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 …
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Hip Pain Treatment, Symptoms, Prognosis & Causes
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 …
Read More »hydrocodone & ibuprofen, Vicoprofen: Opioid Drug, Side Effects, Dosage
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 …
Read More »Metaxalone (Skelaxin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
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) …
Read More »OTC Pain & Fever Reducers: Aspirin, Ibuprofen & Acetaminophen
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 …
Read More »Morton’s Neuroma Treatment, Symptoms, Home Remedies & Pain Relief
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 …
Read More »Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Taraxacum officinale is a plant. The above ground parts are used as natural herbal supplements and for many conditions. There is little evidence that it is effective for any condition. Taraxacum officinale contains chemicals that may increase urine production and decrease pain and swelling. Check with your …
Read More »propoxyphene/acetaminophen (Darvocet): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is propoxyphene and acetaminophen? What is it used for? Propoxyphene and acetaminophen is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It can also reduce fever. Propoxyphene is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant but is weaker than other narcotics such as morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action is not known but may involve stimulation …
Read More »Shoulder and Neck Pain Relief, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What is shoulder and neck pain? Shoulder pain may be an issue with joints or muscle, or could indicate another systemic problem. Your neck and shoulders contain muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as many ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some are life-threatening (such as heart attack …
Read More »Fentanyl Patch (Duragesic): Opioid Side Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms
What is the fentanyl patch? What is the fentanyl patch used for? The fentanyl patch is indicated for the management of pain in opioid-tolerant patients, severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg of …
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