Pain Management With Medication

Pain Medication Options And Side Effects

By Jarrett Kruse

If you choose to seek back pain relief through a program of pain management without medication, a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or one of several types of pain management specialists may be the solution to relieving your back pain. If you and your health care provider decide on a course of pain management with medication, you still have a few choices to make. Both over the counter medication and prescription medication can be effective in treating back pain.

Over the counter or prescription medications can be useful tools in combating back pain.  Here’s a summary of medication options.

Over the counter:

  • Aspirin. Used for decades as both an anti-inflammatory drug and a pain reliever, aspirin still provides relief to millions of sufferers of minor aches and pains.
  • Ibuprofen. This drug has many brand names including Motrin and Advil. In addition, many store and generic versions exist.
  • Acetaminophen. The most common brand name is Tylenol, but other brands exist. This is also an anti-inflammatory drug that relives pain..
  • Herbal remedies. A number of herbal remedies exist to treat back pain Some of the most popular are arnica, and compounds made with oregano or turmeric.

Prescription:

  • Pain relievers. These are used to reduce pain, often right after an injury, so that the patient can rest and heal without pain. Some pain killers are narcotic and only meant for short-term use. Prescription painkillers include such drugs as Tylenol with codeine, Darvaset, Ultracet, Percodan and Percoset and Vicodin.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs. These are used to reduce inflammation of the affected areas while you heal. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs include Volatren. Mobic, Arava, Naprosyn and prescription strength ibuprofen.
  • Muscle relaxers. Back pain is often accompanied by tightness and muscle spasm. Prescription muscle relaxers include Valium, Flexeril, Skelaxin, and Ativan

Common side effects for these prescription drugs include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and a funny taste in the mouth. Consult your doctor before taking any medication, and ask for a change of prescription if you experience side effects.