Back Pain Medication

Back Pain Treatments

Using Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Back Pain

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that are used to relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDs include nonprescription products, such as:

Ibuprofen (Motrin^® or Advil^®)
Ketoprofen (Actron^® or Orudis KT^®)
Naproxen sodium (Aleve^®).

More than a dozen other NSAIDs, including a subclass of NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors, are available only with a prescription. Some examples include:

Naproxen (Naprosyn^®, Anaprox^®, Naprelan^®)
Celecoxib (Celebrex^®).

All NSAIDs work by blocking substances called prostaglandins, which contribute to inflammation and pain. However, each NSAID is a different chemical, and each has a slightly different effect on the body.

Side effects of all NSAIDs can include:

Upset stomach
Stomach ulcers
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Fluid retention.

However, COX-2 inhibitors are designed to cause fewer stomach ulcers. For unknown reasons, some people seem to respond better to one NSAID than another. Therefore, it is important for people to work with their doctor to choose an NSAID that is safe and effective for them when treating back pain.

(Back Pain Medication Continued: Page 3)
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