Back Pain

Drugs are prescribed based on the kind of back pain. They could consist of:

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) like naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other brands) may be of use. Only take these drugs as prescribed. Severe side effects may result from overuse. Your healthcare professional may recommend prescription NSAIDs if over-the-counter pain medications are ineffective.
  
  
• Muscle relaxants. If painkillers are ineffective for mild to moderate back pain, a muscle relaxant may be useful. Muscle relaxants may make you drowsy and dizzy.
  
  
• Topical analgesics. These treatments, which include ointments, creams, and patches, penetrate the skin to provide analgesic properties.
  
  
• Opioid-containing medications, including hydrocodone or oxycodone, may be administered briefly under strict medical care.
  
  
• Anti-depressants. Chronic back pain has been demonstrated to be alleviated by certain antidepressant kinds, specifically duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.

Exercises to build stomach and back muscles, enhance flexibility, and correct posture can all be taught by a physical therapist. Using these methods on a regular basis can help prevent discomfort from coming again. Physical therapists will also instruct patients on how to adjust their movement during a back pain episode so they may stay active without exacerbating their pain.

Techniques for treating back pain could involve:

• Cortisone injections. An injection of cortisone combined with a numbing drug (anesthetic) into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots may be helpful if previous treatments are ineffective in relieving pain that travels down the leg. The pain alleviation following a cortisone injection often lasts for greater than a few weeks and sometimes greater than a year. It reduces inflammation surrounding the nerve roots.

• Radiofrequency ablation. A tiny needle is placed through the skin in the vicinity of the painful spot during this treatment. The surrounding nerves are harmed by radio waves that are sent through the needle. Damage to the nerves prevents the brain from receiving pain signals.

• Implanted nerve stimulators. Electrical impulses can be sent to specific nerves using devices implanted beneath the skin to inhibit pain signals that go to the brain.

• Patients with progressive muscular weakening or lower limb back pain may benefit from surgery to decrease the nerve root impingement and increase the amount of space in the spine. Herniated disks or other disorders that constrict the space in the spine may be the cause of these issues.