Treating shoulder problems is often down to medication that aims to relieve inflammation or ease pain, prevent joint damage, or modify the way an inflammatory disease progresses. However, exactly which shoulder pain relief and medication is prescribed depends on the exact cause of the pain. Often, there are underlying conditions that may require long term treatment, including arthritis.

Common Shoulder Pain Relief and Medication:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), many of which are available as over the counter remedies. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and pain. They tend to be effective in all causes of shoulder pain, including arthritis, bursitis, strains, and more.

2. Corticosteroids, which mimic the cortisone that your body produces. It is fast acting and helps to control inflammation. Corticosteroids are always prescription medications. Oral forms may be given to those who have a systemic inflammatory disease. However, if the pain only affects one or two joints, it may be preferable to inject the joints with the drug.

3. Analgesics, which are very commonly prescribed to people who have arthritis. However, they can also help with injuries, including fractures. Where NSAIDs target both inflammation and pain, analgesics only provide pain relief. These drugs are particularly popular in people who have stomach problems or allergies, leaving them unable to take NSAIDs. Additionally, if people have non-inflammatory arthritis, then analgesics are seen as a more effective, as well as safer, option for treatment. Analgesic salve, balm, and rub also exists, which is available without prescription. These include Zostrix, Voltaren Gel, Icy Hot, Eucalyptamint, Capzasin-P, Ben-Gay, and Aspercreme. These are topical medications that contain a range of active ingredients. This type of analgesic is particularly effective for those who cannot take oral medication, or who find oral options are not effective enough.

4. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which is a type of shoulder pain relief and medication that aims to change the way inflammatory disease behaves. There are numerous forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, they should be provided on prescription only.

5. Gout medication, which helps to lower levels of uric acid. While gout rarely happens in the shoulder, it can lead to inflammation and pain in any joint. There are different types of gout medication, one that aims to stop flare ups, and one that aims to reduce the inflammation and pain during an active flare up. Many people need to take both.

6. Biologic response modifiers, which is the most modern form of therapy. This is used in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, using biological agents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved eight different agents, each of which targets a specific part of the inflammatory process, rather than suppressing all of a patient’s immune system.

7. Osteoporosis medication helps the body to rebuild bone, or slow down the loss of bone. These medications can help repair a strong skeletal system which means less chance of fractures in the bones.