Back pain medication may provide immediate relief from intolerable pain. However, it is important to know that such medication does not address the underlying cause of the problem. Its job is to provide relaxation and comfort till healing takes place. If you suffer from this affliction, it’s only fair that you should know about the various medications used, their functions, benefits and evils too.
The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs, after taking a look at your past history, the symptoms of the disease and the duration. The most commonly prescribed medicines are:
Acetaminophen
Simply put, it’s a pain killer. It’s what doctors prescribe if your pain is of moderate degree and has not persisted for long. Its side effects are comparatively milder than other back pain medication. If you are intolerant to NSAIDs, then Acetaminophen may be an option for you, provided you do not have a kidney or liver problem. The unpleasant effects may be a rash or at the most nausea. It is commercially available in the name of Tylenol.
Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These drugs reduce pain and also take care of swelling as well as fever. Some over the counter NSAIDs are Ibuprofen, Naproxen and the known-to-all Aspirin. They may cause irritation of the stomach, ulcers, heartburn and rashes. Please remember not to take them for longer than a week to ten days, without consulting a doctor. Also, consult the physician if you have high blood pressure, liver problems, kidney disorder or anaemia. If you are pregnant, be further warned.
Muscle Relaxants
Commonly called sedatives, they are used on muscle spasms. It relaxes tensed muscles, decreases pain and imparts mobility. So you are relieved of the discomfort, enough to work on healing the injury by other methods. And now, note the nasty part if you are considering this type of back pain medication. Drug dependence and addiction may set in with long term use. Urine retention and drowsiness may occur. Dryness in the mouth is another discomfort. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or are suffering from depression. If you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, take medical advice before trying these medicines.
Opioids Or Narcotics
These are considered as the last resort in case of extreme pain. However, they are meant for short term relief and are not prescribed by doctors for more than 2 weeks. This is because they are highly addictive. Some side effects include confusion, nausea, urine retention, breathing difficulty and drowsiness. If taken for a long time, they can cause serious health problems. Drug dependency may also occur.
Anti Depressants
Used in low doses, they deal with chronic back pain by changing the brain’s perception of pain. If you are a heart patient, these are an absolute no. The side effects of some anti depressants are serious and include trembling, blurred vision, sexual dysfunctions, delirium and even suicidal tendencies. So if you are on this sort of back pain medication, strictly follow your doctor instructions.