Back Pain Medication

January 2, 2009 by soreback 

MEDICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Maybe you’ve tried everything else and are ready for some medications or are considering surgery for back pain.  Your doctor is no doubt rushed and busy helping other patients and many doctors don’t take the time anyway to explain different medication options and how they work exactly, so we’re going to cover those here.  We’ll also discuss the common surgeries for back problems so that you have a better understanding of what’s involved and can make an informed decision overall.

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NSAIDS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce swelling in any area of the body and are often used to treat muscle spasms and irritation in the area of the back.  They work by blocking proteins and enzymes in the body that cause swelling.

They are often thought to be the most effective treatment option.  NSAIDs include:

  • Bayer, Bufferin – aspirin
  • Advil, Motrin – ibuprofen
  • Aleve, Anaprox – naproxen sodium
  • Lodine – etodolac
  • Relafen – nabumetone
  • Feldene – piroxicam
  • Disalcid, Salsitab – salsalate

Common side effects

Most who take NSAIDs experience upset stomach, heartburn, ulcers, skin rashes, some swelling of the face or legs, and a decrease in the amount of urine.

EPIDURAL INJECTIONS

Women in labor often get epidural injections; this is meant to numb the area of the spinal column that is receiving the pain signals from her contractions.  In the same way some who get chronic back pain find that epidural injections are helpful for their condition.  The epidural numbs the area of the body where there is pain and helps the muscles to relax and loosen, and the patient to resume normal activities which in turn also help to alleviate pain.

These injections can be done by an orthopedist, an anesthesiologist, a neurologist, a physiatrist, a pain management specialist, or a rheumatologist.

Epidural injections can be expensive and need to be done properly.  They can also be a bit painful themselves, but those who have them regularly report consistent relief from their back problems.

Possible side effects

Some who are very sensitive to injections may experience swelling at the injection site.  Rarely do patients experience infection, headache and fever, although these have been reported.

MUSCLE RELAXANTS

These are probably the most commonly used medications to treat back pain.  When the muscles are tense they are not only painful, they are unable to heal themselves properly.  Muscle relaxants can help them to heal on their own and can allow a patient to resume physical activity so that blood and oxygen flow is increased.

Common muscle relaxants include:

  • Soma – carisoprodol
  • Flexeril – cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride
  • Valium – diazepam
  • Skelaxin – metaxalone
  • Robaxin – methocarbamol

Muscle relaxants and sedatives calm the central nervous system so that it is not as susceptible to the pain triggers and signals that an injured back will send it.

Possible side effects

While muscle relaxants are often used and can be very effective if there has been an injury or if they are meant for the short-term, they can result in serious side effects if overused.  Addiction or abuse, dry mouth, and urinary problems are common side effects for those who use them too often and in too great of a quantity.

It is vital for anyone considering muscle relaxants or sedatives that they follow their doctor’s advice closely.  They should not be used before driving or operating heavy machinery.

BOTOX

It might be the miracle that everyone in Hollywood swears by, but many in the medical professions are finding that Botox can do more for a body than just treat wrinkles.  Because it paralyzes nerves and muscles under the skin, it is being used by some to treat migraines, arthritis, and now even back pain.

Botox works on back muscles by paralyzing the tiny spasms that send pain signals up the spine.  When injected into the back, Botox can provide relief from injured muscles or damaged ligaments and tendons.  Many who use it report relief from the back pain although they do sometimes have discomfort from the paralyzing effect it has on the area of injection.

The effectiveness of Botox on spasms has reported to be so successful that some with cerebral palsy are using it as a treatment option for their spasms as well.

A recent study of those who have tried Botox for back pain along with some who received saline injections or a placebo instead reports that:

  • 3 weeks after treatment, about 73% of Botox toxin recipients reported pain relief of 50% or more, while only 25% of the saline group did.
  • 8 weeks after treatment, 60% of Botox recipients reported pain relief of 50% or more, while only 12% of the saline group did.
  • Pain relief was reported by most people as lasting 3 to 4 months.

Potential side effects

Long-term studies of the use of Botox have not yielded conclusive results as it has been in use for only a decade or so.  Some who are very sensitive to injections report swelling at the injection site.  Botox injections are also only temporary and somewhat expensive; they need to be reported every 3-6 months and can cost around $500 each or more.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Those who have chronic and consistent back pain due to anxiety and stress have often found that antidepressants are effective in treating their depression or anxiety and in turn they receive some relief from their lower back pain.

Antidepressants are very strong and always carry with them the risk of dependency or abuse.  Each type of antidepressant carries with it potential side effects, including weight gain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and interactions with other medications.  Anyone considering a course of antidepressants should speak with their doctor about these medications and make sure he or she understands everything involved with their use.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

Only you and your doctor can really tell you if medication is the right way to go for your back pain.  If you have an old injury and are constantly suffering for it then of course medication may allow you to enjoy daily activities once again.

But there is one common concern when it comes to taking medication for any back problem and that is relying on that medication to dull the pain rather than doing what’s necessary to address the actual problem.  If you’re carrying a lot of extra body weight or are lifting packages all day without wearing a safety belt or following proper form, then relying on medications alone really isn’t the way to go.  This is especially true of antidepressants; if you are not dealing well with stress, anxiety, or depression then you should consider addressing these issues rather than assuming they’ll go away with medication.

Remember that anything you ingest is going to get absorbed into the bloodstream and affect your system overall.  Sometimes this effect is small and doesn’t involve any type of damage or long-term problems, but sometimes these side effects can be serious and severe and worth consideration.  And if there is the potential for addiction or dependency then of course you need to consider that as well.

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