Do you really need to have prepper pain meds? Many people have this common misconception that pain relief medications and other entities which can help ease pain are not necessary when prepping for a disaster. They believe that a first-aid kit is all they need– wrong! Once the adrenaline simmers, aches and pains start to creep from injury, disease, exhaustion and nerves. Even the toughest person can be taken down by migraine or any injuries incurred while on the run. With this in mind, we have come up with a list of must-have prepper pain meds and other alternative sources for your pain management treatment.

1. Non-Opioids Analgesics and NSAIDs

When it comes to procurement, the easiest to buy are non-opioid analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (commonly called as NSAIDs) and paracetamol. Aspirin (see above) are known to deliver instantaneous relief from fever, migraine and tension headache, tissue injury, inflammation, menstrual pain in women, arthritis, gout and so on. These non-opioid pain meds work by decreasing production of prostaglandins, a chemical compound in the body that increases inflammation leading to painful sensations and fever. Be reminded though that aspirin is known for its anti-clotting properties thus, must be taken with care. When injured or have pre-existing blood condition, taking paracetamol for pain relief is the safer route as it also fends off prostaglandin production.

2. Opioids

Opioid medications are usually needed for more severe pain conditions. They work by binding opioid receptors in the body, spine and brain. This is done by fending off pain signals being sent from the body to the brain thereby, alleviating painful sensations in an almost instantaneous fashion. Unlike non-opioid pain medications, opioids normally require prescription from a licensed physician before being dispensed. They are noted to provide relief to more severe pain and are often prescribed within a limited usage as they can be addictive when not managed accordingly. They also pose serious side effects leading to more problems later on. Some of the commonly known opioid medications prescribed today are codeine, fentanyl (also in patch form), hydrocodone, oxycodone, acetaminophen, morphine, meperidine and naloxone.

3. Anesthetics (topical and local)

Topical or local anesthetics can also be packed up with your prepper bugout backpack. While there are those which can be orally taken (see HurriCaine Topical Anesthetic Gel), most popular topical anesthetics usually come in cream, foam (Theraworx Relief Fast-Acting Foam), ointments, lotions, aerosols and liquid spray forms. These are used to numb surface of a particular body part such as the legs and arms to provide instantaneous relief. These may also be used to provide pain relief to the nose, ear, anus, genital areas, throat, and so on. Aside from pain relief to minor cuts, bruises and scratches, these can also relieve itchiness from insect bites and stings, sunburn and minor burns. It can be applied on a wound’s triage for ease of cleansing and dressing requirements. While effect is almost instantaneous, so do their duration (at approximately 30minuntes). Examples of topical anesthetics are benzocaine, lidocaine, amethocaine/tetracaine, pramoxine, and so on.

4. All Natural Pain Relief

While non-opioids, NSAIDs, opioids, and topical anesthetics have noted expiration dates, there are also other sources which can be cultivated in your backyard or even indoors to provide all-natural pain relief. You can start an indoor or outdoor garden filled with arnica, German chamomile, boswellia, burdock root, camphor,clove, garlic and ginger, dandelion, devil’s claw, echinacea, holy basil, kava kava, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, witch hazel, wild lettuce, and so on. These are known to possess compounds that help fight not just pain but also insomnia and anxiety common during disasters and other respiratory conditions.

Don’t have much faith in your green thumb? Have a Plant Therapy Rapid Relief Synergy in your medicine cabinet and your bugout backpack for a pain aid companion.

There’s no limit on what prepper pain meds for you to pack-up when getting ready for any disaster. Some people even enroll in alternative pain relief classes like acupuncture, accupressure, hypnosis, Reiki healing, massage and aromatherapy, yoga and meditative techniques, and so on to provide more sources of healing and relief when the time comes. As always, it pays to be ready for whatever the future holds.