Lower Back Pain Relief (Cont.)

 
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are drugs that are primarily used to treat seizures. However, they may also be useful in treating certain types of nerve pain and may also be prescribed with analgesics.
 
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, have been shown to relieve pain (independent of their effect on depression) and assist with sleep. Antidepressants alter levels of brain chemicals to elevate mood and dull pain signals. Many of the new antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are being studied for their effectiveness in pain relief.
 
Opioids
Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, are often prescribed to manage severe acute and chronic back pain, but should only be used for a short period of time and under a physician's supervision. Side effects of opioids can include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Impaired judgment
  • Potential for addiction.
 
Many specialists are convinced that chronic use of these drugs is detrimental to the patient with back pain, adding to depression and even increasing pain.
 
(Click Back Pain Medication for more information on this method of providing lower back pain relief.)
 

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Lower Back Pain Relief

When back pain does not respond to more conventional approaches, patients may consider the following complementary and alternative therapies for lower back pain relief:
 
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Acupuncture
  • Biofeedback
  • Interventional therapy
  • Traction
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
  • Ultrasound.
(Lower Back Pain Relief Continued: Page 5)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD