There are many over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for arthritis pain sufferers that can be purchased without physicians’ prescriptions.

Misuse can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding, and liver and kidney trouble. (The same drug abuse issues can result from prescription NSAIDs, too). Use the right way, these drugs can help with pain relief, inflammation and fever reduction, and blood clot prevention.

Acetaminophen is the name of the active ingredient found in several well-known brand-name products; some Excedrin® products, Tylenol®, and Aspirin Free Anacin®. Although it does not help with arthritic inflammation and swelling, it can help with pain relief in mild cases. Excess usage poses risk of liver damage, even death, especially for active drinkers (of alcoholic beverages).

Topical Painkillers

If your arthritis pain is mild and only affects on or two joints, you may find that a topical pain reliever or topical analgesic can be useful. Topical painkillers are available as creams, salves or gels. The active ingredients of topical painkillers include: Capsaicin. Found naturally in hot peppers, capsaicin is found in drug stores under the brand names of Capzasin-P, Zostrix, and other drugs. Capsaicin works by blocking the transmission of a pain-relaying substance called substance P to the brain.

Salicylates is a substance available in Aspercreme, BenGay, and Flexall. Salicylates work by decreasing pain and inflammation

Arthritis Relaxation

Relaxation techniques have a definite place in the healing process of the body, and with arthritis the case is no different.

With certain types of arthritis, the importance of relaxation is increased, since stress and emotional disposition play a large part in them. Prayer is a form of relaxation and meditation if you are spiritually or religiously inclined that also works wonders. Hypnosis is simply a guided meditation that allows you to access the power of your subconscious mind through a guide called a hypnotist, who is either a trained psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker.

In the case of hypnosis for pain management, hypnosis is nothing more than an assisted guided imagery, such as described above. Relaxation is especially effective for those suffering from fibromyalgia, because this condition is caused by a number of non-physical triggers. Yoga is very beneficial both for flexibility as well as relaxation. Forms of yoga such as Bhakta are devotional, and Raja is meditation-oriented.