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When back pain strikes, it causes more than just discomfort; it hinders your mobility especially when bending or leaning over and can even lead to sleepless nights. As a result, many people turn to back pain medications to quickly alleviate the aching and soreness, allowing them to return to their normal daily lives as soon as possible.
Below are several commonly used medications for back pain relief. Please note that any medication should be taken under the guidance and prescription of a pharmacist or doctor to ensure your health and safety.
1. What types of back pain medications are available?
There are various types of medications on the market today to treat back pain, which can be classified into several common forms:
- Oral Medications: Pain relievers taken by mouth. These are often formulated as capsules or tablets, making them convenient to use and carry with you.
- Injectable Medications (e.g., Cortisone injections): Administered intravenously or intramuscularly, these provide faster pain relief than oral drugs. However, injections are only used under a doctor’s prescription and must be administered by a trained medical professional to ensure safety.
- Topical Medications: These are applied directly to the skin at the site of pain and are absorbed into the surrounding muscle tissues to help soothe discomfort. However, for back pain caused by severe injuries, topical treatments may have little to no effect.
>> See more: Drug-free treatment for lower back pain
2. Common Back Pain Medications Today
While medication can provide rapid relief, its effects are often temporary, and the pain may recur later. Furthermore, the abuse of medication can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, you should only use medication when prescribed by a pharmacist or doctor, and pay close attention to the dosage instructions to avoid potential side effects.
Below are the common types of back pain relief medications used today:
2.1 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs work by inhibiting the activity of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This helps block the formation of Prostaglandins (mediators of inflammation and pain perception), thereby reducing mild to moderate pain and swelling.
Common NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Celecoxib, and Diclofenac. In addition to oral forms, these medications are available as topical creams for quick localized relief.
Since NSAIDs can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), they are easily misused. However, incorrect usage can affect the stomach, liver, and kidneys, or increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before use.
2.2 Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, also known as anti-epileptic drugs, function similarly to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a natural chemical that acts as a sedative, inhibiting neurotransmission and blocking certain brain signals. This type of medication is used to treat back pain caused by nerve damage or compression (such as back pain due to a herniated disc ) and helps manage chronic nerve pain, such as fibromyalgia .
The two most common anticonvulsants used for back pain relief are Gabapentin and Pregabalin.
Note: During treatment, patients must strictly follow the doctor’s prescribed dosage to avoid misuse and the potential for addiction.
2.3 Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants work by inhibiting the central nervous system or blocking nerve impulses that send pain signals to the brain, thereby providing temporary pain relief. These medications are typically used to treat acute low back pain caused by mild to moderate sprains or muscle strains when standard painkillers and anti-inflammatories are ineffective.
Common muscle relaxants include Baclofen, Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine, Methocarbamol, and Tizanidine.
The treatment duration for back pain using muscle relaxants can last from 2 to 3 weeks. Some potential side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Patients should exercise caution when driving or participating in outdoor activities while taking this medication.
2.4 Antidepressants
Antidepressants may also be prescribed by doctors to relieve chronic back pain. These medications help reduce pain by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are essential for optimal nervous system function and the regulation of pain signals in the body.
Commonly used antidepressants include Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, and Amitriptyline.
Antidepressants are generally not effective for acute pain. When taking these, patients may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and constipation.
2.5 Corticosteroid Injections
If oral medications prove ineffective, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections to suppress the pain. Also known as glucocorticoids, they act as anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and discomfort caused by spinal nerve inflammation (resulting from a herniated disc or spinal arthritis).
Depending on the location of the back pain, corticosteroids may be administered via epidural injections or sacroiliac (SI) joint injections. Specifically:
- Epidural steroid injections are indicated for persistent back and neck pain that does not respond to oral treatments.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are indicated for managing lower back pain.
Note: Corticosteroid injections provide only temporary relief, and the pain may recur after a few months. Overuse poses many health risks (such as joint tissue damage, infection, and physical weakness). You should carefully consider this option and only have it performed at reputable medical facilities.
2.6 Topical Creams or Pain Relief Patches
These are localized pain relief treatments formulated as creams, gels, sprays, or patches, designed to be applied or adhered directly to the painful area.
These products often contain ingredients such as camphor or menthol to create a cooling sensation, or capsaicin for a warming effect, providing temporary relief for mild to moderate pain. Additionally, topical anesthetics containing Lidocaine are commonly used to alleviate back pain.
Improper use of topical creams or patches can lead to unwanted side effects such as skin irritation, rashes, or inflammation.
2.7 Herbal Medicine for Back Pain
Several traditional herbal remedies for back pain such as using mugwort, noni fruit, sensitive plant (mimosa pudica), wild betel leaf, cibotium barometz, and resurrection lily are widely shared through word-of-mouth.
Mugwort
Mugwort (Artemisia absinthium): A familiar herb containing essential oils, amino acids, adenine, choline, and flavonoids. This plant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint and bone pain.
Usage: Wash a handful of mugwort leaves, roast them with white salt, and wrap the mixture in a clean cloth. Apply as a compress to the painful area 2–3 times a day.
