Industrial Medicine and Acute Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2. Medications for the Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain

Sullivan WJ, Panagos A, Foye PM, Sable AW, Irwin RW, Zuhosky JP. Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 2. Medications for the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain.This self-directed learning module highlights medications used in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain in the context of industrial rehabilitation. It is part of the study guide on industrial rehabilitation medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article compares various skeletal muscle relaxants, addresses issues related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, provides an algorithm for acute pain management in an injured worker, and discusses topical medications for the treatment of pain.Overall Article ObjectiveTo summarize medication options in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain in the setting of injured workers.