Back pain can be debilitating at any age. Whether it's the pain that comes from an auto accident, sports injury or household fall, or the pain that the aging process, people who suffer from back pain need relief. Rest and exercise are two ways to help an ailing back, but pain medications can be useful in treating back problems.
Acetaminophen
This is the most popular non-prescription back-pain medication. Acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory. It works with the brain by switching off the perception of pain. You can take 1,000 mg of acetaminophen in a four-hour period and as much as 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Among the benefits of acetaminophen are the facts that it is non-addictive and it does not upset the stomach,
Narcotics
When you are in severe pain due to your back injury, your doctor may prescribe a narcotic to help you cope with your discomfort. Narcotics have a dissociative effect that helps to separate you from your pain. Narcotics that are most prescribed include codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and propoxyphene. These drugs can be addictive and should usually not be taken for more than two weeks.
Oral steroids
Oral steroids help you overcome significant back pain by working as a strong anti-inflammatory medication. They are intended for use over a short period of time. They usually come in a dose package called Medrol that will be used for about five days. A high amount of medication is used on the first day and the amount gradually is reduced over the next four days. Short-term use of oral steroids is usually safe, but weight gain, stomach ulcers and osteoporosis are associated with long-term use of steroids. Those with diabetes should never use oral steroids because the medication increases blood sugar.
Muscle relaxers
Muscle relaxers are sedatives that act centrally in the brain to ease pressure on the muscles. Muscle relaxers work best in the early stages of back pain. They are particularly effective at helping to loosen muscle spasms. Carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine and diazepam are the most frequently prescribed muscle relaxers. Carisoprodol is prescribed in 350 mg doses every eight hours and can be addictive. Cyclobenzaprine can be used on a longer-term basis and is chemically similar to anti-depressants even though it is not one. It is prescribed in doses of 10 mg every six hours. Side effects include impairment of physical function and an enlarged prostate. Diazepam is designed for short-term use because it is quite addictive. It is effective at relieving low back-pain over a short-term period but it can make those with depression even worse and alter sleep patterns..
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
These medications reduce inflammation, one of the most common causes of back pain. NSAIDs limit the formation of inflammation, but have less of an impact on the stomach than other medications. Some of the most effective NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors. Ibuprophen and naproxen are available both over-the-counter and through presciption, while COX-2 inhibitors are available by prescription.
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