6 Types of Medication for Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem seen throughout the world. Acute back pain lasts less than four weeks, subacute back pain lasts four to twelve weeks, and chronic back pain lasts longer than twelve weeks. Some injuries may require no medication and others may require medication. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual and no two people will be identical in their treatment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used for acute back pain. These include NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications are helpful but need to be taken with care. Follow the directions to ensure safe ingestion of these medications. Another over-the-counter option is acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is not an NSAID, but it can help patients with acute back pain. If these medications are not working, talk to a healthcare professional about other options.

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants can be used for patients who are not getting pain relief from over-the-counter medications. Muscle relaxants can help reduce skeletal muscle spasms, relieve pain, and improve mobility in the affected muscles. [1] Some common muscle relaxers are cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, and baclofen. Muscle relaxers may cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or depression. When not taken properly these medications can be lethal.

Topical Pain Relievers

Topical pain relievers can be helpful depending on the pain you are experiencing. Common topical options include Icy Hot, Gold Bond, lidocaine patches, and diclofenac. [1] Before using a topical pain reliever for the first time, test a small amount on a small area of skin to make sure you are not allergic to it. Some of these medications may cause allergic reactions and it is much easier to treat a small surface area than a large area like the back. If the over the counter topical pain relievers are not working there are prescription level topical pain relievers your physician may be able to prescribe for you.

Opioids

The strongest medications that may be used for back pain are opioids. These include oxycodone and hydrocodone. They are highly addictive and have been proven not to work well for chronic back pain. [2] These medications are commonly used after surgery to help reduce pain. Opioid prescriptions are typically kept short to avoid dependence.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs

Anti-epileptic drugs may be used to help calm nerve pain. Nerve pain can be treated with gabapentin, carbamazepine, topiramate, and others. [3] These medications work by changing how easily and how often nerve endings fire. These medications have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, confusion, and sometimes loss of balance.

Antidepressants

The last type of pain medication that may be used for your back pain is antidepressants. Some antidepressants have been shown to relieve chronic back pain. [2] Medications shown to do this include duloxetine and amitriptyline. These medications work by increasing chemicals in the back that have been shown to reduce pain signals. They may take several days before you begin to see positive results with these medications.

Conclusion

No matter which medication you are taking for your back pain, it is very important to follow the directions. Medications are generally safe when following instructions. If you experience side effects from these medications, tell your healthcare provider. Some people may need medications to treat their back pain and other people may be able to manage with other forms of therapy. Find a balance that works for you.