Patients with shoulder painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe... may find over-the-counter pain medication helpful. Doctors also may prescribe pain relievers.

Pain medications may include substances that reduce inflammationinflammationA local response to injury due to a physical reaction (such as abrasion), or to chemical or biological agents,... (anti-inflammatories), as well as products that relieve pain but do not reduce inflammationinflammationA localized tissue response initiated by the injury or destruction of vascularized tissues. Inflammation Heat,.... They include:

No steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDsNSAIDsA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. are medications that reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. They may be prescribed by a physician or purchased over the counter. They may be taken orally, and are also available in creams. A physician can recommend specific products to address particular needs.

Over-the-counter NSAIDS

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs medications include:
  • Ibuprofen which is available in generic form and in brand-name products

Corticosteroids

Prescription anti-inflammatory medications include drugs called corticosteroids. The drugs block production of chemicals called prostaglandins that trigger inflammation and pain. They are available by prescription only.
They may be prescribed in two different forms:

• Corticosteroid injectionsCorticosteroid injectionsA steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex (the outer portion of the adrenal glands); administered as dr...: These anti-inflammatory drugs are injected directly into the shoulder jointjointThe junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones. area to reduce inflammation. They are available by prescription only and will be administered by a healthcare professional.
• Corticosteroid medications: Corticosteroids also are available in medication form, by prescription only.
  • Patients taking corticosteroids should always talk to their doctors first before discontinuing their use. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroid medications may have serious side effects.

NonNSAIDS

There are other over-the-counter pain medications that do not reduce inflammation. They include:

• AcetaminophenAcetaminophenA drug used to relieve pain and fever.: This pain reliever is available in generic form and in brand-name products.