Tag Archives: chronic pain

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 …

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 …

Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) facts Heel spurs are pointed, bony outgrowths of the heel that cause soft-tissue inflammation. A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth of the heel bone (the calcaneus bone). The build-up of calcium deposits under the heel bone causes heel spurs. Heel spurs under the sole of the foot (plantar area) are associated with plantar fasciitis (inflammation …

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 …

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 …