Pain Medicine for 8 Common Types of Pain

Pain medicine includes analgesics and anti-inflammatories such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen treat pain by decreasing the production of inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes. They can be used to treat many types of pain, such as body aches, sore throat, period cramps, and headache.

Depending on the type of pain, your doctor or primary care provider may also prescribe other medications to be used in combination for more effective treatment. These can include muscle relaxers, antispasmodics, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants.

Pain medicine should only be used as directed by a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. Dosing should be individualized based on the cause of the pain and taken for only as long as indicated by your healthcare provider.

In cases of mild to moderate pain, different types of pain medicine may be recommended for the following conditions:

1. Body aches

Medications that may be indicated for the treatment of body aches and pain include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), and naproxen (Aleve);
• Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Muscle relaxers, such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

In the case of body pain caused by fibromyalgia, your provider may prescribe the use of antidepressant medications such as duloxetine or amitriptyline.

A doctor or other healthcare provider should determine which medication you should take based on the cause of your pain.

It is important to remember that the use of NSAIDs and muscle relaxers is contraindicated in the treatment of body aches associated with dengue, Chikungunya, or Zika. Only acetaminophen should be used in these cases.

2. Sore throat

The pain and inflammation from a sore throat can be managed with the following medications:

• Analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or diclofenac (Voltaren);
• Local analgesics and antiseptics, usually in the form of lozenges, such as benzocaine (Cepacol).

These medications should only be taken as indicated on the package or as directed by your doctor or other healthcare provider. 

Make sure to contact your doctor if your symptoms have not approved after two days or if you develop new or worsening symptoms like fever or chills. Some causes of sore throat may need to be treated with antibiotics.

3. Toothache

A toothache can come on suddenly and may be triggered by a cavity, inflammation of the gums, or an abscess. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, pain medicine like analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and local anesthetics can help relieve severe pain caused by a toothache. These medications include:

• Analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen (Advil) and diclofenac (Voltaren);
• Local anesthetics, usually in the form of a gel, like benzocaine (Orajel).

It is important to see a dentist for any tooth or gum pain so that the cause of the pain can be identified and treated appropriately. Analgesics can help alleviate symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause.

4. Ear pain

Ear pain should always be evaluated by a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. This is because the pain may be caused by an ear infection that may require treatment with both anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. 

Some types of pain medicine that can be used to relieve ear pain include:

• Analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen (Advil) or diclofenac (Voltaren);
• Eardrops like Cerumenex, if the pain is being caused by cerumen impaction (a buildup of earwax). These drops are contraindicated in cases of ear infection so make sure to only use them if advised to by a doctor.

It is important to be seen right away if you experience symptoms like foul smelling discharge from the ear, fever, or problems hearing. You may need to be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) for appropriate treatment.

5. Stomach pain

Stomach pain can be caused by many different factors, including irritation of the gastric mucosa or simply eating too much. Certain medications are indicated for treatment of stomach pain depending on your symptoms, and should only be used as recommended by a doctor:

• Antacids, like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox), calcium carbonate (TUMS), or citric acid/sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer);
• Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix);
• Medications to accelerate gastric emptying, like metoclopramide (Reglan);
• Medications that protect the lining of the stomach, such as sucralfate.

Make sure to see a doctor if your stomach pain lasts for more than one week, or if you develop other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, constipation, blood or mucous in your stool, or bloating or excessive gas. You may need to be referred to a gastroenterologist for further workup and testing.

6. Back pain

Back pain is commonly caused by poor posture or a minor injury that can be easily treated, however some cases of back pain may be a sign of a more serious condition that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.

The types of pain medicine that are commonly prescribed to manage back pain include:

• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren), or celecoxib (Celebrex), used for the relief of mild to moderate pain;
• Analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), for mild pain;
• Muscle relaxers, such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and diazepam (Valium) to help relax the muscles and reduce pain;
• Opioids, like codeine and tramadol, for more severe pain. A doctor may prescribe even stronger opioids in the case of very severe pain.

In the case of mild, localized back pain, an anti-inflammatory gel or patch may be sufficient to relieve the pain.

In cases of chronic or more severe back pain, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline may be indicated. Corticosteroid injections may also be indicated for back pain that does not improve with the use of other medications. 

7. Headache

Headache is a very common symptom and can be triggered by a variety of causes, such as fever, stress, and fatigue. Pain medications that are commonly used to treat a headache include:

• Analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin);
• Ergotamine (Ergomar);
• Triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan) that cause constriction of the blood vessels and block pain.

While a headache may resolve with the use of these medications, it is important to contact your doctor for a headache lasting longer than 3 days. Make sure to contact your doctor if your headaches are becoming more frequent or if they are accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, body aches, fever, or confusion.

8. Period cramps

Menstrual (period) cramps are caused by uterine contractions or bloating around the time of your period. Some medications used to help with period cramps include: 

• Analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen (Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), and naproxen (Aleve);
• Antispasmodics, such as scopolamine (Transderm Scop);
• Hormonal contraceptives, which inhibit the action of prostaglandins on the uterus, improving symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding.

Read more about period cramp relief and when to see a doctor.