The right medication can make all the difference in treating your health condition, and the same is true when it comes to overcoming spine pain. As we’ve said on this blog numerous times in the past, pain medications should never be your only form of treatment, but they can absolutely be an integral part of your comprehensive treatment program. Paired with active techniques like physical therapy, stretching and weight loss, pain medications can be a perfect compliment to your program.
But which pain medications are best for your situation? We take a closer look at some of the medications that can play a role in helping you overcome your back discomfort in today’s blog.
Different Types Of Back Pain Meds
Here’s a look at some of the most common back pain medications that patients take to help calm their spinal discomfort:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically considered the first line of defense when back pain or other common aches and pains arise. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, meaning you do not need a doctor’s referral in order to buy them. Two of the most common NSAIDS are Advil (active ingredient ibuprofen) and Aleve (active ingredient naproxen). These drugs work to decrease certain lipids that form and lead to inflammation where there is tissue damage. In other words, they help to decrease inflammation that is making movement uncomfortable in an area. They would be most helpful for discomfort related to mild back soreness and muscle aches.
- Antispasmodics – Antispasmodics, as you might be able to guess by looking at the name, are designed to help patients who are dealing with painful or debilitating muscle spasms. A sudden and unexpected muscle contracture can be quite painful, and a number of different factors can influence their onset, including injury, overuse or dehydration. Your spine is home to a number of different muscle groups that help support your spine and perform essential functions, so a spasm in the wrong area can be quite uncomfortable. Two common anti-spasms medications are Flexeril (active ingredient cyclobenzaprine) and Valium (active ingredient diazepam), and they require a doctor’s prescription. They can cause drowsiness, dizziness and sleep issues and are not designed to be a long-term solution.
- Opioids – Opioids are strong medications that work to disrupt pain signals in the brain. While they can be effective at blocking out pain, they also release endorphins in the brain, which make them potentially addictive. Two common prescription opioids are Oxycontin (active ingredient oxycodone) and Vicodin (active ingredient hydrocodone). They are most commonly prescribed after a significant injury, like a disc herniation or spinal fracture, or in the wake of a corrective surgical procedure to help relieve post-op pain and discomfort. Like antispasmodics, opioids are designed to be taken on a short-term basis, and many doctors want their patients to wean off the strong drugs as quickly as comfortably possible.
To learn more about the different types of medication available to treat your spinal discomfort, or to reach out to a spine specialist about new symptoms you’re dealing with, pick up the phone and give Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute a call today at (651) 430-3800.
