The People's Perspective on MedicineArticles categorized as Pain
Cure or Catastrophe: The Unpredictability of Medications
Promise or peril? The unpredictability of medications makes some folks extremely ill while others never experience any problems. Why is that?
Tart Cherries Fight Pain and Inflammation Naturally
Sour or tart cherries (also known as pie cherries) can reduce inflammation. There is actual scientific evidence that tart cherries fight pain.
Can You Wreck Your Kidneys With NSAID Pain Relievers?
Can NSAIDs damage the kidneys? If you try to protect your stomach from NSAID damage with a PPI, will you increase kidney damage?
How Safe Is Your Pain Reliever? Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Naproxen?
Americans swallow a huge number of OTC analgesics. Do they know how safe a pain reliever like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen really is?
Ibuprofen and High Blood Pressure: A Dangerous Reaction!
If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, do you take a pain reliever? There is a link between ibuprofen and high blood pressure.
Are You Taking “Good” Drugs or “Bad” Drugs?
We have become a polarized nation in both politics and medicine. Are there good drugs and bad drugs? How would you know which you are taking?
Overdosing on Acetaminophen in Cold and Flu Remedies
What do you take for sniffles, sneezes, congestion and fever? Many OTC cold and flu remedies contain APAP. Avoid overdosing on acetaminophen!
Do You Read OTC Medication Labels? You Should!
Most people believe nonprescription drugs are safe. That's why they may not read OTC medication labels. But OTC drugs can harm or kill!
How Do Virtual Visits Compare to In-Person Doctor Visits?
A study from Kaiser Permanente shows that virtual visits were nearly as good as in-person office visits for addressing patients' problems.
How Do You Weigh the Benefits and Risks of Aspirin?
Before starting a daily regimen, carefully consider the benefits and risks of aspirin. Will you be helped or harmed by this amazing drug?
How Can You Manage Opioid-Induced Constipation?
One drawback of narcotics for pain relief is opioid-induced constipation. Several drugs may help counteract this complication.
Show 1339: Harnessing the Power of the Vagus Nerve
Stimulating the vagus nerve can calm us down and reduce inflammation. It may have many applications in promoting health.
Do You Take Your Pain Medicine for Granted?
Do you take pain medicine at least once a week? How about once a day? Do you know the pros and cons of ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen?
People in Pain Need Access to Suicide Hotline Number
People contemplating suicide because of untreated pain or any other reason should call 988, the Suicide Hotline Number.
Does Acupuncture Safely Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy?
Meta-analyses suggest that acupuncture relieves lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy as well as cancer-related pain.
Are People In Pain Committing Suicide For Lack of Opioids?
When people in severe pain are denied access to effective pain meds, it's a travesty! Are pain patients dying because of a lack of opioids?
Show 1290: Approaches for Managing Chronic Pain (Archive)
Ross Douthat describes the challenge of managing chronic pain due to Lyme disease. In addition, Dr. Sean Mackey reveals useful approaches.
Opioid Crackdown Leaves Cancer Patients In Pain!
Many cancer patients in pain are treated humanely. But the opioid crisis has scared some doctors away from prescribing adequate pain relief.
Unexpected Benefits and Risks of the Moderna Vaccine
We have learned a lot about the benefits and risks of the Moderna vaccine over the last few months. Here are more unanticipated pros and cons
Should You Take Turmeric to Ease Pain?
Readers report great results using turmeric to ease pain. Before you start swallowing pills, though, be aware of possible side effects.
Aspirin vs. NSAIDs: Which Is Best?
Both NSAIDs and aspirin can be irritating to the digestive tract and can cause serious complications including bleeding ulcers. Which is best?
War on Opioids Punishes Desperate Pain Patients
Opioid prescriptions are down dramatically but deaths from illicit fentanyl are up. People in severe pain are suffering without relief!
Pain Reliever Confusion: Aspirin | Advil | Aleve | Excedrin
Are you suffering from pain reliever confusion? What's best? Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Tylenol or Excedrin? Learn about the differences.
