Getting pain and inflammation under control is essential to permit healing and rehabilitation to proceed. The first approach to the treatment of pain and inflammation is the use of medication, such as:

Muscle relaxants.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are usually well tolerated, and are often the medication of choice for common inflammation, such as that which follows a muscle strain or sprain. Aspirin and other NSAIDs work at the injury site to stop the pain "message" being sent, and also reduce inflammation. Some NSAIDs are available without a doctor's prescription ("over the counter" or OTC medications). Other NSAIDs, such as COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, are only available with a doctor's prescription.

Other medications. If indicated, your doctor may prescribe a brief course of narcotic pain medication, antidepressants or anti-convulsants.