Tinospora sinensis
Tinospora sinensis (Dây đau xương): Another widely shared remedy. This medicinal plant contains histamine and acetylcholine, which can reduce smooth muscle spasms. It is also believed to “dispel wind and eliminate dampness” (per traditional concepts) and reduce joint pain.
Usage: Simmer 8-12g of the plant to make a decoction for drinking. Alternatively, crush fresh leaves, mix with rice wine, and apply directly to the painful site.
Noni Fruit
Noni Fruit: Noni contains proxeronine, a compound that helps fight infection and effectively reduces pain.
Usage: You can eat ripe noni fruit daily (with salt) or squeeze ripe noni for its juice.
*Note: Traditional herbal remedies for back pain lack rigorous scientific validation regarding their effectiveness. Patients must be cautious and should consult a doctor before use. Additionally, when purchasing pre-packaged herbal medicines, choose products with clear origins and reputable brands to avoid health risks.
3. Important Considerations When Using Back Pain Medication
To use back pain medications effectively and minimize unwanted side effects, you should keep the following points in mind:
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially for the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with low blood pressure.
- Do not abuse medication; always strictly follow the recommended dosage instructions.
- Do not self-medicate by reusing an old prescription or using someone else’s prescription for yourself without medical advice.
- Avoid using unverified traditional folk remedies.
- Stop using the medication immediately if you experience any abnormal symptoms and notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Effective Ways to Relieve Back Pain at Home
You can apply the following methods to soothe back discomfort at home:
- Incorporate anti-inflammatory drinks into your daily routine, such as turmeric milk or ginger green tea.
- Ensure adequate nutrition in your daily diet, especially Vitamin D and Vitamin C.
- Practice gentle yoga poses that are specifically designed to support back pain relief.
- Avoid prolonged sitting and adjust your neck, shoulder, and back posture to prevent spinal damage.
- Soak in warm water to reduce fatigue and support the treatment of back muscle soreness.
Note: These methods are only supportive. If the pain does not subside or recurs frequently, you should seek a medical examination immediately.
>> Read more: What does pain in the right side of the lower back mean? Effective treatments
4. Permanent Relief for Back Pain Without Medication at ACC
Today, modern medicine offers many methods for treating back pain. Experts encourage choosing non-invasive treatments that directly target the root cause of the pain. This approach provides long-lasting results, eliminates the need for medication, and avoids unwanted side effects.
Following the philosophy of treating musculoskeletal pain effectively without drugs or invasive surgery, ACC Clinic applies Chiropractic care combined with Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation to heal persistent back pain. Patients no longer have to struggle with chronic discomfort that impacts their quality of life.
- Chiropractic is a safe and natural solution for musculoskeletal pain. Through precise manual adjustments, doctors realign misaligned spinal structures to their original natural positions. This releases pressure on the nerves (the root cause of pain), allowing the pain to subside and gradually disappear while reducing the risk of long-term recurrence. ACC Clinic features a team of 100% foreign Chiropractic specialists with high expertise and extensive experience, ensuring patients feel secure in their treatment.
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: At ACC, doctors combine specialized physical therapy exercises tailored to each individual’s condition with modern equipment, such as the DTS Spinal Decompression system, ATM2 active therapeutic movement, and Class IV Laser therapy. Doctors and technicians closely monitor the sessions or provide detailed home-exercise instructions to support pain relief and speed up recovery.
With this comprehensive treatment protocol, ACC has successfully treated thousands of cases of back pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
For instance, Ms. Phuong (59 years old, Vung Tau) suffered from a herniated disc for 8 years. Due to self-medicating with an old prescription, her condition not only failed to improve but also led to severe stomach issues. Ms. Phuong thought she would have to endure the pain for the rest of her life until she met Dr. Timothy Gallivan (a doctor at ACC with over 20 years of experience). He helped her heal her herniated disc; she no longer needs a wheelchair and was able to stand and walk on her own after the first course of treatment, moving briskly after the second.
>> See more: Ms. Phuong’s story of recovery from a herniated disc
ACC Clinic is delighted to have accompanied Ms. Phuong on her successful journey to treat her herniated disc.
Another case is Ms. Le (62 years old, Hanoi), whose years of office work led to chronic back pain. After researching her options, she decided to visit ACC for treatment. X-ray results revealed spinal degeneration, a collapsed anterior border of the L2 vertebral body, and bone spurs. Dr. Aubrey directly treated her using Chiropractic care combined with Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. After 12 intensive sessions with ACC doctors, Ms. Le feels completely comfortable and is pain-free.
Similarly, Mr. Duc Vu (HCMC) suffered from disc compression that pinched his spinal nerves, leading to lower back pain and numbness radiating down his legs. With a treatment plan involving Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and the use of the DTS Spinal Decompression system, Mr. Vu fully recovered after 12 sessions, and all symptoms of pain and soreness vanished.
We hope the information above has provided you with a clear understanding of common back pain medications. Remember, medication only offers temporary relief and must be used correctly to avoid health risks. Today, there are many safe and natural methods for treating back pain that you should prioritize for your long-term well-being.
Seeking the right treatment from the start is the best way to heal pain quickly and prevent long-term recurrence. Contact ACC for a detailed consultation.
