Photo: © Prof. dr. Hartmut Gobel
Self-healing: the big extra
Sometimes it does not work without it. Which preparations for which pain are the best - examined by the top pain expert Prof. Hartmut Göbel, medical director of the Pain Clinic Kiel.
Expert in headache: ASS
Painkiller
The classic is called "Aspirin". There are other means such. "ASS-ratiopharm", "ASS Hexal", "ASS Heumann" or "Alka-Seltzer".
application
Acetylsalicylic acid (short: ASA) has an antipyretic effect. It has been proven especially for headaches, can also be used for mild migraine, dental and limb pain.
risks
The acid inhibits blood clotting and should therefore be discontinued ten days before surgery. ASA can irritate the gastric mucosa in the long term.
Extra tip
Acetylsalicylic acid is very effective. As a precaution, the active ingredient is always taken with plenty of water or as an effervescent tablet. This protects the gastric mucosa and quickly brings the drug into the small intestine where it is absorbed into the blood.
Painkiller
The active ingredient is among others in agents such as "ben-u-ron", "vivimed N", "paracetamol ratiopharm" or "paracetamol Stada".
application
Paracetamol is considered ideal for colds and fever. The active ingredient is also suitable for mild to moderate pain (eg headache). Paracetamol, however, does not work so well against inflammation. For children, it is well tolerated by the dosing instructions of the treating physician.
risks
Can sometimes cause mild nausea. Rarely, there are skin reactions such as redness or rash.
Extra tip
Paracetamol is unsuitable for stress or damage to the liver. That's why you should rather resort to ASS for hangover headaches.
Painkiller
Painkillers with this ingredient are available as tablets and as a gel, eg. As "Voltaren" or "Diclofenac ratiopharm".
application
Diclofenac is also an NSAID. The active ingredient mainly helps with blunt (sports) injuries and lumbago, even with rheumatism, gouty pain, osteoarthritis or even with stronger menstrual pain.
risks
The active ingredient can cause stomach pain or diarrhea in sensitive people. Like all painkillers, diclofenac should only be used as long as you really need it.
Extra tip
Because Diclofenac can in rare cases make you tired or dizzy, you should not drive in doubt, if you have taken a drug with this drug.
Painkiller
The active ingredient is z. In agents such as "Mobilat painkillers", "Naproxenratiopharm" or "Aleve".
application
Naproxen is also an NSAID. It works especially well for inflammatory rheumatic joint pain and swelling. The drug is also suitable for fever, pain after surgery, regular pain or toothache .
risks
Can sometimes cause stomach pressure, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness or allergic skin reactions such as rash. Naproxen is still considered an alternative if someone can not tolerate other painkillers.
Extra tip
Naproxen should be taken quickly when the pain starts and not wait until the pain has increased. Otherwise the effect starts much later.
Painkiller
The compilation of ASA, paracetamol and caffeine is z. In "thomapyrin" or "neuralgin".
application
Studies show that this combination is effective in mild migraine and tension-type headaches. Also suitable for back pain and toothache. Caffeine speeds up the onset of action.
risks
The combination can cause side effects from the three active ingredients. The likelihood of analgesic headache is higher than for single agents.
Extra tip
For chronic, so lasting or very often recurring pain, you should talk to the doctor about alternatives, eg. B. Betablocker in migraine. Certain types of antidepressants can help against chronic back pain.
