If you’ve ever had low back pain, you may have scanned the shelves of your local drugstore or filled a prescription from your doctor. But not all medicines are created equal.Here are some of the most common ones for low back pain.Your doctor may suggest this as a first-line treatment. It works by stopping the pain process. But it doesn’t reduce inflammation in the body.
Your doctor may suggest this as a first-line treatment. It works by stopping the pain process. But it doesn’t reduce inflammation in the body. Acetaminophen tends to be gentler on the stomach than other meds.
But while it can be helpful in relieving toothaches, headaches, and pain after surgery, there’s not a lot of evidence to indicate it works as well for back pain.
Still, each case is unique. So just because it hasn’t been found to be the most effective remedy in clinical trials doesn’t mean it won’t help you. Risks: It can damage the liver if it’s taken in high doses.
That’s why doctors advise taking around 3,000 milligrams (mg) a day even though the maximum daily dose (according to the FDA) is 4,000 mg.
NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are alternatives to acetaminophen that you can buy without a prescription. They help fight swelling and fever.
Risks: NSAIDs can cause digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea, as well as heartburn and stomach pain.Rarely, they can have serious side effects like internal bleeding and ulcers.They may also cause heart problems and kidney damage.
