chronic pain

Tommy John Surgery (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction)

Tommy John surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction) facts Share Your Story The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the major stabilizer of the elbow. UCL injury is an overuse injury, most often caused by the repetitive motion of throwing. Symptoms include pain over the medial part of the elbow that worsens with throwing and gets better …

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acetaminophen (Tylenol) Side Effects (Liver Toxicity) and Dosage

What is acetaminophen? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain …

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Gabapentin vs. Baclofen: Differences in Nerve Pain Drugs

What’s the Difference Between Gabapentin and Baclofen? Gabapentin and baclofen are used off-label to treat nerve pain (neuralgia). Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to prevent seizures and to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat skeletal muscle spasms, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by disorders …

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Gabapentin vs. Tramadol: Differences in Pain Medications

What’s the Difference Between Gabapentin and Tramadol? Gabapentin and tramadol are used to treat different types of pain. Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to prevent seizures and to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Tramadol is an opioid pain reliever (analgesic) used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. Brand names for gabapentin …

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Aleve (naproxen) vs. Celebrex (celecoxib) Effectiveness

Aleve (naproxen) vs. Celebrex (celecoxib) quick comparison Aleve (naproxen) and Celebrex (celecoxib) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and fever. One difference between Aleve and Celebrex is that Aleve is available without a prescription from your doctor (over-the-counter, OTC) and Celebrex is not. You do need one to obtain Celebrex. Side effects of Aleve …

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Baclofen vs. Flexeril Muscle Relaxer, Pain, Side Effects & Comparison

Baclofen vs. Flexeril quick comparison of differences Baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are muscle relaxants. Baclofen us used in people with multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms and signs of muscle spacicity and pain. Flexeril is used used for the treatment of short-term relief of skeletal muscle spasms and pain associated with short-term painful muscle and skeletal problems.  Baclofen is not …

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Skelaxin vs. Baclofen: Side Effects & Uses for Muscle Relaxers

Skelaxin vs. Baclofen Skelaxin (metaxalone) and baclofen are skeletal muscle relaxants. A main difference is that Skelaxin is used mostly for short-term painful muscle and skeletal conditions, while baclofen may be used long-term for spasms of skeletal muscles, muscle rigidity, muscle clonus, and pain caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis. Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. Side effects …

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What Is Pain Management? Relief for Back, Knee Pain, Etc.

Introduction to pain management Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain …

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Nerve Blocks: Get Facts on Surgery and Injections

Introduction Nerve blocks are used for pain treatment and management. There are several different types of nerve blocks that serve different purposes. Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the body. The injection of …

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Musculoskeletal Pain Management: Learn About Treatment

What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain? The causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied. Muscle tissue can be damaged with the wear and tear of daily activities. Trauma to an area (jerking movements, auto accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and direct blows to the muscle) also can cause musculoskeletal pain. Other causes of pain include postural strain, repetitive movements, overuse, and prolonged immobilization. …

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