What Non-Opioid to Use and When?

• Mayo Clinic News Network. (2018). Self-care approaches to treating pain.

When experiencing pain, understanding its source is crucial before self-treatment. While some pain causes are evident, like tension headaches or joint pain from arthritis, others may be less clear, requiring medical consultation to rule out serious conditions. For mild to moderate pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen can be effective, though they carry risks of side effects and should be used cautiously, especially among older individuals. Additionally, topical analgesics like diclofenac and salicylates applied directly to the skin can provide relief without systemic side effects. Heat and cold therapy are also simple self-care options for pain relief, with cold reducing swelling and heat relaxing muscles, though they may not fully resolve pain. Combining these methods with over-the-counter pain medications can enhance relief for various types of pain.

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