Medications For Back Pain

Medications prove to be very beneficial for spine related pain conservative treatment. The main aim of these medications is to remove the condition by reducing pain and discomfort. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available which prove to be helpful in relieving pain.

The two types of over the counter medications commonly recommended are acetaminophen and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).

Acetaminophen: Tylenol is a well known medication containing acetaminophen as an active ingredient. Having an anti-inflammatory effect, it relieves pain by centrally switching off the perception of the pain. As acetaminophen is cleared through the liver, patients with liver disease should check with their physician before going for them.

NSAID's: These medications block the substances which dilute blood vessels that cause inflammation and pain. The most commonly used NSAID's are:- Over the counter NSAID's includes aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and ketoprofen.

- Prescription NSAID's includes naproxen, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, tolmetin,
- ketoprofen, nabumetone, and dexibuprofen indomethacin.
- Topical NSAID's includes gels, creams or patches which reduce arthritic pain thus posing less
- risk for gastrointestinal complications associated with oral NSAID's.
Other medications include:
Non-narcotic prescriptions pain medications: They are beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic pain. Tylenol and aspirin are most widely used over the counter analgesics.
Narcotic pain medications: Your doctor may prescribe a narcotic pain medication like codeine and morphine in case of severe pain. They help in relieving pain by acting as a numbing anesthetic agent for the central nervous system.

COX-2 inhibitors: Celecoxib, rofecoxib and valdecoxib are known as COX-2 inhibitors. They work by selectively blocking the formation of pain causing inflammatory chemicals. These are less harmful to gastrointestinal tract than common NSAID's.

Muscle relaxants: Muscle relaxants are helpful in relieving pain in case of muscle spasms. Combination of NSAID's and muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine and diazepam are used for patients with acute low back pain. However, muscle relaxants have a significant risk of depression and drowsiness.

Anti-depressants: Back pain can lead to emotional distress and depression. Anti-depressants help in relieving emotional stress related to back pain. Certain antidepressants like tricyclics can be effective painkillers in non-depressed people with chronic back pain. But, they also have some side effects.

All these medications are useful in relieving back pain. Patients can use any of them according to the type of back pain they are suffering from. Always use these medications under medical guidance to avoid any ill effects.