Back Pain Medication

Back pain is one of our society's most common medical problems, affecting millions of people. Medication is one type of treatment that is often used to prevent or reduce back pain. Types of medication for back pain can include analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids.

Back Pain Treatments

An Introduction to Back Pain Medication

Many types of medications are used for chronic back pain treatment. While some types are available over-the-counter, other types of back pain medication are only available with a doctor's prescription.

Medication for Back Pain: Analgesics

Analgesic medications are designed specifically to relieve pain. Analgesics include:

Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) and aspirin
Prescription narcotics, such as oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet^®)
Prescription narcotics, such as hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin^®).

Aspirin and acetaminophen are the most commonly used analgesics, and narcotics should only be used for a short time for severe pain or pain after surgery. People with muscular back pain or arthritis pain that is not relieved by medication may find topical analgesics to be helpful. Topical analgesics include creams, ointments, and salves that are rubbed directly onto the skin over the site of the pain. Topical analgesics include Zostrix^®, Icy Hot^®, and Ben Gay^®.

(Back Pain Medication Continued: Page 2)