Back Pain Relief: What Back Pain Medications Are Best?

Back pain is often initially managed with medication. There are four basic categories of medications prescribed for the treatment of common back pain. These include:
• Non-narcotic pain relievers
• Narcotic pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants

Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers
Non-narcotic pain relievers are the most commonly used pain management strategy in the early stages of back pain treatment. Medications in this class include Aleve, aspirin, and prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as MOBIC, Celebrex, and Bextra. The benefits of these medications are pain reduction and control of inflammation. Negative side effects might include upset stomach, liver damage, kidney damage, bladder problems, or allergic reactions. Oral steroids, such as a Medrol dose pack, are a more potent anti-inflammatory medication and are usually reserved for acute pain resulting from nerve irritation. Your medical doctor will be able to make recommendations for which pain reliever would be best for your particular condition.

Narcotic Pain Relievers
These medications are prescribed to control severe acute back pain. Medications in this class include Darvocet, Vicodin, and Lodine. Common side effects from these medications include drowsiness, impaired function, and the potential for physical and psychological dependence. These drugs should never be mixed with alcohol.

Muscle Relaxants
These medications are prescribed to assist with the reduction of muscle spasm commonly associated with back pain. Medications in this class include Valium, Flexeril, Soma, and Skelaxin. The most commonly reported side effects from these medications are drowsiness and potential impairment of function. Therefore, caution should be taken when driving a car or working in situations that require an alert state of mind.

Antidepressants
Chronic low back pain is known to cause depression, and depression makes it more difficult to deal with pain. Therefore, it is often important for low back pain and depression to be treated simultaneously for treatment to be successful. Antidepressants, such as Elavil (amytriptiline), Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin, are often prescribed in low dosages to elevate the mood and restore restful sleep. These medications may cause drowsiness or other reactions. Your medical doctor should help you choose a medication that is best for your particular case.

Despite the potential benefit of back pain relief, the use of medications to manage back pain DOES NOT correct the underlying cause of the problem. The Erase Your Back Pain program’s primary goal is to uncover the cause of the problem and then to fix it. Get all the details here ⇒ No More Back Pain!

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Dedicated To Erasing Your Back Pain,

Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc
Clinical Specialist
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy