Painkillers for Shoulder Nerve Pain
Shoulder nerve pain can be caused by various conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, and nerve impingement. Depending on the severity of the pain, a variety of medications may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort. Here are some common painkillers that can be used to treat shoulder nerve pain:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a class of medications that work to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications can be taken orally or applied topically as a gel, cream, or patch.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is a commonly used pain reliever used to treat mild to moderate pain. It is generally considered safe for short-term use, but can cause serious side effects when used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time.
Opioids: Opioids are potent painkillers that are usually reserved for severe pain. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and codeine. Opioids can be habit-forming, so they should only be used with caution and for short-term use.
Topical Anesthetics: Topical anesthetics can be applied directly to the skin to relieve pain. Examples of topical anesthetics include lidocaine (Xylocaine), prilocaine (Emla), and capsaicin (Zostrix).
Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants are medications that work to relax tense or spastic muscles and reduce inflammation. Examples of commonly prescribed muscle relaxants include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), carisoprodol (Soma), and diazepam (Valium).
When taking any type of medication for shoulder nerve pain, it is important to speak to your doctor about the potential side effects. Some medications can interact with other medications or cause serious side effects if taken in high doses. It is also important to follow the instructions on the label and not take more than the recommended dose.