This is a good point. For inflammation-type pain, paracetamol or NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be remarkably effective. For neuropathic pa

This is a good point. For inflammation-type pain, paracetamol or NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be remarkably effective. For neuropathic pain, gabapentoids are likely a better first-line treatment, with SNRIs (Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) or TCAs (tricyclics) as second-line. There are of course many people for whom opioids are appropriate, but they should only be used where less potentially harmful medications have been tried first. My understanding of the situation in the US is that they are often prescribed as 1st-line treatments, or inappropriately after surgeries where NSAIDs would be more appropriate.