Overview
You know what hurts? Lower back pain that doesn’t go away from the over-the-counter painkillers. The broad classification of medications that work best for lower back pain is over-the-counter pain killers, prescription medications or narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, antiseizure, and anticonvulsant medication. Over-the-counter medication is usually the first option to consider in case of pain in the lower back at a minor level. When it intensifies and stays consistent, your healthcare provider will diagnose the pain and prescribe the medication as per the underlying condition causing the lower back pain.
What are the most effective painkillers for lower back pain?
The most effective pain killer for your lower back pain is the one catering to your medical needs. Some of the best and most effective painkillers are:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
They are easily available without a prescription. Some of the most recommended and used OTC pain relievers are Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Acetaminophen is considered the first option due to its fewer side effects compared to other pain relief medications.
The second option in over-the-counter medications is NSAIDs, i.e., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin, and diclofenac, which can serve as an effective pain reliever. It also helps in treating:
- Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
- Muscle Aches
- Joint Pain (related to arthritis)
- Fever/ body temperature control
- Post-Surgical Pain.
Some of the most common side effects that you can expect from OTC pain relievers are :
If you are taking over-the-counter pain relief medications for more than three days to a week (7 days) and still experiencing the pain, it’s good to get a consultation from your healthcare provider.
Narcotic pain relievers
Narcotics are also termed opioid analgesics (due to their nature of extraction) and are controlled drugs. They are prescription medications and can only be prescribed after the careful diagnosis of your healthcare provider.
They should only be prescribed when necessary, as their potential for addiction and side effects is significant, says Dr.Richard Honekar
Opioid analgesics are prescribed when the over-the-counter and less potent pain relievers don’t work, e.g, In case of post-operative pain. Some of the most common narcotic pain relievers are:
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Hydromorphone
- Meperidine
They are also called controlled substances and can only be prescribed when other pain relievers fail to work. They also have the tendency to cause an addictive pattern in humans for which they only get prescribed as the last option by healthcare professionals. Some of the most common side effects that can be expected after taking the medication
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Addiction
- Tolerance.
Muscle relaxants
Your doctor can also prescribe muscle relaxants for lower back pain. These medications work to relieve your pain through the brain and spinal cord. They are often prescribed along with other over-the-counter pain medications to treat the lower back pain effectively. Some of the muscle relaxants that are prescribed for lower back pain are :
- Carisoprodol
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Diazepam
While some of the most common side effects that might be affecting you are drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. They are recommended for a short period and should be avoided with alcohol drinking to not affect the absorption of muscle relaxants.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, as the name indicates, are used to treat depression and are strictly prescription medications. Antidepressants, when prescribed at low potency, can also treat chronic lower back pain. Some of the antidepressants prescribed to treat lower back pain are :
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Duloxetine
- Venlafaxine
Some of the common side effects include constipation, dry mouth, problems urinating, sleepiness, weight gain, blurred vision, and sexual issues.
Anti-seizure/Anticonvulsants
Antiseizure medications are used and recommended to treat conditions like epilepsy and seizures. In case of pain that gets triggered due to nerve damage, antiseizure medications are considered the best medications for that. Some of the best anticonvulsants and antiseizure medications prescribed for this purpose are :
- Gabapentin
- Lamotrigine
- Pregabalin
They are also prescription medications and can not be obtained over the counter.
What is the fastest muscle relaxer?
Baclofen is often considered the best and fastest muscle relaxer. It quickly targets the brain or central nervous system to ease muscle tightness and spasms.
Baclofen works effectively when prescribed with other pain relief medications, including cyclobenzaprine and diazepam.
It’s important to get a diagnosis from your healthcare provider before deciding on the best and fastest muscle relaxant for your muscle pain. This will help you get a clear idea and diagnosis of an underlying medical condition.
What to do when painkillers don’t work?
When painkillers don’t work, it becomes essential and crucial to get the diagnosis of the underlying cause.
Lower back pain or other pain can arise from several contributing factors or medical conditions including a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, or degenerative disc disease.The pain due to minor causes like fatigue or muscle strain can go away with over-the-counter pain relievers. In contrast, for chronic pain, only a combination of prescription potent pain relievers can help.
Your healthcare provider might recommend alternative medications, physical therapy, or other interventions based on the underlying cause of your pain.
Which painkiller is best for long-term use?
For long-term use, Acetaminophen is generally considered the safest painkiller, as it has fewer risks of gastrointestinal issues or cardiovascular problems compared to NSAIDs.
However, it’s important to use it as directed and consult a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for your specific condition and to avoid potential liver damage. Always discuss your long-term pain management needs with your doctor to find the most appropriate and safe option.
How long does it take for a pulled muscle to heal in your back?
A pulled muscle in your back can take 2-6 weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. Mild strains might recover with rest and care in a few weeks, while more severe strains could take longer.
It is also important to follow only the treatment plan of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) along with the prescribed treatment regimen for effective pain relief.
When to consult a doctor?
If you experience persistent or severe lower back pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
Additionally, if you have difficulty urinating, severe pain following an injury, or pain that interferes with your daily activities, seeking medical advice is essential. It can help diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and determine the most effective treatment plan to alleviate it and prevent further issues.
FAQs about painkillers for back pain
Muscle pain is usually localized (specified to one area in the body) and worsens with movement, while spinal pain often radiates into the legs or arms. Consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
It’s important to avoid heavy lifting, excessive bending, and prolonged sitting or standing. Get medical help as soon as possible for a precise diagnosis and prescription medication to treat the pain.
