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BACK PAIN MEDICATIONS
Every year, millions of prescriptions are written for pain medicine and many of them are powerful opioids that can help but must be monitored because they can cause addiction and other side effects. However, there are many other medicines and treatments available for pain.
Medications play an important part in stopping Back Pain
Medications for Back Pain
Pain that won’t go away is more than frustrating and can be harmful to your health and well-being. Also, it can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, eating right, and exercising. Furthermore, it can affect your mood and work and can keep you from spending time with your friends and family. If you’re one of 100 million Americans with long-term pain, also called chronic pain, you know how bad it can be.
When taken properly, mild pain medication can reduce back pain. Although pain medicines cannot stop the effects of aging and wear and tear on the spine, they can control pain. If you are pregnant, you should not take these drugs unless you have discussed them with your doctor.
Points to Consider:
- Medications should be used wisely. Take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor and report any side effects.
- Some pain medicine is highly addictive.
- Pain medication becomes less effective for controlling chronic pain when used over a long period.
- Medication will not “cure” pain of degenerative origin.
Medicine Prescribed for Back Pain Include
- aspirin
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- COX-2 Inhibitors
- non-narcotic prescription pain medicine
- narcotic pain medicine
- muscle relaxants
- anti-depressants
Questions and Answers
What are some over-the-counter medications for back pain?
Over-the-counter medications commonly used for back pain relief include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
What are the main types of prescription medications for back pain?
Prescription medications for back pain may include muscle relaxants, opioid analgesics, corticosteroids, or anti-seizure medications. It’s important to note that the specific medication prescribed will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain, as well as individual factors.
Are muscle relaxants effective for back pain?
Muscle relaxants can be helpful in relieving back pain caused by muscle spasms. They work by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Examples of muscle relaxants include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and methocarbamol (Robaxin).
Are opioids commonly prescribed for back pain?
Opioid analgesics are generally not recommended as first-line treatment for back pain due to their potential for dependence and side effects. They may be considered in certain cases of severe, chronic pain when other treatments have failed. However, it’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits with a spine specialist.
Can corticosteroids help with back pain?
Corticosteroids, commonly referred to as steroids, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can help alleviate back pain in certain circumstances. When administered as injections directly into the affected area of the spine, such as the epidural space or around irritated nerves, corticosteroids can effectively reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. However, it’s important to note that while corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief from back pain, they are not a long-term solution and should be used judiciously under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Additionally, corticosteroids carry potential risks and side effects, including elevated blood sugar levels, weight gain, and weakened bones, so their use should be carefully considered and monitored. Overall, corticosteroid injections can be a valuable tool in managing back pain when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Aspirin
Aspirin compounds are over-the-counter medications that can help relieve minor pain and backache. With excessive amounts of aspirin, people can develop stomach problems — namely ulcers with or without bleeding.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include over-the-counter pain relievers. At one time, these medications were only available by prescription. Today these drugs are very effective in relieving the pain associated with muscle strain and inflammation. On the other hand, the public should be aware that NSAIDs can decrease renal function in older patients. Hence, excessive use can lead to kidney problems.
COX-2 Inhibitors
A new class of NSAIDs is gaining wide acceptance for its ability to reduce inflammation. Commonly called COX-2 inhibitors, these newer NSAIDs work by blocking the formation of pain-causing inflammatory chemicals. Additionally, COX-2 inhibitors appear to be easier on the stomach, mainly because they don’t interrupt stomach enzymes like traditional NSAIDs.
Non-narcotic Prescription Pain Medications
Non-narcotic analgesics (pain relievers) are ideal in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic pain. For example, Tylenol (TM) and aspirin are the most widely used over-the-counter analgesics.
Narcotic Pain Medications
If you experience severe pain, your doctor might prescribe a narcotic. Moreover, narcotics relieve pain by acting as a numbing agent to the central nervous system. However, the strength and length of pain relief differ for each drug. For instance, narcotics can have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sedation. Above all, remember that narcotics can be addictive if used excessively or improperly.
Muscle Relaxants
If you are having muscle spasms, muscle relaxants may help relieve pain. They have only been shown to be partly effective. Muscle relaxants also have a significant risk of drowsiness and depression. Long-term use is not suggested, only three to four days is recommended.
Anti-depressants
Back pain is a common symptom of depression and could be an indicator of its presence. Similarly, back pain can lead to distress and depression. It seems that the same chemical reactions in the nerve cells that trigger depression also control the pain pathways in the brain. Anti-depressants can relieve the stress associated with back pain. Some anti-depressant medicines seem to reduce pain — probably because they affect this chemical reaction in the nerve cells.
Some types of anti-depressants make good sleeping medications. If you are having trouble sleeping due to your back pain, your doctor may prescribe an anti-depressant to help you get back to a normal sleep routine. Anti-depressants can have side effects such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth, and fatigue.
We will Safely Care for You
Our top goals at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute with offices in Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas are your health and safety. In our hospitals, surgery centers, and in-person clinics, we are prepared to care for you and your family. You don’t have to make decisions alone if you need help to stop back pain. One of our primary duties is to help you learn about the pros and cons of medical procedures and medicines to help you. Our staff remains available to answer questions, provide support, and reassure you that you are receiving the best possible medicines and care for your back or neck pain.
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If you or a loved one suffers from spinal pain, you owe it to yourself to call Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment.