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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,
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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.
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