chronic pain

What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation? TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) delivers current to sore muscles, reducing pain for many. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that provides short-term pain relief using low-voltage electric current. It is noninvasive, inexpensive and can even be self-administered. It is one of the most popular forms of …

What is ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) and how does it work? Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Pain, fever, and inflammation are promoted …

Piriformis syndrome facts Piriformis syndrome causes pain that radiates down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon cause of pain and other symptoms in the buttocks and/or lower back that can radiate down the leg to the foot. Piriformis syndrome is usually due to compression or contraction of the piriformis muscle on certain …

Facts on sciatica exercises and stretches Share Your Story Certain exercises and stretches may provide some relief from sciatica pain. Sciatica describes the symptoms associated with inflammation of the sciatic nerve. These include pain in the low back radiating to the buttock or hip and then down the leg to the foot and toes. There may also be associated numbness …

Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen for pain quick comparison of differences Acetaminophen (Tylenol and many other brand names) and ibuprofen (Advil) are used to manage mild to moderate pain and fever. These drugs belong to different drug classes. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic), and ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available …

Urinary retention facts* Urinary retention or difficulty urinating can have a variety of causes. *Urinary retention facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder. Urinary retention can be acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency. Urinary retention is most common in men in their 50s and 60s because of …

What is Lyrica (pregabalin)? Lyrica (pregabalin) is an oral medication that is chemically related to gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin). It is used for treating pain caused by neurologic diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia as well as seizures. It also is used for treating fibromyalgia. Is Lyrica (pregabalin) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Lyrica (pregabalin)? …

Spinal Cord Injury Facts Paramedics stabilize a patient’s spinal cord injury to prevent further damage. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma. Spinal cord injury is most common in young, white men. Spinal cord injury can be either complete or incomplete. In complete injuries there is no function below the level of injury. In incomplete injuries there …

What is Savella (milnacipran)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Milnacipran affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to communicate with one another. Neurotransmitters …

What is codeine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine and hydrocodone. Moreover, a small amount of codeine is converted to morphine in the body. The precise mechanism of action of codeine is not known; however, like morphine, codeine binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are …