What is the best pain relief medication for a shoulder strain?

Shoulder strains and other shoulder pain can be treated with ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, according to WebMD. Corticosteroid injections can often relieve shoulder pain associated with arthritis, and muscle relaxers can also be helpful.

Injuries to the shoulder sometimes require immobilization through use of a sling, as Drugs.com explains. Immobilization may be required for anywhere from one to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Treating the shoulder with rest, ice, compression and elevation, a combination often referred to as "RICE," may reduce pain, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pain-relief creams containing diclofenac diethylamine may also help.