What Does Pain Medicine Do to Your Body?
Pain medications are primarily designed to block pain signals in the body or they alter the way your brain perceives pain. Common categories of pain killers include opioids, NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs), and acetaminophen. Each affects the body in different ways.
But is pain relief really only possible with medication?
A Breakdown of how different types of painkillers affect the body
Opioids: The most common pain medication, opioids include pain relievers like morphine and oxycodone. These painkillers bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. When they bind, they block pain signals and produce feelings of euphoria.
Opioids are typically used for severe pain, often post-surgical. They are known to make you feel drowsy and lead to tolerance build-up, dependence, and addiction. Opioids can also make you feel nauseous, constipated, and cause slower breathing.
NSAIDs: You’re probably familiar with these – ibuprofen and naproxen are two examples. NSAIDs work to reduce inflammation and block the production of chemicals (cyclooxygenase enzymes) in the body that create pain and swelling. NSAIDs are commonly used for arthritis, reducing fever, menstrual cramps, physical injuries, and chronic pain conditions.
But while NSAIDs are often available over the counter, they still pose risks. For example, overuse of NSAIDs can lead to stomach problems, ulcers, and in some cases, can cause heart or kidney problems. Read more about using NSAIDs from the National Institutes of Health here.
Acetaminophen: You are definitely familiar with this one if you’ve ever had a sports injury or headache. Acetaminophen works similarly to an NSAID, reducing pain signals in the brain. It’s often a go-to for reducing fever, and is generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, similar to NSAIDs, taking acetaminophen in high doses or too much, too long, can cause problems. Specifically, high doses of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage and harm your kidneys.
Anticonvulsant and Neuromodulators: Specifically, in this case, we’re talking about Gabapentin. Mistakenly thought to be an NSAID, gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and neuromodulator. It is often prescribed to help with pain, particularly nerve pain, but it does not target the enzymes that create pain and swelling like an NSAID.
Gabapentin specifically affects the calcium channels in the nervous system and is thought to work by reducing the transmission of pain signals.
Pain Relief Medications Pose Long-term Risks
Did you notice the theme in the above? Pain killers are designed to inhibit (block) or modulate. Pain relief comes from altering the way pain signals are delivered to the body, whether this is a chemical, a channel in the body, or a signal.
But the one thing they also have in common is that prolonged use can lead to dependence and addiction (among other side effects). Moreover, when used too often or inappropriately, pain medications can harm the rest of your body.
So when exploring pain management therapies, pain relief medications may not be the best option if you are suffering from chronic pain, or even acute pain (and especially if you have other health issues).
Alternative Pain Management Therapy for Acute Pain and Chronic Pain
While some medications may offer quick pain relief, there is a safer option for both acute and chronic pain that can be used at home and long-term.
One of the things we love about Alpha-Stim is that, unlike many prescription medications, Alpha-Stim doesn’t pose the risk of addiction, tolerance, or the severe side effects medications can cause.
People with implanted pacemakers or implanted or wearable defibrillators, and who are pregnant, should not use Alpha-Stim. With Alpha-Stim, adverse effects are usually rare (occurring less than 1% of the time), and are mild, and self-limiting. The potential effects of using Alpha-Stim for some people include feeling dizzy, headaches, or potential skin irritations. See more about indications and risks here.
Does Alpha-Stim work for relieving pain?
Here is what some users say:
“Not only have I experienced relief from anxiety and insomnia; additionally, Alpha-Stim treatments have reduced or eliminated accompanying physical pain.” – CH (MAJ) David J. Fair, PhD, Former President, American Association of Police Officers, Former President, Homeland Crisis Institute, USA
“Alpha-Stim was the first thing that helped manage chronic moderate-to-severe pain where drugs of different kinds could not. Those I referred Alpha-Stim to over the years have had similar experiences.” – Paul Schaum, Facebook, USA
“I am honestly amazed by this tiny little magical device! I suffer from a selection of health issues that cause chronic pain (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and have been searching for ways to manage this holistically. I have definitely noticed a cumulative reduction in pain and have also found it incredibly useful in managing anxiety. It is hard to put into words how much it helps – it truly is something you need to try to understand! Aside from the therapeutic benefits, I have been truly blown away by the amazing customer care from Alpha-Stim. I feel like a valued customer and patient and I am so grateful to have your support! Highly, highly recommend!!!” – Caitlin Dione Booth, TrustPilot, UK
Talk to a Doctor About Alpha-Stim >
*Alpha-Stim is FDA cleared for anxiety, insomnia, and pain only, with approval for depression outside of the United States.
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