Is it true that acetaminophen is better than hydrocodone for treating some kinds of pain?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) vs. Narcotic: Tylenol is an over the counter readily available pain medicine for mild to moderate pain. Narcotics are prescribed for more severe pain. Their mechanisms of action are quite different. Both have risks/side effects. Sometimes these medications are prescribed combined in a pill such as Norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) (acetaminophen & hydrocodone) due to synergistic effects.

Safer but not better: Acetaminophen is associated with less risk compared to hydrocodone which is a narcotic and associated with dependence, tolerance as well as addiction.