NSAIDs / Analgesic Management (Acute Pain)

We start by understanding the source of your pain, how severe it is, and how long you've had it. Based on that, we recommend a specific medication and dosing approach, such as an NSAID (like ibuprofen or naproxen) for inflammation or acetaminophen when an NSAID isn't a good fit.

Because pain is often a signal of something else, we also consider whether your symptoms point to a condition that needs its own treatment, such as recurring headaches or a musculoskeletal injury. For migraine specifically, we may combine an NSAID with a targeted plan through migraine acute treatment.

Before your visit, jot down where it hurts, when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and anything you've already tried. Bring a current list of your medications and supplements so we can check for interactions, an essential step we handle through medication reconciliation.

Let us know if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney concerns, high blood pressure, or heart disease, since these influence whether NSAIDs are right for you.

Most acute pain improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. We'll tell you exactly how long to use a medication, what side effects to watch for, and when to stop.

If your pain persists, worsens, or returns, reach out, because lingering pain sometimes needs imaging or a specialist. As a Los Angeles Direct Primary Care practice credentialed at Cedars-Sinai, we can arrange a specialist referral and coordinate your care from there.