People in Pain Are in Misery Because of the War on Opioids
People in pain are being victimized by the war on opioids. As a result, the CDC is offering new guidelines for opioid prescribing.
Will CBD for Pain Make You Fail the Marijuana Test?
People who take CBD oil to alleviate pain should be warned that there is a possibility–though not a probability–that their urine will test positive.
Show 1178: Do We Need a Revolution in Managing Pain? (Archive)
Opioids are an important tool for managing pain, but they are not the only option. Dr. Sean Mackey says we need a revolution in thinking about pain.
When PM Pain Meds Might Make Sense
PM pain meds contain diphenhydramine. This anticholinergic drugs is controversial, but it could make sense short term for someone in pain.
Opioid Crackdown Betrays People in Pain!
Has the opioid crackdown left millions of people suffering intractable pain? How many are contemplating suicide?
Can a Supplement Relieve Neuropathy Pain?
Supplements such as benfotiamine (a special form of the B-vitamin thiamine), alpha lipoic acid and DHA may ease neuropathy pain.
Gabapentin Risks for Persistent Shoulder Pain?
Gabapentin is taken by nine million Americans. Many of those prescriptions are off label. What are some gabapentin risks? Beware confusion and depression.
Long Lasting Shoulder Pain After Flu Shot
The CDC states side effects from a flu shot are generally mild and go away within a few days. Some of our readers are left with long lasting shoulder pain.
Celecoxib Skin Rash Can Be Extremely Serious
Celecoxib skin rash may not sound serious, but it can be a devastating or even lethal drug reaction. If you develop a rash, alert your doctor.
Show 1195: Do You Need Spine Surgery?
Chronic pain has a huge emotional component. While spine surgery can correct deformities, people with chronic back pain may need additional help.
Will Magnolia Compound Help You Control Pain?
Honokiol, a compound found in the bark of Magnolia officinalis, appears to control pain by suppressing TRP channels in animals. What about people?
Will Acupuncture Ease the Pain of Neuropathy?
A reader reports that acupuncture offered relief from the pain of neuropathy due to chemotherapy. Scientific reviews support this possibility.
Substitute Pain Relievers Appear in Suicide Attempts
As doctors turn away from opioids for pain relief, the drugs they are prescribing instead are implicated in more suicide attempts.
Stopping Ultracet (Tramadol + Acetaminophen) Led to Withdrawal
Because of the opioid epidemic many physicians have stopped prescribing drugs like hydrocodone. Is tramadol safer? Stopping Ultracet can be challenging.
Tramadol and Hypoglycemia: Beware Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar!
A serious side effect of the pain reliever tramadol can be low blood sugar. Most doctors don't know about tramadol and hypoglycemia. Learn about symptoms!
Can Turmeric Relieve Your Aches and Pains?
Some supplements, including turmeric, can help alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis.
Will Onion Juice Make a Wasp Sting Stop Hurting?
Putting onion juice on a wasp sting eased the pain quickly and reduced the swelling. Treat an allergic reaction immediately with epinephrine!
Can Hornet Stings Overcome Painful Plantar Fasciitis?
One reader reports that stepping into a hornet's nest and getting stung had an unanticipated benefit: long-lasting plantar fasciitis pain was eased.
Will Cannabidiol Relieve Chronic Pain?
Readers report success using cannabidiol to relieve chronic pain, but scientists contend that more research is needed to establish efficacy and safety.
Gabapentin and Fuzzy Thinking: A Recognized Side Effect
Fuzzy thinking is not an official FDA side effect of gabapentin or pregabalin. And yet we keep hearing from people who complain about this complication.
Are Gin-Drenched Raisins a Big Joke?
A skeptic attacked gin-drenched raisins as offering arthritis sufferers false hope. But many readers have found this remedy helps relieve pain.
Will Rosemary and Turmeric Help Your Arthritis Pain?
Using rosemary and turmeric on food with hemp oil and black pepper to boost absorption helped one reader control joint pain.
What Is the Other Drug Epidemic?
Researchers say there is another drug epidemic in addition to opioids. Doctors are prescribing more benzodiazepines than ever for longer periods of time.
