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As the years go by, accidents and injuries catch up with us. Fractures, back injuries, pulled tendons, damaged cartilage, repetitive motion, and disease processes like neuropathy, arthritis and fibromyalgia can lead to chronic discomfort limiting daily activity, interrupting sleep, and causing physical and emotional stress. Good news! There are many ways to reduce pain and get moving again.

DIAGNOSIS: Before assuming that you have arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, or even a pulled tendon, see a doctor. Get an accurate diagnosis. If you're taking over the counter pain medication every day, there is probably a condition that deserves a clear diagnosis. Maybe you'll need the pain relievers, but there could be a course of action that would relieve the problem completely.

SURGERY: Sometimes a surgery can resolve the pain permanently. If you have a painful joint or a stress injury, make sure to check with your doctor before you decide to grin and bear it. In addition to complete joint replacements, there are many joint injuries that can be helped by occasional injections, or rectified through out patient arthroscopic surgery. Some back conditions can now be managed with therapeutic disc interventions carried out in outpatient settings.

OTC MEDICATIONS: Once you have a clear diagnosis, there are a lot of ways to treat the pain. You don't need to allow it to limit your life. Many pain relievers are available over the counter.

ASPIRIN is inexpensive and widely available. Because of it's GI irritation and blood thinning qualities it shouldn't be used routinely for control of chronic pain.

ACETAMINOPHEN: (Tylenol or "non-aspirin pain reliever") Is more widely used and much easier on the stomach, but one must abide by the 4000 mg/day maximum in order to protect the liver. Tylenol is contained in other over the counter products such as PERCOGESIC, and TYLENOL PM which add antihistamines to assist with night time pain or sinus discomfort. EXCEDRIN and ANICIN contain various combinations of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine which can provide enhanced daytime relief.

IBUPROFEN (Motrin or Advil) belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are effective in relief of most mild to moderate pain. Unfortunately, NSAIDS have been linked to increased cardiac disease as well as stomach distress. If you take Lithium you should not take this Ibuprofen.

NAPROXEN also a NSAID, is sold under the brand name Aleve. It seems to bring more effective

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