5 types of pain and how you can get relief with over-the-counter medications

2019-12-16T07:01:00

(BPT) - While pain is an everyday part of life for many, we often don’t realize that we don’t have to compromise when it comes to our pain management and relief. Here are 5 types of pain you can get relief from with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications, like Aleve®, so you can get back to living your life.

Back and muscle pain

Back and muscle-related pain, also known as musculoskeletal pain, is very common, especially when it comes to your knees, back and shoulders. In the United States, back and muscle-related pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and work absences, and is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

The good news is that effective, long-lasting relief for most back and muscle pain can be provided by nonopioid, over-the-counter pain relievers and self-care techniques, such as ice and heat, limited rest, good posture, exercise and stretching.

Arthritis and other joint pain

Arthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe and influence what you do every day. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis affecting nearly 27 million Americans. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased range of motion, but can change over time.

When it comes to treating arthritis and other joint pain, prescription and over-the-counter medications can help ease pain when used as directed. You can also talk to your doctor about combining several treatment strategies to maximize pain relief, including physical therapy, hot or cold packs, or, in some cases, surgery.

Menstrual pain

Nearly three-quarters of women experience cramping pain during a menstrual period. The pain usually develops just before the start of menstruation and intensifies during the first one or two days of the cycle. The cramping pain can range from a few days of mild discomfort, to several days of severe pain that can interfere with daily activities.

While several over-the-counter pain relievers may be effective, a recent study that compared Aleve® to acetaminophen, found Aleve® provided more pain relief from menstrual cramps for a longer period of time than acetaminophen. Heating pads, rest, and avoiding foods that contain caffeine and salt can also provide some relief from menstrual pain.

Dental pain

Wisdom teeth removal is one major dental milestone that typically takes place between the ages of 17 and 21.[1] Dentists and other dental professionals often select from a variety of over-the-counter and prescription options, including opioids, nonopioids and combinations, to help patients manage the pain resulting from wisdom tooth removal.

Fortunately, in a new publication it was shown that Aleve® provided more pain relief from hour three onward than acetaminophen plus a commonly prescribed opioid (codeine) after wisdom tooth removal. Aleve® is an over-the-counter pain reliever indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains including minor arthritis pain, headache, muscular aches, toothache, and menstrual cramps. These findings suggest that nonopioid options, such as Aleve®, may be a suitable alternative for dentists to recommend for minor pain following wisdom tooth surgery. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options and the potential benefits and risks for each.

Headache pain

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, and often cause a dull pressure or tightness on both sides of the head and sometimes the neck. While the exact cause of tension headaches is unknown, they can result in fatigue and irritation lasting anywhere from half an hour to a whole week.

For headaches, over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve pain when used as directed. People who suffer from headaches may also benefit from relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and better-quality sleep.

Aleve® is an over-the-counter pain reliever indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains including minor arthritis pain, headache, muscular aches, toothache, and menstrual cramps. When taken as directed on the label, Aleve® is a safe and effective pain reliever. Since its introduction as an over-the-counter product in 1994, Aleve® has been used by millions of people as a safe and effective pain reliever.

Talk with your doctor to determine if Aleve® is appropriate for you. For more helpful resources and tips you can use right now to help relieve your pain, visit www.Aleve.com.


[1] MouthHealthy.org. Wisdom Teeth. Available at: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth. Accessed November 2019.

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