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During an individual’s life their bodies are exposed to all kinds of physical strain.  Disease, accidents or injury causing activities such as sports may make it necessary to use some method of pain relief from time to time.  The use of pain relievers to manage chronic pain can become a part of ones medical treatment for any or all of these reasons.

The amount of drugs and type we need for dulling the pain depends on the severity, location, and duration of the actual pain. Diagnosis is the primary step for a person to know what method of pain relief is to be used. In some cases over-the-counter medication is all that is needed for our bodies to heal. The most commonly found pains are related to headaches, muscular aches, backache, and the pains and aches associated  with the common cold virus.

For very common forms of pain many non-prescription analgesics can be found:

* Aspirin and Paracetamol — are taken for relieving mild to moderate pain such as the pain from headaches, muscle soreness, and cold and influenza relief.

* Ibuprofen — Is anti inflammatory in nature, acting as a pain killer as it has anti inflammation properties for relieving pain like arthritis.

* Opiates — Use of a low dose morphine type drug such as Codeine or Dihydrocodeine are pain relievers that are stronger and more effective than Paracetamol and Aspirin based drugs.

In addition to tablet form, one can also acquire analgesics that are applied to the skin. A topical gel or cream can be used by a person for joint and muscle pain.

It is very necessary for a person to read the instructions while using over-the-counter medication and take the recommended dosages only. If you need further information, especially if you are taking other medications, be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.  Additional health problems can be attributed to prolonged use of over the counter drugs.

At times, pain is not reduced after taking non-prescription medications, or the pain is recurrent. If this is the case, you will need to talk to a health care professional. After a diagnosis, prescribed medication or surgery might be used to lessen the symptoms of pain.

Prescribed drugs can incorporate a more active painkiller for physical symptoms, or utilizing drugs like anti-depressants to rid oneself of psychological discomfort manifesting as pain.

Chronic Pain — The term ‘Chronic’ is used when a pain becomes persistent, lasting longer than normal or recurring even after treatment.  When the pain is chronic, it can remain for a very long time, sometimes for many weeks or months, or even for several years. When a person suffers from chronic pain, specific, or combined methods, like medication, use of acupuncture, electrical or brain stimulation, and surgery may have to be considered and used.  Chronic pain can be due to a wound or a disease, and may bring about both suffering as well as disability to an individual.  The pain that is suffered by those afflicted with arthritis is one example of chronic pain.

People of different ages can be inflicted with arthritis, inflammation of the joints of the body. Though there are 200 types of Arthritis, Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis are the two most common. They cause pain and damage to the joints, bones and the muscles of a person’s body.  There is no cure for Arthritis, but the pain relief and the alternatives that can be used can help people to manage the symptoms of swelling and joint pain. Those alternatives can be pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for episodic pain, physiotherapy to build up the muscle tissue around joints to relieve pain, and perhaps surgery to replace the damaged joint- for example the hip or the knee.

Some people ease their pain by opting for natural substances to deal with symptoms. Here are some examples:

* Ginger — which has anti-inflammatory properties, and known for its effectiveness when battling arthritis.

* Cayenne, Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba — To develop circulation and flow of blood.

* Glucosamine supplements — A protein found in cartilage may help repair joints.

* Omega 3, Cod liver oil and Essential Fatty acids — To ease inflammation and joint pain.

One of the old methods used by some people to lessen pain due to arthritis is by utilizing Stinging Nettles. The sting of the nettle is believed to contain chemicals like Histamines that might make our bodies produce anti-inflammatory measures and relieve the pain as in the case of arthritis.

It is not necessary for a person to suffer severe pains since there are many forms of medication and remedies that can be used to relieve pain and help one to lead a more normal life.