Medication is often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Check with a doctor before taking drugs for pain relief. Certain medicines (even those sold over the counter) are unsafe during pregnancy, may conflict with other medications, may cause side effects, or may lead to liver damage.
Following are medications used to treat acute and chronic back pain:
Over-the-counter analgesics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, can be taken orally to reduce stiffness, swelling, and inflammation and to ease mild to moderate low back pain. Counter-irritants applied topically to the skin as a cream or spray can stimulate nerve endings in the skin to provide feelings of warmth or cold to dull the sense of pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow.
Anticonvulsants. These drugs are primarily used to treat seizures but may be useful in treating certain types of nerve pain. Anticonvulsants may also be prescribed with analgesics.
Antidepressants. Some antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, have been shown to relieve pain and assist with sleep. Antidepressants alter levels of brain chemicals to elevate mood and dull pain signals.
Opioids. Opioids like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine are often prescribed to manage severe acute and chronic back pain. They should only be used for a short period of time and under a physician's supervision. Side effects can include drowsiness, decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, and potential for addiction. Many specialists believe that chronic use of these drugs is detrimental to those with back pain, adding to depression and even increasing pain.
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