Back pain is one of our society's most common medical problems, affecting millions of people. Back pain medication is one type of treatment that is often used to prevent or reduce back pain. Types of back pain medication can include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids.
There are many types of back pain medication that are used for chronic back pain treatment. While some types of back pain medication are available over-the-counter, other types of back pain medication are only available with a doctor's prescription.
Back Pain Medication: Analgesics
Analgesic medications are designed specifically to relieve pain. Analgesics include:
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 back pain 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®.
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