A lot of people turn to medication as the first step in seeking back pain relief. There are a lot of medications available today that can be taken to successfully treat back pain. The type of medication you need depends on the type of pain you you are experiencing.
Back Pain Medication Options
The majority of the patients who experience back pain often try over-the-counter medications before going to the doctor. A patient should experience what has and has not worked before going to a physician. The more information you can give your physician, the easier it will be for them to determine which medication is right for you.
Common back pain relief medications include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen, which is commonly referred to as Tylenol, is widely available and highly effective for many patients. This is cheap a cheap medication, but incredibly safe when taken in recommended doses. However, taking more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen a day can be toxic to your liver.
On the other hand, NSAIDs such as Motrin, Advil, and Alleve target pain that affects bones and muscles. They are available without prescription. Since NSAIDS provide additional anti-inflammatory components, they are very effective in treating back pain.
Take note, however, that these medications should only be taken for short amount of time. Long term use of pain medication can lead to serious side effects, such as kidney failure, stomach ulceration, and bleeding. It can also worsen a patient’s current condition, such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
Your physician may also prescribe narcotic painkillers that can target the muscles directly rather than the central nervous system. Codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are samples of such medication. This type of painkiller should only be taken for a short period of time since it can be habit-forming. Narcotic medication may cause constipation, confusion, nausea, decreased respiration, and allergic reactions.
Spine Center of Texas strongly advises people with back pain to always consult a doctor before taking any type of medication for back pain.
