Back pain medication has been used by millions to prevent and reduce back ache. While some medicines are available over the counter, others can be procured only with a doctor’s prescription. Different types of medication include analgesics, anticonvulsants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and opioids.
Analgesics: Designed specifically to relieve pain, these include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin, both available over-the-counter. Prescription narcotics include oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet) and hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin). Narcotics are recommended only for a short while after surgery. In some cases, people prefer topical analgesics like creams, salves, and ointments. Topical analgesics include Ben Gay, Icy Hot, and Zostrix.
Anticonvulsants: Treating back pain or primarily nerve pain with anticonvulsants is common and can also be prescribed with analgesics. Often known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or antiseizure drugs (ASDs), the goal of an anticonvulsant is to stop the excessive firing of neurons that start seizure. Drugs such as aldehydes (Paraldehyde), aromatic allylic alchohol (Stiripentol), barbiturates (Phenobarbital, Methylphenobarbital, Methabarbital, and Barbexaclone), and several others come under this category.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): When used as back pain medication, these are known to block substances known as prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain. Non-prescription drugs include ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT or Actron) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Prescription NSAIDS include naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn) and celecoxib (Celebrix). Some side effects are stomach ulcers and other disorders, heartburn, fluid retention, and diarrhea. It has been noted that some respond better to one NSAID than another. COX-2 inhibitors are designed to prevent stomach ulcers. It is always better to check with your doctor before using NSAIDs, especially when you are on some other medication. If you are over 65 years of age with history of ulcers, it is best to avoid using them altogether.
Antidepressants: Studies are still being conducted to verify pain relief properties of some new drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline and desipramine) successfully relieve aches and help one to sleep better when used as a back pain medication.
Opioids: Drugs like morphine, hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone are often prescribed to manage chronic backache. It is important to note that these should be used only for a short period of time and under the supervision of a doctor. Excessive use of these drugs can lead to impaired judgment, drowsiness, and decreased reaction time. It is also very addictive.
Though pain is not to be ignored, it is the body’s way of warning you against further damage. If you block pain signals, you can easily aggravate your injury without knowing it. This is the danger while using drugs for backaches, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, which are generally used as pain killers. While back pain medication does relieve pain, many specialists hesitate prescribing them as overuse of these drugs could be detrimental in the long run.