What is
Medication
Physicians may prescribe or recommend one or more of various types of back pain medications to treat a variety of back pain or neck pain problems. The medications may be taken orally or possibly injected.
Back pain medications may be included in the treatment of almost all painful spine conditions including acute pain, chronic pain, herniated disc, disc degeneration, whiplash, facet and sacroiliac joint pain, stenosis, spondylolisthesis and others.
How to Use Medication for Spine-Related Pain
- It is important that you inform your doctor of any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter, herbals, vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements. Some of these may have an undesirable interaction with other back pain medications or influence their ability to help your problem.
- After your doctor has evaluated your condition, he/she may prescribe a back pain medication. Medications are almost always part of the treatment regimen for acute and chronic pain. There are a variety of options to choose from depending on
- There are a variety of options to choose from depending on each individual’s needs. Over the counter medication-these agents are readily available and frequently effective in mild to moderate pain. They include Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and numerous topical agents. These have been shown to be safe in most people at dosages approved for over-the-counter use.
- If your pain persists after physical therapy and oral medications, a steroid may be injected directly into a specific area of the spine, such as a facet joint.
- Often, back pain medication use is combined with physical therapy and/or chiropractic care.
- During follow-up appointments with your doctor, it is important to discuss any changes in your medications.
- Sometimes laboratory tests may be ordered to monitor for potential side effects.
