when other treatments have not provided enough relief, strong opioid painkillers like morphine, oxycodone, or fentanyl may be prescribed. These medicines can be very effective at reducing pain, but they also come with a higher risk of side effects, including constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. To help manage these side effects, your doctor may recommend additional medicines such as laxatives or anti-sickness medicine.
It’s essential to take opioid medicines exactly as prescribed and to follow the recommended dose. If you experience any side effects or have concerns about your pain control, let your healthcare team know right away. They can adjust your dose, suggest a different opioid, or add supportive treatments to help you achieve the best possible pain relief with the lowest risk.
Special Considerations
Certain health conditions and situations require extra care when using opioid painkillers. For example, people with kidney problems may need lower doses or different types of painkillers, as some opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs can worsen kidney function. Long periods of opioid use can lead to physical dependence, meaning your body gets used to the medicine and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking opioids suddenly.
To reduce these risks, your healthcare professional may suggest alternative pain relief options or gradually lower your opioid dose when it’s time to stop. Always discuss any changes in your health, new medicines, or concerns about side effects with your medical team. This collaborative approach helps ensure safe, effective pain management tailored to your individual needs.
Alternatives to Strong Painkillers
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation for many conditions.
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Often effective for mild to moderate pain and has fewer side effects than opioids.
- Topical Treatments: Creams, gels, or patches containing NSAIDs or capsaicin can provide targeted relief.
- Physical Therapy: Exercise, stretching, and manual therapy can address the root cause of pain and improve function.
- Psychological Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness can help manage chronic pain.
- Interventional Procedures: Nerve blocks, steroid injections, or minimally invasive procedures may be considered for certain types of pain.
Other drugs, such as muscle relaxants or steroids, may also be used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Always consult a healthcare professional when taking medicines before starting or changing any pain management plan.
Case Study: Chronic Pain Managed Without Strong Painkillers
Patient: 55-year-old male, construction worker.
Symptoms: Chronic lower back and knee pain, interfering with work and sleep.
Treatment: Physical therapy, NSAIDs, ergonomic adjustments, and a course of prolotherapy.
Outcome: Significant pain reduction within eight weeks, improved mobility, and no need for long-term opioids.
“I thought I’d be on painkillers forever, but ProHealth Clinic helped me find a safer, lasting solution.”
Treatments for Pain: What Really Works?
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy to address the underlying cause of pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs and paracetamol for pain and swelling.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Alternating hot and cold packs can ease muscle tension and inflammation.
- Manual Therapy: Massage, spinal manipulation, or acupuncture may provide relief for some patients.
- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms and staying active within comfort limits.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For severe or persistent pain, injections may reduce inflammation around nerves or joints.
- Opioid Therapy for Cancer Pain: Cancer pain often requires specialized pain management, including strong opioids and careful dosing. It is important to follow the prescribed schedule for the next dose and never take two doses too close together, as this can increase the risk of overdose or side effects.
- Surgery: Reserved for rare cases when conservative treatments fail.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat pain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with pain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Prevention Tips for Pain
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints and muscles
- Practice good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting
- Stay active with regular exercise and stretching
- Use ergonomic tools and workspaces
- Address injuries and health conditions promptly
- Manage stress and prioritize sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
Are strong painkillers safe for long-term pain?
Strong painkillers (opioids) are generally not recommended for long-term pain due to risks of addiction, side effects, and limited effectiveness. Safer, evidence-based alternatives are preferred.
What is the best pain relief for chronic pain?
The best pain relief combines physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and minimally invasive treatments like prolotherapy. Always consult a healthcare professional for a tailored plan.
Can pain go away on its own?
Many cases of acute pain improve with conservative treatment and time. However, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a specialist.
Is exercise good for pain?
Yes, gentle exercise and stretching are usually beneficial for most types of pain. Physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve flexibility, and prevent future flare-ups. Avoid activities that worsen your pain and consult a professional for a personalized program.
When should I see a doctor for pain?
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring urgent care.
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Don’t let pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Goldberg DS, McGee SJ. “Pain as a global public health priority.” BMC Public Health. 2011;11:770. Read
- Dowell D, Haegerich TM, Chou R. “CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain—United States, 2016.” JAMA. 2016;315(15):1624-1645. Read
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). “Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain.” NICE guideline [NG193]. 2021. Read
- Foster NE, et al. “Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions.” Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2368-2383. Read