First thing to talk about is prescription versus non prescription drugs. Non-prescription are over the counter ones you can get anywhere. These might include: aspirin, tylenol, or ibruprofen. All can help with reducing inflammation and reducing pain.
Now, let's say those don't seem to work. Then you want to call your doctor. Your medical doctor can prescribe you something. These may be slightly stronger, and need to be taken with more caution, and why your medical doctor has to "prescribe it.
Prescriptions for neck pain typically include muscle relaxers and narcotics. Common muscle relaxers are Flexeril and Valium. Common narcotics used are: Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycodone.
I thought we would also mention pain injections. Typically you medical doctor wil refer you to a specialist who does this. It often can be done by an orthopedic doctor. It is usually in the form of a steroid that is injected in the region of pain or where the pain may be originating. Only a specified recommended number of shots can be administered over a certain amount of time. The reason I mention this is because if one shot doesn't appear to work, they may try another. This is like one big blast of anti-inflammatory to take down inflammation and relieve nerve pressure.
Next, let's review the forms of medicine. We just talked about injections; that's literally the liquid med injected where ever the doctor feels necessary. Then there are topical gels or creams. A lot of these are over the counter that you apply and re-apply directly to the region that is in pain. Then there are tablets - which is where the medication is molded into a pill shape for easy swallowing. There are also tablets which is usually a capsule with medication inside, also typically swallowed.
All that being said, you should try any and all natural methods of pain relief you can. And, keep in mind, if you do chose medications, follow you doctors recommendations and contact him/her with any questions you may have.
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