Our Services

When should I consider taking medication? 

Medication can play an important role in managing pain during the early phase of recovery. After an injury, levels of inflammatory markers are often very high. This triggers a series of events that heighten your nervous system’s response, making pain feel overwhelming and, at times, unmanageable.

If pain cannot be controlled with simple over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, it may be necessary to consider short-term prescription medication. The aim of medication at this stage is not to mask the injury but to make symptoms manageable enough so you can carry out basic daily activities in comfort while your body heals naturally. Analgesia - mild-to-moderate pain | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE

 

What medications do we prescribe?

The medications we prescribe vary depending on each patient’s needs.

• Anti-inflammatories
  A commonly prescribed option is naproxen, which is generally more effective than over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. Naproxen is particularly helpful in the early phase of an injury, or during an acute flare-up of a chronic condition, as it reduces inflammation and therefore helps to settle pain more quickly. It may also be used in other situations, such as the management of migraine attacks.

• Weak opioids
  When pain is not well controlled with paracetamol or anti-inflammatories, a weak opioid such as dihydrocodeine may be considered. These medications can be effective in the acute phase of pain, but they carry risks such as drowsiness and dependence. For this reason, they are only prescribed for a short course. Opioids are no longer recommended for long-term management of chronic pain.

• Neuropathic agents
  In cases of nerve-related pain (for example, a trapped nerve), medications such as amitriptyline or duloxetine may be prescribed. These drugs can also play a role in managing certain types of chronic pain.

• Migraine medications
  For migraines, treatment may involve:

  1. Preventative medications – to reduce how often migraines occur.

  2. Acute medications – to shorten the length and severity of an attack once it begins.

 

Chronic Pain & the Role of Medication

Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift away from using opioids for managing chronic pain. This change has been largely driven by the opioid epidemic in the United States and a growing body of evidence suggesting that opioids often fail to improve symptoms and can actually worsen long-term outcomes for chronic pain patientts

Scenario: Management | Management | Chronic pain | CKS | NICE

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There is, however, some evidence supporting the use of neuropathic medications—for long-term management of nerve-related or persistent pain.

At Elite Joint Solutions, we offer private consultations to explore whether a trial of neuropathic medication could be appropriate for your condition.

What Are the Side Effects?

All medications carry potential risks. Common side effects of opioids or neuropathic medications include:

• Drowsiness

• Cognitive impairment or “brain fog”

• Constipation

• Risk of dependence or addiction (especially with opioids)

It is always important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks when considering pain medications—whether for short-term relief or long-term management

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How much do medications cost?

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All medications prescribed through our service are provided on a private prescription. The cost of private medication can vary depending on the drug, but most prescriptions we issue are typically between £10–15.

We work in partnership with Yate Family Pharmacy, where you will be able to collect your prescription directly for convenience.​