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Common Medications for Chronic Lower Back Pain

Back pain that lasts three months or longer is considered chronic back pain. It can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. Chronic back pain can lead to depression, feelings of helplessness and anger. There are many ways to treat the pain and medications can be hit or miss depending on the type and cause of the pain. You may need to try different medications at different phases to find a treatment that works for you.

  1. Acetaminophen

    • Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever that may treat mild to moderate back pain. It usually works more efficiently during the first one to three months of pain. When taken correctly, side effects are rare and can include rash and nausea. However, as of August 2009, the FDA is considering lowering the recommended dosage of acetaminophen because large doses can cause liver damage. You should not take acetaminophen if you have kidney or liver disease or consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day.

    NSAIDs

    • The most common over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are ibuprofen , aspirin, and naproxen sodium. There are also many prescription-strength NSAIDs including stronger versions of ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is a blood thinner and should be used with caution. It also should never be given to anyone under 20. NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain by blocking enzymes and proteins in the body. Common symptoms are upset stomach, ulcers, heartburn and rash.

    Muscle Relaxants

    • Muscle relaxants depress the central nervous system and work well on back pain resulting from muscle spasms. Although these drugs may relieve pain and improve the overall condition, they have many side effects and are addictive. They shouldn't be used long-term. Muscle relaxers cause drowsiness and slow response so avoid while driving or operating heavy equipment. They can also cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth.

    Opiates

    • Opiates are best for acute back pain but can be used for brief periods during painful flare-ups of chronic back pain. They are highly addictive and should be used only under supervision of a medical professional. The most commonly prescribed opiates are codeine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, all of which contain acetaminophen and should be used with caution. Never take more than the prescribed dose and do not combine with other over-the-counter medications with acetaminophen. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation and confusion.

    Antidepressants

    • Low doses of antidepressants called tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants can be used to relieve pain. These medications alter brain chemistry and change the way the brain relates to pain. Antidepressants can cause more side effects than other methods of pain management, including upset stomach, blurred vision, fatigue, shaking, low blood pressure, sexual dysfunction and increased thoughts of suicide. They need to build up in the system over a period of weeks to reach full effectiveness and should not be abruptly stopped. They cannot be used by people with heart problems.

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