Back pain can be disabling! Even though not considered as a serious medical problem, it can interfere with normal activities and work. A number of medications for back pain – both over-the counter and doctor-prescribed have been developed in recent years to treat acute and chronic back pain. Each class of medications treats pain in different ways and in most cases; work in conjunction with other complementary systems like acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.
Topical Medications
Topical preparations are one of the most common and simplest forms of medications. They offer relief by stimulating nerve endings to alter sensations which alleviate pain and swelling without causing any of the ill-effects that are commonly experienced with oral preparations. Commonly available as sprays or creams, these medications have to be used prudently, particularly if the patient is suffering from some skin ailment or asthma.
Anti Inflammatory Medications
Pain in the lower back and muscle strains are treated with a class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These work by blocking the chemicals that are responsible for inflammation. These medicines are not expensive and are available without prescription. Some of the common ones include Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin. Although extremely effective in relieving acute back pain, it should be noted that extended use of NSAIDS may harm the kidneys and liver, in the long run.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to work well when used alongside muscle relaxants like benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work by lessening the muscle tone as well as the pain responses of the nervous system. They are particularly effective in treating muscle spasms, leading to better mobility, although they are prone to have side-effects like nausea and drowsiness, which may pose a problem for patients who drive or operate machines. The medication can be taken at night to ensure a pain-free sleep.
Pain Management
Paracetamol or acetaminophen, regarded as the wonder drug of the 20th century, is also one of the most widely used back pain medications. The drug has a number of advantages over other drugs in that it is not addictive; is relatively cheap; treats both mild and severe pain; and has practically no side-effects. Caution, however, should be exercised in patients suffering from liver impairment as an overdose of paracetamol can lead to more liver damage.
An important class of back pain medications used to treat both acute and chronic pain is the narcotics. Opiates (from plant source) and opioids (of synthetic origin) are the most common narcotic drugs. These work by interfering with the pain signals and altering the sensation of pain. Generally prescribed along with an NSAID, these are prescription drugs and are not advised for prolonged use as they cause intolerance or dependency. If long term-term use is unavoidable, different means of administration has to be followed. Narcotics also have side-effects like nausea, vomiting, disturbances in the gastro-intestinal tract, and in extreme cases, respiratory depression.
Medication For Disorders Associated With Back Pain
In addition to the main classes of back pain medications, a host of other drugs are also recommended. These include anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs as well as natural preparations. Besides pain relief, these medications also allay feelings of depression and anxiety in patients suffering from chronic pain. In most cases, the physician may prescribe a mix of drugs for achieving maximum benefit.
Risks Of Self Medication
Although there are volumes of information on back pain medications available on the internet, self medication should be strictly avoided in the treatment of back-pain. Many medications may provide instantaneous relief, but may not actually address the underlying cause of the problem. So one has to seek advice from a health care provider and also be familiar with the side-effects, risks of over-dose as well as the interactive effects of back pain medications with other medication.