There are many different kinds of pain medications that can assist with pain management before during and after surgery. It is important to discuss with your anesthesiologist any pain symptoms, allergies or current medications that you are taking.
Pain Medications Include:
- Acetaminophen – Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, but does not help with inflammation
- NSAID Medications (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – NSAID medications are excellent for treating inflammatory conditions
- Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids work well for inflammatory conditions and can be taken orally or injected into the soft tissue or joints
- Narcotics (or Opioids) – Narcotic or opioid medications are stronger than the others and are only used when your pain management doctor feels this is the best treatment option. Although these medications can be addicting, if used correctly they can be extremely effective without causing addiction.
- Adjuvants are pharmacological agents that modify the effects of other medications. Adjuvants have few, if any, direct effects when given alone.
