20 Physiological Treatments for Pain

Two examples of drugs/treatments that work OUTSIDE the central nervous system:

• Capsaicin: Capsaicin molecules bind to a transmembrane ion channel in nociceptors that is sensitive to temperatures above 37°C. The dynamics of capsaicin binding with this transmembrane ion channel is unusual in that the molecule remains bound for a long time. Because of this, it will decrease the ability of other stimuli to elicit pain sensations through the activated nociceptor. For this reason, capsaicin can be used as a topical analgesic, such as in products such as Icy Hot™.
• NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Motrin reduce pain because they inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. High levels of NSAIDs reduce inflammation.

Two examples of drugs/treatments that work INSIDE the central nervous system:

• Opioids: An opioid is one of a category of drugs that includes heroin, morphine, methadone, and codeine. Opioids have analgesic properties—that is, they decrease pain. Opioids are prescribed less frequently than NSAIDs due to their risk of addiction. Opioids are most addictive when you take them in ways that aren’t recommended such as crushing them up and snorting it. Opioids interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and body. The opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brains, spinal cord, and other organs in the body. Opioids block pain signals by releasing large amounts of dopamine throughout the body encouraging the desire to take more to repeat the dopamine high or drug high. Opioids make you feel happy and relaxed.
• Stimulus-produced analgesia: mechanical stimulus can suppress pain by targeting inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord.

Mayo Clinic. (2018). How opioid addiction occurs. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372