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Mild pain medications can reduce inflammation and pain when taken properly.Medications will not stop degeneration, but they will help with pain control.
Aspirin
Aspirin compounds are over-the-counter pain relievers that can help relieveminor pain and back ache. The main potential side effect of aspirin is the developmentof stomach problems, particularly ulcers with or without bleeding. You shouldnot take aspirin if you are pregnant. In fact, you should not take any medicationunless you have discussed the medication with your obstetrician.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.These medications once were only available by prescription. NSAIDs are veryeffective in relieving the pain associated with muscle strain and inflammation.They block the inflammatory response in joints. However, be aware that NSAIDscan decrease renal function if you are an older patient. Excessive use can leadto kidney problems. Again, do not take them if you are pregnant.
Non-narcotic Prescription Pain Medication
Non-narcotic analgesics (the term analgesics means "pain relievers") addresspain at the point of injury. Analgesics are ideal in the treatment of mild tomoderate chronic pain. Tylenol and aspirin are the most widely used over-the-counteranalgesics. Medications that are analgesics and require a prescription fromthe doctor include NSAIDs such as: carprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, and sulindac.To reduce any side effects: do not lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after takingmedication, avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and sun block.Avoid using these medications if you are pregnant, have recurrent ulcers, orliver problems.
Narcotic Pain Medications
If you experience severe pain, your health provider might prescribe a narcoticpain medication such as codeine and morphine. Narcotics relieve pain by actingas a numbing anesthetic to the central nervous system. The strength and lengthof pain relief differs for each drug. Narcotics can cause related side effectssuch as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sedation or drowsiness. These sideeffects are predictable and can often be prevented. Common preventative measuresinclude: not taking sleeping aids or antidepressants in conjunction with narcotics,avoiding alcohol, increasing fluid intake, eating a high fiber diet, and usinga fiber laxative or stool softener to treat constipation. Remember that narcoticscan be addictive if used excessively or improperly.
Muscle Relaxants
If you are having muscle spasms, muscle relaxants can help relieve pain, butthey are only shown to be marginally effective. They also have a significantrisk of drowsiness and depression. Long-term use is not suggested; only threeto four days is typically recommended.
Antidepressants
Back pain is actually a common symptom of depression and could be an indicatorof its presence. Antidepressants can relieve emotional stress that leads tosymptoms of back pain. An important fact to note - it seems that the same chemicalreactions in the nerve cells that trigger depression also control the pain pathwaysin the brain. Some antidepressant medications seem to reduce pain, probablybecause they affect this chemical reaction in the nerve cells. Some types ofantidepressants also make rather good sleeping medications. If you are havingtrouble sleeping due to your back pain, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressantto help you get back to a normal sleep routine. Antidepressants can have severalside effects such as: drowsiness, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth,and fatigue.
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