title: Pharmacologic Therapies in Musculoskeletal Conditions.
abstract: Musculoskeletal conditions are common, and there are many options for pharmacologic therapy. Unfortunately, there is not strong evidence for the use of many of these medications. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally first-line medications for most musculoskeletal pain, but there is more evidence these medications are not as safe as once thought. Other analgesic and antispasmodic medications can be effective for acute pain but generally are not as effective for chronic pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be more effective for chronic or neuropathic pain. Topical formulations of NSAIDs can be effective for pain with fewer side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359721, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Electronic address: mlovel@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Melinda S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Loveless
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359721, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
authors.forename: Adrielle L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fry
mesh_terms: D059787:Acute Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000367:Age Factors; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D006801:Humans; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D001569:Benzodiazepines
keywords: Acute pain; Back pain; Medications; Musculoskeletal pain; Neuropathy; Osteoarthritis; Tendinopathy