Natural antiinflammatory agents for pain relief in athletes.

Neurosurg Focus. 2006 Oct 15;21(4):E11

Most athletes experience musculoskeletal injuries during their sports activity that require rest at a minimum, and occasionally injuries are severe enough to necessitate surgical repair. Neurosurgeons are often consulted for athletically sustained injuries and prescribe medications for the associated pain. The use of both over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal medications is frequently recommended, but recent safety concerns must now be considered. The authors discuss the biochemical pathways of nonsteroidal drugs and review the potentially serious side effects of these medications. They also review the use of natural supplements, which may be a safer, and often as effective, alternative treatment for pain relief.

Pain medications in the locker room: to dispense or not.

Curr Sports Med Rep. 2007 Dec;6(6):367-70

Sports medicine physicians often treat athletes who are in pain. Treatment may allow them to return to play more quickly. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to guide physicians. This article reviews over-the-counter and prescription medications that athletes with acute and chronic injuries can use via oral, topical, or injectable routes to control pain.