Lower back pain is a common problem faced by people after a certain age. Women are more prone to this condition due to pregnancy. The condition can be debilitating and needs to be treated on time to prevent permanent damage to the muscles and spine. There are quite a few pain medications and OTC drugs that are used to control lower back pain. But these are temporary solutions and the pain almost always comes back with even more seriousness until you do something about it. Lower back pain needs a combination of exercise, medications and physical therapy in order to create a lasting effect.
Mentioned below are some of the common pain relievers and muscle relaxants that can be used for lower back pain. For chronic lower back pain, these may not be a solution as long term use can cause severe side effects.
1. OTC Drugs for Pain Relief
Most people resort to the use of over- the- counter pain relievers for lower back pain. Though provide instant relief to the patient, albeit for a short while.
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for pain relief are naproxen sodium (Aleve) aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) etc. These medications are also anti inflammatory in nature and can relieve inflammations and swelling associated with back pain. Although NSAIDs are comparatively safe when taken for a short while, they can cause side effects like ulcers of the stomach, bleeding and pain. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause heart ailments if taken for a long time. Therefore, make sure that you consult a doctor about long term treatment with NSAIDs.
2. Prescription NSAIDs
Acetaminophen is a medicine that can be taken for pain relief. It does not pose stomach upsets like the other NSAIDs. However, this medicine does not have anti inflammatory properties and will not reduce swelling. Acetaminophen must not be taken in excess as it can lead to liver damage.
3. Narcotic or Opioid Medications for Pain Relief
Opioid medications work on the pain by blocking the message send to the brain. Medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine are drugs that come under this category. These drugs are normally administered when a person has severe lower back pain. Due to this reason they can be used only for short term relief and under the guidance of a doctor. Side effects associated with opoid medications are constipation and extreme drowsiness. One must be careful before using such drugs and patient must follow doctors advice there are some guides to provide more information on these topics, such as a guide to understanding hydrocodone abuse.
4. Medications for Relaxing Muscles
Muscles relaxants are used when the lower back pain surfaces along with muscles spasms and muscle strains. These drugs work on the central nervous system to relieve the spasms. But taking these drugs on a long term basis is not recommended as they can be addictive and they also lose their efficiency in relaxing the muscles. The side effects associated with muscles relaxants are giddiness and sedation. The muscle relaxants that are commonly used are diazepam (Valium) or cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).
Sometimes doctors prescribe combination medications that actually give better results than using a single medication for treatment. This would include a combination of muscle relaxants along with an NSAID drug or acetaminophen for a short period. But these treatments too must be undertaken with caution as they can increase the risk of side effects caused due to the combination of two potent medications.
5. Antidepressants for Pain Relief
Drugs like Duloxetine which are used for treating depression are sometimes administered for lower back pain that is chronic in nature, musculoskeletal pain and pain caused due to osteoarthritis. Amitriptyline and desipramine which are tricyclic anti depressants are given in low doses for treating lower back pain. Side effects for these medications include dryness of the mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and loss of appetite.
6. Anti-epileptic Drugs for Pain Relief
Neurontin and Lyrica are drugs that are used for treating seizures and shingles. They are effective as medications for lower back pain as well. The block the signals from the nerves to the brain. Again, these are not without side effects and cause dizziness, sedation and drowsiness. These drugs may also not work on all people with lower back pain.
7. Steroid Injections for Pain Relief
Steroids are injected into the spinal cord to relieve severe pain and inflammation. They are however short term treatments as they can weaken the resistance of a person if used for long time. Lower back pain that is caused due to tension in the muscles are sometimes treated with Botox injections as well. These injections may cause permanent side effects like paralysis of the involved muscles.
