What to take for shoulder pain?: A Guide to Medication Options

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, shoulder pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint in primary care settings, after low back pain. When wondering what to take for shoulder pain, it is important to understand the various over-the-counter and prescription medication options available for effective relief.

Quick Summary

This guide examines medication options for shoulder pain, discussing oral and topical over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription drugs, and targeted injections. It covers how these medications work, their potential side effects, and key safety considerations for informed use.

Key Points

OTC Options: For mild to moderate pain, oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce pain and inflammation, while acetaminophen provides non-inflammatory pain relief.
Topical Relief: Gels, creams, and patches containing ingredients like diclofenac, menthol, or lidocaine offer localized relief with fewer systemic side effects.
Prescription Medications: Stronger oral NSAIDs or muscle relaxants may be prescribed for severe pain or muscle spasms.
Corticosteroid Injections: These are used for severe, persistent inflammation and provide powerful, localized relief, but their use is limited.
Medical Consultation is Key: Always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially for persistent or severe pain, to ensure the safest and most effective approach.
Holistic Treatment: Medication is often part of a broader plan that includes rest, physical therapy, and hot/cold therapy for comprehensive relief.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Oral Medications

For mild to moderate shoulder pain, many people find relief with medications available without a prescription. These fall into two main categories: pain relievers with anti-inflammatory properties and those without.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a common choice because they address both pain and the inflammation that often causes it, especially in conditions like tendonitis or arthritis.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB): A widely used NSAID that provides effective relief for pain and inflammation.
Naproxen sodium (Aleve): Offers a longer-lasting effect than ibuprofen, with a single dose providing relief for up to 12 hours.

It is important to use oral NSAIDs for a short duration (typically no more than two weeks for OTC use) to minimize the risk of side effects, such as stomach upset, kidney problems, or increased blood pressure. Long-term use without a doctor's supervision is discouraged.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works differently from NSAIDs by blocking pain signals to the brain, but it does not reduce inflammation.

Pain-relieving action: Effective for non-inflammatory shoulder pain or for individuals who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Safety considerations: While generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, high or prolonged use can lead to liver damage. Always adhere to the dosage instructions on the package.

Topical Pain Relievers

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin over the affected area, providing localized pain relief with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral medications.

Gels, Creams, and Patches

Topical NSAIDs: Gels containing diclofenac (Voltaren) are effective for localized arthritis pain and can be a suitable alternative for those who need to avoid oral NSAIDs.
Counterirritants: Products containing menthol (e.g., Icy Hot, Biofreeze) or camphor create a cooling or warming sensation that distracts from the pain.
Anesthetics: Creams or patches containing lidocaine numb the pain receptors in the area of application.
Capsaicin creams: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin can desensitize pain receptors with repeated use.

Topical products are particularly useful for pain in superficial soft tissues, like tendons or muscles near the skin's surface.

Prescription Medications and Injections

For more severe or persistent shoulder pain, a healthcare provider may recommend stronger medications or procedures.

Corticosteroid Injections

If inflammation is severe or unresponsive to other treatments, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid directly into the shoulder joint or surrounding tissue.

Powerful anti-inflammatory effect: Provides significant and often long-lasting pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Limited frequency: Because of potential side effects, such as a weakening of tendons, these injections are typically limited to a few times per year.

Oral Prescription Medications

In some cases, stronger versions of NSAIDs or other medications may be prescribed.

Stronger NSAID doses: A doctor can prescribe a higher dosage of an NSAID for a specific duration to manage persistent inflammation.
Muscle relaxants: For pain associated with muscle tension or spasms around the shoulder, a doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant.

Choosing the Right Medication: Key Considerations

Several factors should be considered when choosing a medication for shoulder pain. Always consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Cause of pain: Is the pain caused by inflammation (e.g., tendonitis, arthritis) or is it non-inflammatory? This helps determine if an anti-inflammatory like an NSAID is necessary.
Severity and duration: Mild, temporary pain may respond to OTC options, while chronic or severe pain may require prescription medication or injections.
Health history: Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or cardiovascular issues should be cautious with NSAIDs. Acetaminophen may be preferable, but liver health must be considered.
Interaction with other medications: Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking to avoid harmful drug interactions.

Comparison of Common Shoulder Pain Medications


Feature	OTC Oral NSAIDs	Acetaminophen	Topical NSAIDs	Corticosteroid Injections
Mechanism	Reduces pain and inflammation by blocking prostaglandins.	Blocks pain signals to the brain; no anti-inflammatory effect.	Locally reduces pain and inflammation with minimal systemic effects.	Potent, locally injected anti-inflammatory.
Onset	Approximately 30-60 minutes.	Varies, but generally similar to oral NSAIDs.	Varies, with some relief possible within hours of application.	Immediate, temporary relief from local anesthetic, with full effect in 2-3 days.
Duration	4-12 hours, depending on the drug.	4-6 hours.	Consistent use provides sustained relief.	Weeks to months.
Pros	Addresses both pain and inflammation. Readily available.	Safer for some individuals than NSAIDs.	Localized action with fewer systemic side effects.	Rapid, powerful relief for severe inflammation.
Cons	Risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney side effects.	No anti-inflammatory effect; risk of liver damage with high doses.	May not reach deep-seated pain; skin irritation possible.	Can weaken tendons with overuse; temporary side effects like pain at injection site.

Conclusion

Understanding what to take for shoulder pain requires a careful consideration of the source of the pain and the different pharmacological options available. While OTC medications can effectively manage mild cases, persistent or severe pain may necessitate stronger prescription drugs or targeted injections. These treatments are often combined with other non-medical strategies, such as physical therapy, rest, and hot/cold therapy, to provide comprehensive relief and recovery. Always consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the safest and most effective course of treatment for your specific condition.

For more in-depth information and when to seek professional help, consider reviewing resources such as the Mayo Clinic's guide to shoulder pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

For inflammatory shoulder pain, such as from tendonitis or bursitis, oral or topical NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac gel) are often recommended as they address both pain and inflammation. A doctor may also suggest a corticosteroid injection for more severe inflammation.

Combining acetaminophen and an NSAID is generally not recommended without a doctor's supervision. Taking both simultaneously can increase the risk of side effects, especially those affecting the liver and kidneys. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on managing combined pain relief.

OTC medications are intended for short-term use. Oral NSAIDs should typically not be used for more than two weeks without a doctor's approval. If your shoulder pain persists despite self-care measures, it is important to see a healthcare provider.

Topical pain relievers generally have fewer systemic side effects than oral medications because they are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. However, they may not be effective for pain in deeper tissues and can cause local skin irritation.

A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection if your shoulder pain is severe, persistent, and caused by significant inflammation that has not responded to other conservative treatments. These injections are often reserved for conditions like frozen shoulder or severe impingement.

Muscle relaxants may be helpful for shoulder pain that is associated with muscle tension or spasms around the joint. They are available by prescription and are often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Yes, many non-pharmacological options can help manage shoulder pain, including rest, applying ice or heat, physical therapy, and gentle stretching. A healthcare provider can help integrate these into a comprehensive treatment plan.