Medications

Types of Neck Pain Medications

The different neck pain medications are one of the most common non-surgical treatment options that doctors usually recommend for neck pain.  These medications include:

Non Prescription Pain Killer Medications

These medications are usually available without a prescription from a certified doctor.  These medications include oral pills like NASIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) like Advil and Aleve as well as Acetaminophen like Tylenol. Cream and gels like Bengay are also included in the group.

Prescription Pain Killer Medications

These medications are not available without the prescription from a doctor. This list includes narcotic pain relievers that are usually used in the treatment of short term acute neck pain, muscle relaxants that are usually prescribed when the neck pain begins, anti depressants to treat chronic pain that is long lasting as well as corticosteroid injections.

Neck Pain Medication Treatment

Neck pain medication treatment is helpful in relieving neck pain as well as reducing inflammation that takes place in the soft tissues.  These medication relieve the pain which in turn allows the neck movement so that treatment like physical therapy can begin and the patient is well on to the road to healing and recovery.

Neck Pain Medication Risks

Neck Pain MedicationsIt is true that medications are not as risky as neck pain surgery but they also come with their set of potential risks, complications as well as side-effects.  This is why a patient must be aware of all these risks and complications well before he starts taking any kind of neck pain medication.

The two most major risks of NSAIDs include kidney damage as well as stomach problems that include upset stomach as well as ulcers. Apart from these problems a patient may also suffer from black stools, weakness and dizziness as well as abdominal pain.  Apart from these problems, narcotic medications are extremely dangerous as they are extremely addictive in nature and can cause a patient to become dependent on them if they are not taken carefully in the way as described by the patient.