chronic pain

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 …

Oxycodone vs. Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) for pain review Oxycodone is a strong opioid narcotic pain reliever (analgesic), and Vicodin is a combination of two drugs, hydrocodone (a strong narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar to other drugs that are opioid narcotics, for example, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. Both oxycodone and Vicodin are prescribed to treat moderate …

What is methadone? What is methadone used for? Methadone is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that acts on the central nervous system (brain) in a manner similar to other narcotics. It is used in the management of narcotic addiction and for pain control. Methadone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 13, 1947. What brand names …

Ibuprofen vs. meloxicam (Mobic) for pain Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) and meloxicam (Mobic) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Common side effects of meloxicam and ibuprofen that are similar include: Rash Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Headaches Dizziness Drowsiness Abdominal pain Nausea Diarrhea Constipation Heartburn Serious side effects …

What is an abdominal hernia? Picture of a woman with hernia pain An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or other piece of tissue protrudes through a weakening in one of the muscle walls that enclose the abdominal cavity. The sac that bulges through the weak area may contain a piece of intestine or fatty lining of the colon (omentum) …

Hip pain facts Readers Comments 27 Share Your Story Pain in the hip joint can have a variety of causes. Pain in the hip joint can be temporary of chronic. There are many causes of hip pain. The treatment of hip pain depends on its particular cause. What is the anatomy of the hip? The hip joint is where the …

What is hydrocodone and ibuprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vicoprofen is a combination of an opioid analgesic (hydrocodone bitartrate, a pain reliever related to narcotics) and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen). Both medications are effective for pain management. It is estimated that one tablet of Vicoprofen is as effective as two tablets of Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen …

What is metaxalone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metaxalone is an oral drug that relaxes skeletal muscle the muscles that control movement of the body. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle, and the exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) …

Introduction to OTC pain medication and fever reducers Pain is the most common reason for people to seek medical advice, pain medicine is the most frequently purchased over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Fever is one of the most common reasons that children visit the doctor. Moreover, one in five emergency room visits for children is due to fever. Since OTC medicines that …

Morton's neuroma facts Morton's neuroma causes symptoms similar to metatarsalgia, including ball of foot pain. Morton's neuroma is a swollen, inflamed nerve in the foot. Morton's neuroma causes a "burning" sharp pain on the bottom of the foot. Treatments for Morton's neuroma include resting the foot, better-fitting shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, and surgery. What is Morton's neuroma? A neuroma …