Some sources also include drugs like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in general to painkillers due to their abilities to relief pain to various extents. However, NSAIDS have an anti-inflammatory effect as their primary function and can’t be considered as analgesics.

Non-narcotic painkillers

Acetaminophen is probably the popular over-the-counter painkiller of the non-narcotic class. Acetaminophen owes its popularity to the simple fact that it’s quite effective in cases of mild and moderate acute pain and is quite cheap in comparison with other painkillers. However, you should keep in mind that the safety of this drug is strictly related to its right usage (prescription and instructions are a must). If the drug is used in a wrong way it may produce harmful or even fatal side-effects. For instance, if you take more than 4000 mg of Acetaminophen a day or take it for a longer period of time it can be very harmful for your liver. You will also increase liver damage if mixing the drug with alcohol. So before you start taking the drug make sure you know the right dosage and how to use it right.

Not many of Acetaminophen users know that it’s contained in over 600 over-the-counter medications, being mixed with other active substances. It is commonly found in cold and cough drugs. That’s why you should be careful when using Acetaminophen with other medications that may contain it.

Narcotic painkillers

There are two distinct types of narcotic painkillers: opiates and opioids. Opiates are natural chemicals that are usually found in opium (which is a very strong drug produced from seeds of poppies). Opioids are usually substances that are derived from opiates and have the ability to bind the very same receptors in the nervous system as opiates. Doctors distinct four different sub-types of opioids, each with its distinct features:

• Natural opioid peptides (found in the body itself: endorphins, enkephalins)
• Opium alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine)
• Semi-artificial opioids (heroin, hydrocodone, oxymorphone)
• Fully artificial opioids (Demerol, Tramadol, methadone)

Opioids are typically used as very strong painkillers in cases of chronic or severe pain. Opioids have an interesting feature – they rarely have an upper dosage limit in contrast to other medications. However, in order to achieve the desired effect the dosage should be increased gradually, otherwise the person will experience the negative side-effects of an opioid one has to build up tolerance for in order to have any benefits from the drug. For instance, some patients who use Tramadol hcl for chronic pain relief for longer periods of time take the drug in amounts that would be lethal for those who don’t use it or have only started using it.

Opioids are very effective for relieving chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. That’s why many patients buy Tramadol and other opioids despite their possibly addictive nature as stated by some.

In case you have chronic pain conditions caused by an inflammatory process such as joint pain, arthritis or tendonitis, it would be helpful if you include certain herbs to your regimen in order to control these processes. Of course, expecting immediate relief like with ordinary painkiller medications is not the smartest thing to do, however you will surely notice beneficial effects over a longer period of time. And if combined with special techniques and exercises, herbal solutions could be a very effective alternative or addition to common medical treatments.

Still, bear in mind that herbs with anti-inflammatory action aren’t enough to treat the condition on their own. Moreover, taking the condition seriously and treating it effectively is very important for improving the overall health of your body, reducing the risk of developing such diseases as cancer, diabetes and heart problems.

And before you start taking any herbs, make sure to consult with your family doctor if they are safe for you. It all depends on the conditions you have, so don’t make the common mistake and ask your doctor first in order to avoid serious problems later.

Here are some of the most widely-used and effective herbs for pain relief you can use with inflammatory conditions. Of course, they can’t compete with drugs like Tramadol but you sure will get additional relief the natural way with them:

White Willow Bark

A 2008 clinical study has indicated that this herb can be very effective in cases of mild to severe knee and hip chronic pain problems, causing pain relief due to certain compounds contained by it that are similar to aspirin. White willow bark is also known to be beneficial in cases of back and joint pain, as well as osteoarthritis.

Boswellia

Compiled from frankincense tree bark resin, this herbal solution is known to be very effective in preventing and suppressing inflammation-causing chemical reactions. Those who employ ayurvedic medicine strongly use boswellia for treating arthritis, as well as helping those who have inflammatory bowel problems.

Devil’s Claw

Usually employed in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, this herbal solution is also known to be helpful in cases of osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and neck and back pains. A 2007 study of rheumatic condition patients has shown that 60% of participants have shifted from their usual painkiller medications (such as Tramadol) or lowered their dosage in eight weeks after starting the course of devil’s claw. It has also manifested an overall improvement of the life quality in those who were taking it.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme produced from pineapple stems, which is known for reducing the levels and activity of prostaglandins – the hormones responsible for inflammation processes. This herb can be very helpful to those who have arthritis or musculoskeletal tension conditions, as well as post-traumatic pains. Moreover, bromelain was observed to improve healing processes in muscles and connective tissues.

There are more herbs that can help you with pain relief, so ask your doctor about them before you buy Tramadol or any other medication. You can always use chemical preparations, but why putting your body through stress if you can help it with a natural product first?