The strongest painkiller for shoulder pain is opioids (Narcotic painkillers) and Prescription NSAID medications.
Narcotic painkillers like Opioids may be prescribed in some cases for shoulder pain, as a result of extreme acute trauma or post surgery recovery, although the opioid narcotic painkillers are rarely prescribed or use for any standard chronic shoulder pain as a result of high risks.
Prescription NSAIDs are stronger oral anti-inflammatory medications like meloxicam or even higher dose diclofenac that is prescribed by a doctor for the shoulder pain.
For shoulder pain that occurs due to severe joint inflammation corticosteroid injections can be administered by a doctor to drastically reduce the severe joint inflammation and help stop the shoulder pain.
Other good painkillers for shoulder pain are topical gels like Voltaren and Over the counter NSAIDs.
Topical gels like Voltaren (diclofenac) can help shoulder pain as it targets the local inflammation right at your shoulder with less body wide side effects.
And over the counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which includes Motrin and Advil for example, and even naproxen (Aleve), can help to reduce any joint pain, joint swelling and shoulder pain.
You can also help get rid of and stop shoulder pain by using ice packs and resting the shoulder.
Avoid any movements or heavy lifting that trigger or worsen the shoulder pain.
And apply ice packs or cold packs for 15 minutes to 20 minutes several times a day to the shoulder pain to numb any sharp pain and lower swelling.
Also support your posture and keep your shoulders relaxed and down and also avoid any slouching which also places more pressure on the joint.
While not all shoulder pain is anything to worry about and often goes away with at home treatment and rest, you should seek medical care right away if your shoulder pain is caused by any major injuries or if you experience any of the following.
If you notice or experience any pain that doesn't improve after a couple of days of home care, have any fever, numbness or tingling down your arm, sudden swelling, bruising or visible deformity and or an inability to move your arm, seek medical attention immediately.