In many cases, medication is the first step in treatment for various types of orthopedic injuries. Medications your orthopedist may prescribe include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants. These medications help to manage pain and promote healing in both acute and chronic cases.

Pain Relievers

Pain relief is of the utmost importance when you suffer from any injury. Your physician can prescribe pain relief medication based upon your needs and planned usage. Pain relievers which target severe pain often contain opioids. Opioid- or narcotic-based pain relievers carry some risk of addiction, so follow your orthopedist’s instructions regarding dosage carefully. Commonly-prescribed narcotic pain relievers include codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Non-narcotic pain relievers include brand names such as Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Elavil.

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants provide relief from painful muscle spasms that often result from injuries. These medications reduce the incidence of spasms, but may cause other side effects such as drowsiness or vertigo. You should speak with your orthopedist about regulating the use of these medications and avoid working, driving, or other hazardous activities while under their influence. Common muscle relaxant brand names include Flexeril, Zanaflex, Soma, and Valium.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are commonly prescribed in cases of back or joint injuries that result in inflammation of the surrounding tissues. These include over-the-counter medications that contain aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Although these medications may not require a prescription, your intake should be managed by your orthopedist to ensure you are receiving the correct dosage for your needs.

At Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, we focus on relieving your pain and delivering personalized treatment targeted toward your specific needs. You can find out more about our variety of holistic treatment methods at each of our three locations by calling 770-421-1420 today. If you’d like more information about managing pain for improved quality of life, check out our blog.