Treatments for Chronic Pain

Advil, Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Advil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Advil is also referred to by its drug name, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also sold under the brand name Motrin.

Advil... read more

Aleve (Naproxen)

Overview
Aleve is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Aleve is also referred to by its drug name, Naproxen. Naproxen is also sold under the brand name Naprosyn.
... read more

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)

Overview
Ansaid is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ansaid is also referred to by its drug name, Flurbiprofen.

A... read more

Astramorph (Morphine)

Overview
Astramorph is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute and chronic moderate or severe pain. Astramorph may also be referred to by its drug name, Morphine. ... read more

Avinza (Morphine)

Overview
Avinza is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other treatments are not effective. ... read more

Botulinum Toxin Injection

Overview
Botulinum toxin injection has been used to treat many types of chronic pain involving the muscles. Types of pain for which Botulinum toxin may be beneficial include postsurgical pain, migraines and ot... read more

Cambia (Diclofenac)

Overview
Cambia is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug migraine attacks in those 18 and older. Cambia may be referred to by its drug name, Diclofenac. Diclofenac is also sold under... read more

Cataflam (Diclofenac)

Overview
Cataflam is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to treat mild to moderate pain. Cataflam may be referred to by its drug name, Diclofenac. Diclofenac... read more

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Overview
Celebrex is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Celebrex is also referred to by its drug name, Celecoxib.

Celebrex i... read more

Celexa (Citalopram)

Overview
Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Celexa is also known by its drug name... read more

Celiac Plexus Block

Overview
Celiac plexus block is an injection that can temporarily relieve some types of chronic abdominal pain. People with chronic pancreatitis or abdominal cancer may benefit from a celiac plexus block.

read more

Chemical Sympathectomy

Overview
Chemical sympathectomy is a surgical technique used to provide long-term relief for some types of neuropathic chronic pain, specifically Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

What does it involve?
Duri... read more

Chiropractic Treatment

Overview
Chiropractic is a health treatment that aims to correct problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system. Chiropractic is a popular treatment for pain and stiffness, especially in the neck and b... read more

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Overview
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy focused on helping people identify and cope with stress or other negative emotions.

What does it involve?
CBT sessions may be one-on-... read more

Complementary and alternative therapies

Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are popular with many people who have chronic pain. CAT treatments for chronic pain may include acupuncture, yoga, massage, low-level laser therapy, herbal supplements, me... read more

Corticosteriods

Overview
Corticosteroids are a class of prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation. Corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat inflammation in people with cert... read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalt... read more

Daypro (Oxaprozin)

Overview
Daypro is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Daypro is also referred to by its drug name, Oxaprozin.

Dayp... read more

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Dilaudid is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require an opioid when other treatments are ineffective. Dilaudid may be referred to b... read more

Duragesic (Fentanyl)

Overview
Duragesic is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain in opioid-tolerant patients in cases where pain is severe enough to require daily, long-term, continua... read more

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor... read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Overview
Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Elavil may help manage neuropathic pain. Elavil is also known by its drug name, Amitriptyline.

... read more

EMLA (Lidocaine/Prilocaine)

Overview
EMLA is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide local analgesia for normal skin and for genital mucous membranes before surgery. EMLA is a combination drug co... read more

Epidural Steriod Injection

Overview
Epidural steroid injection can temporarily relieve chronic pain in the neck, arms, back, and legs. Epidural steroid injection may help in cases of chronic pain caused by sciatica, spinal stenosis, spo... read more

Epitol (Carbamazepine)

Overview
Epitol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and many types of seizures. Epitol may also be effective at treating glossopharyngeal neu... read more

Exalgo (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Exalgo is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in opioid-tolerant people in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other trea... read more

Facet Joint Injection

Overview
Facet joint injection can temporarily relieve chronic pain associated with the facet joints, the parts of your spine that allow you to bend and twist. Facet joint injection may help in cases of chroni... read more

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)

Overview
Flexeril is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain. Flexeril is also referred to by its drug name, Cyclobenzaprine.

Flexeri... read more

Gralise (Gabapentin)

Overview
Gralise is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage postherpetic neuralgia. Gralise is also referred to by its drug name, Gabapentin.

Gralise is an anticonv... read more

Hydrocodone

Overview
Hydrocodone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain that requires daily, round-the-clock management on a long-term basis, and for which other treatment ... read more

Intrathecal Implants

Overview
Intrathecal implants are pumps that are surgically placed in the body to deliver small doses of analgesics (painkillers) directly into the spinal fluid. Doctors may consider intrathecal implants in ca... read more

Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Overview
Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Lexapro may help reduce pa... read more

Lidoderm (Lidocaine)

Overview
Lidoderm is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia. Lidoderm is also known by its drug name, Lidocaine. Lidocaine is also sold under the... read more

Lodine (Etodolac)

Overview
Lodine is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat arthritis and acute pain. Lodine is also referred to by its drug name, Etodolac.

