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Medication for Chronic Low Back Pain

A large number of people suffer from chronic low back pain. They place ice packs and heating pads on their sore muscles only to experience temporary relief. More active people may turn to exercise or physical therapy, but most resort to medications for an easy fix. There are several types of medications that counter the affects of chronic low back pain, but none are used to cure symptoms. Those using medications should use caution, as both non-prescription and prescription medications are only short-term remedies and can lose their effectiveness over time.

  1. Types

    • There are many types of medications on the market to alleviate chronic low back pain. Acetaminophen, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can easily be bought in a supermarket or drug store and don't require a doctor's prescription. Prescription medications, including muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants and opioids are used to treat more intense chronic pain and can only be obtained under a doctor's prescription and guided advice.

    Non-Prescription Medications

    • Non-prescription medications, commonly known as over-the-counter medications that primarily kill pain include aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and Nuprin), and Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan and Naprosyn). NSAIDs help soothe chronic low back pain and temporarily relieve swollen and stiff muscles. Other non-prescription medications include topical analgesics containing salicylates such as Ben Gay that offer deep warming relief and anti-inflammatory benefits to sore muscles.

    Prescription Medications

    • Prescription painkillers generally fall under muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, anti-seizure medications or opioids. Muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril or Skelaxin eliminate muscle spasms. Analgesics and opioids, such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Ultram, Codeine and Morphine, contain powerful narcotics, are prescribed only for debilitating pain, and should only be taken for a short time. COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex, is another type of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory prescription drug that minimizes inflammation and has fewer side effects than other NSAIDs.

    Side Effects

    • Analgesic narcotics and opioids, such as Codeine and Morphine, can affect a person's judgment, make him feel drowsy and slow his reactions. Side effects of acetaminophen could include nausea, low fever, pain in the stomach and loss of appetite. Side effects of ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can include chest pain, weakness, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, and speech, vision or balance problems, for example. Everyone taking these medications should read the labels thoroughly and talk to a pharmacist regarding potential side effects and interaction with other drugs.

    Warnings

    • A person taking over-the-counter or prescription medications for chronic low back pain should tell his doctor if he's taking any other prescription medications or herbal supplements, as some may interact negatively and cause complications to the body's delicate systems. Pain killers are generally not good for people and should be used sparingly. Medications for chronic low back pain will only help back pain symptoms and not cure them. Anyone can become dependent on painkillers, and they're very difficult to get off of.

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