Traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated for surgical or short-term posttraumatic analgesia. Selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors (coxibs) do not inhibit platelets and can be used in these settings. Coxibs reduce sensitization of the nervous system. The use of coxibs as part of a multimodal analgesia results in a reduction in the amount of opioids needed to control pain. Reduced opioid toxicity may hasten recovery.