Special Creams Fail to Fight Pain
Researchers found that special creams created by compounding pharmacies are not effective for treating chronic pain. They are pricey, though.
Seniors Swear by Marijuana Oil for Pain Relief
Marijuana oil applied to the skin helps one senior with persistent nocturnal foot pain. Others in the retirement community are taking note.
Low Dose Naltrexone Worked for Pain
People with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, MS or complex regional pain syndrome have few options. Low dose naltrexone is a novel approach gaining converts.
New Drug to Ease Pain of Endometriosis
The FDA has just approved elagolix (Orilissa) to ease moderate to severe pain from endometriosis. This should be a welcome relief for some women, but beware side effects and cost.
Can Meloxicam Raise Blood Pressure Dangerously High?
Over six million people take meloxicam (Mobic) to ease inflammation and joint pain. Meloxicam and other NSAIDs can raise blood pressure. How high is too high?
What Are the Best Drugs for a Desert Island Adventure?
What would you do if your were stranded on a desert island? What about if the power went out for several months? What are the best drugs in such extreme situations?
Can Medical Marijuana for Pain Reduce Opioid Prescriptions?
Many doctors are becoming reluctant to prescribe opioids for pain. That has left many desperate patients in agony. Is there a role for medical marijuana for pain?
Babies Feel Pain and It Should Be Treated
Electromyography shows that babies feel pain even if they don't cry. Doctors may need new techniques to relieve young infants' pain.
Do Ibuprofen Side Effects Include Hormone Imbalance and Sexual Problems?
Some people call ibuprofen vitamin I. They think it's as safe as a vitamin. But ibuprofen side effects can be serious. Is infertility one possible problem?
What Is Behind the Rise in Gabapentinoids?
A search for alternatives to opioid pain medicines is contributing to a dramatic rise in prescriptions for gabapentinoids. Are they overprescribed?
Ibuprofen Eased Back Pain But Caused Life-Threatening Ulcers
Do you rely on NSAIDs for arthritis pain? Most people do. Drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can cause life-threatening ulcers. How serious is the risk?
What Is Your Ideal Smoothie to Help with Pain?
Add spices to your ideal smoothie for pain relief and extra brain support.
Tramadol Plus Sertraline Could be Deadly Cocktail
Tramadol has become a popular pain reliever, perhaps because of the opioid epidemic. Tramadol plus sertraline can pose a risk for serotonin syndrome.
Why Is Codeine the Wrong Pain Reliever for Kids?
Some youngsters cannot metabolize codeine fully and it becomes deadly. Doctors should rely on acetaminophen or ibuprofen first.
Popular Shoulder Surgery Is No Better Than Placebo
Comparing a common shoulder surgery for impingement to sham surgery demonstrated no difference in pain levels after six months.
Do You Really Need a Narcotic for Your Pain?
A study from an emergency department in New York City shows that NSAIDs help acute joint or extremity pain as much a narcotic does.
What Is the Other Side of the Opioid Crisis?
Why is the opioid crisis getting worse? People in chronic pain are suffering because they can't get opioids. Why are so many others overdosing on fentanyl?
Does Cannabis (Marijuana) Ease Nerve Pain or PTSD?
Cannabis is now legal in many states. People are using it for hard-to-treat pain. Some data show benefit for nerve pain, but a new review is unenthusiastic
NSAID Gel Rescued A Vacation
Americans consume huge quantities of oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) with the FDA's blessing. Why can't people buy a topical NSAID gel over the counter?
How Good Is Aspirin Against Pain?
NSAIDs are taken by tens of millions of people in pain. They can cause ulcers or heart attacks. Why has aspirin against pain fallen into such disfavor?
Is It True That Cannabidiol Oil Eases Pain?
Research suggests that cannabidiol oil eases pain in a number of hard-to-treat conditions. This compound from marijuana does not make people "high."
Really Bad News About Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Other NSAIDs
People in pain do NOT want to hear bad news about ibuprofen, naproxen or other NSAIDs. To take such drugs safely, people must know the risks!
