Narcotic vs. Non-narcotic Pain Study Protocol

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients undergoing elective a primary carpal tunnel release will be considered eligible Exclusion Criteria: * Patients wil be excluded for any of the following: * previously enrolled in this study (for carpal tunnel surgery on the other hand); * history of chronic opioid use; * documented or suspected substance abuse; * individuals currently on daily use of ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other pain altering medication including medications like Neurontin (gabapentin) and Ultram (tramadol) * individuals with documented or suspected chronic pain syndrome; * reported allergy or adverse reaction to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen; * those with a history or symptoms of any significant medical problem in the last year (i.e., arrhythmia, impaired cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, renal disease); * patients with active peptic ulcer disease (history of severe heartburn); * symptoms of infection with initial enrollment; * pregnant or lactating women; * those with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment; * patients unable or unwilling to provide informed consent for surgery or enrollment in a clinical trial; * patients unable or unwilling to fill out the forms or understand the consent form * prior carpal tunnel surgery on the hand to be operated on * individuals currently taking Coumadin, Plavix, or medications that increase bleeding; or * patients with other medical or psychological health conditions that preclude then f…