Pain Medicine for Chronic Upper Back Pain

Chronic upper back pain effects the thoracic region of the spine. Pain in this area can be caused by muscle aches, arthritis or even a herniated disc. These injuries often occur as a result of overuse of the muscles, falls or car accidents. There are a number of medications that can alleviate chronic back pain.

Types of Medicines

• Doctors usually recommend the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen for temporarily relief of chronic upper back pain, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These medications can usually be taken every four to six hours.

Other Types of Medicines

• A doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or an epidural steroid injection if a person's chronic back pain is more severe.

Considerations

• Certain antidepressant drugs such as doxepin, amitriptyline and nortriptyline have been know to be effective in treating chronic back pain, according to Webmd.com.

Effects of Prolotherapy

• Prolotherapy can be used effectively for all types of chronic joint pain. Doctors typically inject a person with an inflammatory agent which increases the production of connective tissue--collagen. Collagen is known to tighten tendons, discs or ligaments that may be causing the chronic back pain.

Warning

• It is always best to consult with your doctor before taking any medications for chronic back pain.