Serious Tramadol (Ultram) Side Effects & Withdrawal Symptoms
Tramadol works to ease pain for some patients. Others find that tramadol (Ultram) side effects and withdrawal can be unbearable. NEVER stop it suddenly!
Ibuprofen Makes Life Bearable So Do Not Ban It!
Many readers were upset with the idea of restricting the sale of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to "behind the counter" status. Side effects do not worry them.
The Opioid Epidemic Has Hurt People In Chronic Pain
Abuse of narcotics like hydrocodone & oxycodone has made everyone fearful. This opioid epidemic is killing too many. But people in pain are also suffering.
Should We Ban Ibuprofen?
People in pain take huge quantities of NSAIDs like ibuprofen. A new Danish study links NSAIDS to cardiac arrest. Should the FDA ban ibuprofen from OTC sale?
Why Is Celecoxib Not Working and What Can People Do?
Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a popular prescription pain reliever but many people ask us: why is generic celecoxib not working? They want to know what to do.
Have You Had Problems with Generic Cymbalta (Duloxetine)?
Generic Cymbalta (duloxetine) is prescribed for depression and pain. We have heard from a number of people that the generic versions are not working well.
Will Medical Marijuana Ease Pain and Prevent Dementia?
Many doctors think the idea of medical marijuana is an oxymoron. How could a drug of abuse be beneficial? Surprisingly, the research suggests it could be.
Patient in Severe Pain Suddenly Cut Off from Vicodin
Has the pendulum swung too far in the war on opioid pain relievers? Some docs are beginning to question what happens when a patient is cut off from Vicodin.
People in Agony Turn to Marijuana for Pain Relief
Patients in pain are being denied opioids. The DEA, CDC and FDA advise against narcotics. Is an unexpected consequence increasing use of marijuana for pain?
How Will People in Severe Pain Cope Without Narcotics?
Have you ever taken a pill like Percocet or Vicodin for severe pain? Did it work? What do you think of the new warnings from the DEA, FDA and CDC?
Will People in Pain Suffer Because of FDA’s Scary Opioid Warnings?
The feds are making it harder for pain patients to get narcotics. New opioid warnings from the FDA are likely to scare physicians, pharmacists and patients
Is Medical Marijuana Helpful Against Chronic Pain?
Have you found medical marijuana helpful for alleviating pain that is acute or long-term? One reader took us to task for failing to mention it.
What Will People in Severe Pain Do Now?
People in chronic pain are about to feel the impact of the CDC's new guidelines on the use of opioid analgesics for severe pain. What do you think?
Show 1021: If You Are in Pain, You Are Not Alone!
Millions of Americans suffer chronic pain. Are you one of them? Find out how others cope with this overwhelming health concern.
Gabapentin for Pain Drove Patient to Brink of Suicide
Gabapentin is prescribed for pain and many other health problems. But the drug can trigger serious side effects including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Heartburn Drugs Don’t Protect Intestines from Pain Relievers
Heartburn drugs that are supposed to protect the digestive tract from irritation due to NSAIDs may actually make it worse.
New Painkiller Rules Are Hurting Mother
Hydrocodone-containing painkillers have been reclassified, making them harder to obtain.
Popular Pain Relievers Boost Chance of Stroke
NSAID pain relievers have been linked to an increased risk of death from stroke.
Could Your Antibiotic Cause You Permanent Nerve Damage?
According to a recent FDAs safety communication, use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics may lead to permanent nerve damage in some patients.
Looking for Non-Drug Pain Relief
When NSAIDs or other drugs are not appropriate for pain treatment, docs have few other options. That is why we sometimes suggest supplements or home remedies that our readers' tell us work for them.
Ibuprofen is NOT vitamin I
Taking Ibuprofen before exercising is not a good idea. It can cause stomach irritation, ulcers and cramps, raise blood pressure and strain the kidneys.
Meloxicam (Mobic) Side Effects & Complications
One of doctors' favorite prescription NSAID pain relievers is Meloxicam. Here's what you need to know about some of Meloxicam's more serious side effects.
Pharmacist Gets Relief from Indian Herb
The Indian herb boswellia may ease painful joints without the negative consequences that may result from taking an NSAID every day.
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