Pain medication for back pain
November 12, 2025Medication for nerve pain
November 12, 2025
Painkillers, also called analgesics, are used to relieve acute or chronic pain. They can be broadly categorized intonon-opioid analgesics , opioid analgesics and adjuvant drugsto classify them, each with different mechanisms of action and areas of application.
1. Non-opioid painkillers (OTC and prescription)
These are generally used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. They are often available without a prescription (over-the-counter, OTC).
- Paracetamol ( acetaminophen ):
- Mechanism of action: It acts primarily on the central nervous system to block pain signals and reduce fever. It has only minimal anti-inflammatory properties.
- Uses: Suitable for headaches, mild to moderate pain, and fever. It is often considered a first-line treatment due to fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
- Risks: Exceeding the recommended maximum dose (usually max. 4 g per day for adults) can lead to severe liver damage.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) :
- Effect: Reduces pain, inflammation and fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins (substances involved in inflammation and pain).
- Examples: Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil , Nurofen ), Naproxen (e.g. Aleve ), Diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren ) and Aspirin .
- Application: Particularly effective for pain associated with inflammation, swelling or injury to the musculoskeletal system (e.g. arthritis, sprains, menstrual pain).
- Risks: May cause gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, and bleeding, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It should only be taken after consulting a doctor if you have certain pre-existing conditions (e.g., kidney problems, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers).
2. Opioid painkillers
Opioids are stronger painkillers prescribed for moderate to severe pain, typically after surgery, injuries, or cancer pain.
- Effect: They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, thus altering pain perception.
- Examples: Codeine , Tramadol (weaker opioids), Morphine , Oxycodone , Fentanyl , Hydromorphone (stronger opioids) .
- Risks: Common side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. With long-term use, there is a risk of developing tolerance, dependence, and respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
3. Adjuvant drugs
These are medications that were primarily developed for other diseases, but are also used to treat pain, often in chronic pain conditions such as nerve pain.
- Anticonvulsants (antiepileptics):
- Examples: Gabapentin (Neurontin ), Pregabalin (Lyrica) .
- Application: Effective for neuropathic pain (nerve pain) and fibromyalgia.
- Antidepressants:
- Examples: Amitriptyline , Duloxetine .
- Uses: Prescribed in low doses for the treatment of chronic pain, migraines, and nerve pain.
Important NOTE
Choosing the right pain reliever depends on the type and intensity of the pain, your overall health, and any other medications you are taking. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any pain reliever, especially if you have chronic pain, are pregnant, or are combining different medications, to avoid side effects and drug interactions.
These statements are for informational purposes only. For medical advice or a diagnosis, you should consult a professional. AI answers may contain errors. Learn more
