I was just wondering how do "over the counter" pain killers know where the pain is. I've taken some this morning for my back and I still have pain. But when I have headache they seem to work.
2007-03-16 00:46:01 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
They block the neuron-receptors (ie they stop the brain sending 'pain' messages) and the fact that they work on headaches and not your backache suggests that you need something stronger. Make an appointment with your GPas pain ususally suggests there is something needing attention!
2007-03-16 00:58:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Painkillers work by blocking the pain receptors in the brain. If it's a headache general painkillers tend to work quickest but for pain in other parts of the body it could take longer for the painkiller to take effect on that part of the body.
You can buy specific painkillers for back or spinal pain over the counter and if the painkillers that you are taking are not helping it's best to try these or to visit the doctor for stronger medication.
Here's a link to another closed discussion on Painkillers on Answers, this could help:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070220004136AA64UGV
2007-03-16 07:59:06 · answer #2 · answered by Emzi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drugs such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatories (NSAID's) These work on muscular pain and actually work quite well on headaches too. Aspirin and Paracetamol are basic pain relief. Take the two together and they will work on your back pain. The only thing is NSAID's take about 3 days to work fully they are not an immediate thing. Although do not take aspirin and an NSAID together as it can cause stomach ulcers, and cause asthma attacks in those that are prone to them. Try 1 Ibuprofen 400mg three times a day and 2 paracetamol 500m four times a day.
2007-03-16 17:45:32 · answer #3 · answered by DB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is your back pain muscular ? If this is the case the best thing you could take are paracetamol and ibuprofen together, the ibuprofen is also an anti inflammatory and will help with any inflammation. Paracetamol helps by blocking pain receptors in the brain and also lowering temperature. Hope this helps and follow the dose on the packets.
2007-03-16 07:57:42 · answer #4 · answered by Ktloop 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
See your GP rather than trying to self medicate, pain is a warning to slow down to avoid further damage. Popping painkillers and carrying on will do more harm. The tablets, clever though they are, don't know where the pain is they just block your pain receptors.
2007-03-18 14:09:46 · answer #5 · answered by Snake eyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunno. If the pain is in the body, it might be worth goin to ur doctor - not everything can be treated with over the counter stuff.
2007-03-16 07:54:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought they worked on your brain, and they blocked the impulses or something!!
2007-03-16 07:48:49 · answer #7 · answered by OriginalBubble 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you may have strained /pulled muscles so they prob won't
work - if you can take ibruprofen that may help - if not
see a doctor
2007-03-16 15:23:01 · answer #8 · answered by UC BLUES -Jose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