Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs. If over-the-counter medicines don't relieve pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. And your doctor may prescribe opioids to take as needed if you have breakthrough pain, an outbreak of pain that you feel despite doses throughout the day. In epidural analgesia, pain relievers are injected through a catheter that is inserted into the epidural space inside the spinal canal, but outside of the cerebrospinal fluid.
A continuous infusion of pain relievers, including local anesthetics or opioid medications, can be administered through the catheter to control pain. It's natural to worry about pain after surgery, as well as the risks associated with potent pain relievers.
Pain management
requires a multidisciplinary healthcare team to accurately and individually address patients' pain management. They can help manage pain, decrease side effects, allow you to resume activity appropriate for recovery, and reduce the risks associated with pain opioids.After taking opioid pain relievers for a while, you may find that you need more and more of the medication to achieve the same effect and relieve pain. Older people should also be careful when taking OTC pain relievers, because older adults are more likely to develop side effects. Managing pain and minimizing side effects are important for post-surgical comfort, recovery, and rehabilitation. Follow-ups should focus on the level of pain control and physical examination (vital signs, signs of misuse, abuse or addiction; respiratory and mental status; signs or symptoms of hypogonadism or hypoadrenalism).
Pain relievers relieve discomfort caused by illnesses, injuries, surgical procedures, and chronic conditions. If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, check your blood pressure regularly and see your doctor to find out which OTC pain relievers would be best for you. Acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, better known as NSAIDs, help relieve pain and reduce fever. If a pain reliever doesn't work as well as it should, your doctor may change you to a different dose, or add or try another medication.
If you had a cesarean delivery or a difficult delivery, you may need pain relief.