Lodine is a... read more

Low-dose Naltrexone

Overview
Naltrexone is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating opiate and alcohol addiction. At a significantly lower dose, Naltrexone has also been prescribed... read more

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Overview
Lumbar sympathetic block is an injection that can temporarily relieve some types of chronic pain. People with complex regional pain syndrome, Raynaud's syndrome, painful blood vessel spasms, some type... read more

Lyrica (Pregabalin)

Overview
Lyrica is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic ne... read more

Medical marijuana

Overview
Medical marijuana is widely used as a complementary therapy to treat chronic pain.

It is vital to inform your doctor of all treatments you incorporate, including medical marijuana, so that they can... read more

Nalfon (Fenoprofen)

Overview
Nalfon is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and mild to moderate pain. Nalfon is also referred to by its drug ... read more

Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Overview
Naprosyn is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Naprosyn is also referred to by its drug name, Naproxen. Naproxen is also sold under the brand name Aleve... read more

Naproxen

Overview
Naproxen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Naproxen is sold under the brand names Aleve and Naprosyn.

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammato... read more

Neurotin (Gabapentin)

Overview
Neurontin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia and some types of seizures. Neurontin is also referred to by its drug name, Gabapent... read more

Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Norco is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Norco is a combination drug containing Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. Hydro... read more

Norpramin (Desipramine)

Overview
Norpramin is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Norpramin may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Norpramin is ... read more

Oxycodone

Overview
Oxycodone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is sold under the brand name OxyContin. In combination with Acetaminophe... read more

OxyContin (Oxycodone)

Overview
OxyContin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require daily, 24-hour, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatmen... read more

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Overview
Pamelor is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Pamelor may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain.
Pamelor is also ... read more

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Overview
Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil may be mildly effective at managing neurop... read more

Percocet (Oxycodone)

Overview
Percocet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet is a combination drug composed of Oxycodone and Acetaminophen.
... read more

Physical Therapy

Overview
Physical therapy can improve strength and balance, help stabilize joints, and reduce many types of chronic pain. Physical therapy can also rehabilitate your body after surgery or injury.

Chronic p... read more

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Overview
Pristiq is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depression disorder. Pristiq may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Pristiq is also know... read more

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Overview
Prozac is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Prozac is also known by its drug name, Fluoxetine.

Prozac is an antidepressant of the selectiv... read more

Radiofrequency Ablation

Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a technique used to provide long-term relief for some types of chronic pain. RFA is most often used to treat back pain including pain in the lumbar, cervical, and sacr... read more

Savella (Milnacipran)

Overview
Savella is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia. Savella is also known by its drug name, Milnacipran.

Savella is a serotonin-norepinephrine ... read more

Silenor (Doxepin)

Overview
Silenor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia. Silenor may help manage neuropathic pain. Silenor is also referred to by its drug name, Doxepin.

... read more

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Overview
Soma is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain. Soma is also referred to by its drug name, Carisoprodol.

Soma is a muscle r... read more

Stellate Ganglion Block

Overview
Stellate ganglion block is an injection that can temporarily relieve some types of chronic pain in the head, neck, upper arms, and upper chest. People with complex regional pain syndrome, postherpetic... read more

Surgical Decompression

Overview
Surgical decompression may be performed to relieve chronic pain associated with back problems such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs.

What does it involve?
Surgical decompression is pe... read more

Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Overview
Tegretol is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat trigeminal neuralgia and many types of seizures. Tegretol may also be effective at treating glossopharyngeal... read more

Tofranil (Imipramine)

Overview
Tofranil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Tofranil may help manage neuropathic pain. Tofranil is also known by its drug name, Imipramine. ... read more

Topamax (Topiramate)

Overview
Topamax is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of seizures and to prevent migraine headaches. Some physicians may prescribe Topamax off-label ... read more

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS)

Overview
A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) is a small, portable machine that generates adjustable levels of electricity to block nerve signals in those experiencing pain.

What does it invo... read more

Trileptal (Oxcarbamazepine)

Overview
Trileptal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of seizures. Some physicians may prescribe Trileptal off-label to treat neuropathic pain. Tri... read more

Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Overview
Tylenol is available over the counter as treatment for minor aches and pains. Tylenol may be referred to by the drug names Acetaminophen or Paracetamol. Acetaminophen or Paracetamol is also sold under... read more

Valium (Diazepam)

Overview
Valium is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Valium can also help relieve muscle spasms. Valium is also known by its drug name, Diazepam.

Vali... read more

Vicodin (Hydrocodone)

Overview
Vicodin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid, and for which other treatments are ineffective. Vicodin is a combin... read more

Voltaren (Diclofenac)

Overview
Voltaren is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Voltaren ... read more

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Overview
Wellbutrin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in adults. Wellbutrin may help manage neuropathic pain. Wellbutrin is also known by its drug na... read more

Zoloft (Sertraline)

Overview
Zoloft is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Zoloft is also known by its drug name, Sertraline.

Zoloft is an antid... read more

Zonalon (Doxepin)

Overview
Zonalon is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pruritis (itching) in adults who have atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus. Zonalon is sometimes pre... read more