Pain in the head, back and joints can have different causes. Acute strains, whiplash, lumbago or herniated discs often need time to heal. Painkillers can help during this time. The therapy of arthrosis, rheumatism or scoliosis also includes treatment of the pain. One cause that has only come into focus in recent years is tension caused by immobile fasciae. These cannot be eliminated by painkillers, but by alleviating the discomfort, therapy is often possible in the first place. Depending on the indication, different medications and dosage forms are used in practice, as will be seen in the following examples.
Ibuprofen
The active ingredient ibuprofen belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is used to treat pain, inflammation and fever. Its action is based on the inhibition of enzymes (cyclooxygenases) that control the inflammatory response throughout the body. Because it simultaneously controls stomach acid production, the most common side effects are heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. Ibuprofen can be administered as a tablet, a cream, a suppository or intravenously. Its uses range from rheumatism, muscle pain, gout and headaches to abdominal pain and toothache. The active ingredient is available without a prescription in pharmacies.
Acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) also belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It was launched on the market at the beginning of the
It was launched on the market at the beginning of the 20th century under the brand name Aspirin and is one of the oldest medicines still sold today. The drug has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects and inhibits the clumping of blood platelets. In doing so, it affects similar enzymes as ibuprofen and can therefore also cause nausea, heartburn and vomiting. Acetylsalicylic acid is usually taken as a pill, but can also be administered as an effervescent tablet or as an infusion. In addition to treating headaches, muscle aches and fever in flu-like infections, the drug is also used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Acetylsalicylic acid is also available over-the-counter in pharmacies.
Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a non-opioid analgesic. The name indicates that the analgesic drug is not a relative of opiates. The drug is effective against pain and inflammation, including strains, bruises and arthritis. Joint inflammation, gout and rheumatism are other areas of application. Here, too, the effect is based on the inhibition of cyclooxygenases, which are responsible for inflammatory reactions in the body. Therefore, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints. Diclofenac is usually applied to the skin as a gel; however, there are also tablets, drops, injections and suppositories. The drug can be purchased without a prescription at the pharmacy.
Morphine
Morphine is an opioid, a substance found in the opium poppy. The drug is approved for severe to very severe pain, but unlike the agents already mentioned, it does not treat pain or fever. Morphine is most often used for extremely painful conditions, such as advanced osteoarthritis or severe disc herniation, that can no longer be relieved by other means. The drug can be taken as tablets or drops, but works fastest intravenously. Common side effects include headache, fatigue, euphoria, nausea, sweating or constipation. Opioids are effective pain relievers, but can lose their effectiveness with long-term use and cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Therefore, therapy must be carefully monitored by physicians. Morphine is subject to the Narcotics Act and is therefore not available over the counter.
Cortisone
Cortisol is actually a stress hormone in the body. It influences the metabolism and dampens the immune system. Therefore, drugs that imitate the effect of cortisol are colloquially referred to as cortisone. Among other things, they are used to treat inflammation in muscles and joints, for example rheumatism, tendonitis, frozen shoulder or gout. The drugs are available in different dosage forms:
as tablets, ointments, suppositories, nasal sprays or as a liquid for injection.
Since cortisone acts like a stress hormone, it leads to the same effects in the body: Increase in blood pressure, blood sugar levels and blood lipid levels. Prolonged use can lead to weight gain, water retention in the tissues, increased susceptibility to infections and osteoporosis. Studies have shown that large amounts of cortisone should only be used for a limited time. Therefore, only small doses are administered in long-term treatment. Depending on the concentration, cortisone ointments can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription; higher-dose preparations are available only on prescription from a physician.
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