PainCare Florida Physicians

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

PAIN TREATMENT

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Pain Management

If you’ve ever had a headache, fever or backache, you’ve probably taken an NSAID. NSAIDs, or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are a class of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to relieve pain, fever or other inflammation.[1] Common OTC NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.[2] When a higher dose is necessary, healthcare professionals can prescribe more potent NSAIDs.
Discover how NSAIDs work, their benefits, and the conditions they treat to make informed decisions about your pain management.

How NSAIDs Work

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are available in prescription and nonprescription strength in multiple forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, topicals and suppositories.[2] They are the most common form of pain relief worldwide and treat everything from headaches and toothaches to sprains, strains and chronic pain.[3] NSAIDs or COX-2 Inhibitors block the COX enzymes released by damaged tissue, creating inflammation and pain when they turn into prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals).[3]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications treat both chronic and acute pain and are often first or second-line options. [4] Both OTC and prescription NSAIDs play a vital role in chronic pain management.[5]

Conditions Treated with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Pain management specialists use prescription and non-prescription strength NSAIDs to treat chronic and acute pain conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis [6]
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [6]
  • Gout [6]
  • Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) [6]
  • Spondylitis [6]
  • Headaches [6]
  • Dental pain [6]
  • Chronic pain conditions [7]
  • Back pain [7]
  • Neck pain [7]
  • Musculoskeletal conditions [7]
  • Nerve pain (neuropathy) [7]
  • Diabetic neuropathy [7]
  • Fibromyalgia [7]
  • Overuse injuries [7]
  • Juvenile arthritis [8]
  • Strains and sprains [8]
  • Short-term (acute) pain (such as injuries) [9]

Benefits of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories

The most significant benefit for chronic and acute pain sufferers is that NSAIDs are available without a prescription. NSAIDs offer patients fast-acting pain relief without having to wait for a cumulative effect.[4] Another benefit is their effectiveness in relieving inflammation, pain, stiffness and fever.[2] Taken daily, aspirin, an OTC NSAID, offers cardiovascular benefits.[10]
A great advantage to using NSAIDs for inflammatory conditions is that they work like corticosteroids without steroidal side effects.[2] Unlike other pain medications, NSAIDs do not affect the central nervous system and don’t possess any psychotropic qualities, meaning they do not cause changes in the brain, mood or perception of reality.[4]

COX-2 Inhibitors & Comprehensive Pain Management

If you’re considering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain management, consult with a pain management specialist for a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history, and specific needs to determine the most effective NSAID for you. Pain care specialists are experts in creating treatment plans that address chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness with COX-2 Inhibitors while carefully weighing the potential risks, such as gastrointestinal issues.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are generally recommended for short-term use to avoid long-term side effects, but a specialist can help balance their benefits with any potential risks for optimal pain management. Working with a qualified provider can optimize the benefits of NSAIDs, improve your comfort level, and enhance your overall well-being. A proactive approach helps manage your pain effectively, improves your quality of life, and gets you back to normal activities sooner.
Don’t let chronic pain and inflammation keep you from enjoying life. Consult a pain management provider to get your personalized treatment plan that relieves your pain and allows you to live a fuller life.

Resources:

  1. Ghlichloo I, Gerriets V. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). PubMed [Internet]. Published May 1, 2023. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/  
  2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published July 24, 2023. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids 
  3. Griffin RM. Pain Relief: How NSAIDs Work. WebMD [Internet]. Published October 4, 2005. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/features/pain-relief-how-nsaids-work 
  4. Nalley C. NSAIDs in Pain Management: New Clinical Avenues to Explore. ASA Monitor [Internet]. 2020;84(7):1-6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/01.m99.0000688700.12744.ed Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://pubs.asahq.org/monitor/article/84/7/1/108572/NSAIDs-in-Pain-Management-New-Clinical-Avenues-to 
  5. Ho KY, Gwee KA, Cheng YK, Yoon KH, Hee HT, Omar AR. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in chronic pain: implications of new data for clinical practice. Journal of Pain Research [Internet]. 2018;Volume 11:1937-1948. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/jpr.s168188 Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6160277/ 
  6. Ong CKS, Lirk P, Tan CH, Seymour RA. An Evidence-Based Update on Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Clinical Medicine & Research [Internet]. 2007;5(1):19-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2007.698 Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1855338/ 
  7. Mayo Clinic Staff. Taking pills for chronic pain? Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Published 2023. Accessed September 2, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain-medication-decisions/art-20360371# 
  8. Worth T. What Are NSAIDs for Arthritis? WebMD [Internet]. Published December 4, 2003. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/anti-inflammatory-drugs 
  9. COX-2 Inhibitors: What They Are, Uses & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. Published May 24, 2022. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23119-cox-2-inhibitors 
  10. Saling J. Easing Chronic Pain With Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. WebMD [Internet]. Accessed August 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/anti-inflammatory
Scroll to Top