With today’s medical advancements, pain in any kind can now be avoided or reduced. With the pain killer drugs, this is possible once consumed. Hoping to offer some relief, this kind of medication sometimes becomes a habit and not truly aiming of treating the real cause of the pain.
Pain killers or medically known as analgesics, are a group of drugs created to relieve different body pains including headache and muscle and joint pains. These drugs acts in different ways in the peripheral and central nervous systems, blocking the pain receptors in the body from sending neurotransmitters (pain signals) to the brain. There are two types of pain killers, narcotics and non-narcotic analgesics.
Below are the kinds of analgesics.
* Paracetamol
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
* Aspirin
* Morphine
* Acetaminophen
* Opium
* Tylenol
Aspirin and tylenol are types of non-narcotic analgesics, with ingredients consisting mostly of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Side effects of non-narcotic analgesics are mild and manageable. Although beneficial for fever, inflammation and other body pains, this analgesics are still associated with various side effects.
Narcotic pain killers on the other hand are very dangerous when applied incorrectly and may inflict permanent body damage or even death. Morphine and opium are some of the types of this pain killers and are widely used for surgical procedures and accidents. This analgesics responds on specific receptors in the brain and the spinal cord to ease the pain and reduce any emotional response to pain.
Common side effects of both narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics.
* Kidney damage
* Ulcer
* Liver damage
* Renal Failure
* Allergic reactions
* Hearing loss
* Drop in blood pressure
Is pain killers really needed? I think it depends on the situation. If you will undergo some medical examination or treatment, analgesics are very necessary. But if you are just going to use it for your regular muscle pains, headache or fever, it is better to let the symptoms go away naturally than using analgesics.
Taking advantage of the body’s natural reaction and defense mechanism against pain causing ailments are good for the body. It will make you less prone to many analgesic side effects and will help you avoid pain killer addiction.
To get the right dosage and analgesic prescription for your body pains, always consult a medical professional for proper advice. Alternatively, consult the symptoms you are experiencing because it is best to treat the cause of the pain than just making yourself immune from the pain. Use pain killers wisely or your body will pay the price eventually!