The Essential Guide to OTC Pain Relief

From muscle aches to menstrual cramps, pains come in a variety of types. And if you've ever tried, say, ibuprofen to ease sinus pressure and found no ease in sight, that's because you used the wrong active ingredient, which is understandable. It can be all kinds of confusing to sleuth out the right remedy. Why? Pain relievers, unlike ponchos, are not one size fits all. Selecting the most effective soother can help you treat pain at the source. You can more reliably feel better by knowing the ins and outs of the active ingredient that's best for treating a particular kind of ache. And whatever OTC remedy you take, you want to feel confident it's free of potentially harmful ingredients that many manufacturers put in common meds.

Which is why Welly's new Welly Remedies are such a welcome addition to the pain aisle at Target as well as Target.com. Not only are they clearly labeled and color-coded to tell you exactly what's in them and what their science-backed, trusted ingredients do (so you don't need an M.D. to decode them), but you can rest assured knowing they're free from extras like synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, parabens, and talc.

No doubt you're familiar with the three most commonly used active ingredients in OTC pain relievers. But you may not know that each one works differently in how it addresses your pain. Trust: You'll want to keep this info handy.   

Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain and fever but not for swelling and inflammation. Acetaminophen works by reducing pain signals within the nervous system, as opposed to at the site of the injury itself, according to the Cleveland Clinic. (If you have liver disease, check with your doctor before use, as acetaminophen in high doses has been linked to liver damage, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.)

Ibuprofen is a type of fast-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which can be used to treat pain and reduce fever. Ibuprofen is often recommended for pain conditions caused by inflammation and swelling (like muscle pain or menstrual cramps). (One downside of NSAIDs, is that they can cause an upset stomach, according to the Mayo Clinic.)

Particular meds will be more effective because of how they work on your pain, though personal preference also plays a role. Here's what's recommended for five common bothers.

Headache: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both effective for headache pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, so choose one based on whether you have other symptoms or based on your past experience with either drug.

Try: Welly Pain & Fever Reliever: Acetaminophen or Welly Pain & Fever Reliever: Ibuprofen

Fever: Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help bring down a fever, although the National Institutes of Health cites ibuprofen as slightly more effective. However, if you're also dealing with cold and flu symptoms, you'll want to look for a remedy that contains cough-suppressing medication like Dextromethorphan HBr.

Try: Welly Nighttime Cold & Flu Reliever softgels 

Sinus congestion & pain: Sinus congestion makes your head feel like you're carrying the weight of the world, thanks to the inflammation caused by your swollen sinuses, says the Cleveland Clinic. Reach for a medicine containing acetaminophen to help with your headache pain as well as a nasal decongestant like Phenylephrine HCl to help relieve your sinus congestion and pain.

Try: Welly Sinus Congestion Clearer 

Back pain and muscle pain: These two types of common pain are caused by inflammation, so NSAIDs are going to be your BFF for managing them like a boss, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If the pain is acute (i.e., it starts suddenly and lasts less than a few weeks), ibuprofen is your best bet. If it's chronic (i.e., it lasts longer than a few months despite treatment), then Naproxen might be your best bet.

Try: Welly Pain & Fever Reliever: Ibuprofen 

Period pain: Menstrual cramps are caused by an increase in your body's production of prostaglandins—hormone-like chemicals that are also responsible for pain and inflammation. They trigger the muscle contractions in the uterus that cause it to expel its lining and begin to bleed. Because of this uptick in inflammation, the experts at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say ibuprofen is a stellar choice for this type of pain, as it helps to reduce your body's production of prostaglandins.

Try: Welly Pain & Fever Reliever: Ibuprofen