what are pain killers

Painkillers, also known as analgesics, are medicines used to treat and relieve pain. They work by reducing the sensation of pain in different ways, depending on the type. There are three main types of painkillers: non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, and opioids. NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by blocking enzymes involved in inflammation, paracetamol works mostly in the brain to reduce pain and fever, and opioids bind to receptors in the nervous system to reduce pain perception and increase pain tolerance. Painkillers can be taken orally, by injection, as suppositories, or applied topically in creams or patches. They are commonly used to treat various types of pain, such as headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, or injury-related pain.