Posts Tagged ‘steroids for back pain’
Back Pain Medications
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
There are many ways to treat back pain. Laser and ultrasound treatments, surgery, physical therapy, exercise, traction and hot/cold therapy are just a few. But most doctors prescribe medication, alone or in conjunction with another treatment, to relieve pain and help the patient rest, exercise, stretch and stay positive. Common back pain medications are reviewed below.
Acetaminophen for Back Pain
Over-the-counter acetaminophen preparations like Tylenol are useful for relieving acute back pain not caused by inflammation. Acetaminophen has few side effects and requires no prescription. Its effectiveness has been shown by various studies to be as potent as a low-dose narcotic or a high-dose anti-inflammatory, both as a pain-reliever and as an aide to improved function. However, acetaminophen is less effective than anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or steroids in the treatment of back pain caused by inflammation.
Ibuprofen for Back Pain
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used to treat acute and chronic back pain caused by inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the perception of pain and also reduces fever and inflammation. An over-the-counter medication with few side effects, ibuprofen is also available in higher concentrations by prescription.
Narcotics for Back Pain
Narcotics like Tylenol #3, Darvocet, Vicodin and Oxycontin do not block or relieve back pain. Instead, they create a dissociative state where the pain is no longer bothersome. Ultram, introduced in 1998, is less potent than other narcotics, but stronger than acetaminophen. Because opioid drugs have a strong and profound potential for addiction and abuse, they are only prescribed short-term for serious back pain when other medications would be ineffective or inappropriate.
Anti-Depressants for Back Pain
Anti-depressant medications are currently prescribed for chronic back pain by 25% of doctors. Anti-depressants are thought to block the brain’s perception of pain and to increase endorphins, natural painkillers produced by the body in response to pain. While anti-depressants, unlike narcotics, are safe to use long-term, a review of studies by the Cochrane Collaboration Foundation, “a nonprofit group that appraises medical research” found that antidepressants are no more effective in treating back pain than placebos.
Muscle Relaxants for Back Pain
Soma and Valium are useful for acute back pain involving muscle spasms, but only for the short term since they are addictive. Flexeril is a non-addictive muscle relaxant, similar to an antidepressant, that can be used long-term and also helps patients to sleep.
Steroids for Back Pain
Oral and injected steroids are used for back pain caused by serious inflammation. Steroids have a stronger anti-inflammatory action than ibuprofen and are generally safe for short-term use in decreasing doses. Long-term steroid use, however, can cause weight gain, ulcers, collapsed hip joints and osteoporosis. Because they increase blood sugar and worsen existing infections, steroids may cause complications in diabetics or any patient with an active infection.
Spinal Injections for Back Pain
Epidural steroid injections typically combine a steroid with a numbing agent to reduce or remove inflammation and relieve back pain. Injections are successful in as many as 50% of cases and the effects can last anywhere from one week to one year. Epidurals can be given up to three times per year, and there are few risks associated with the injections.
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Tags: anti-depressants for back pain, back pain medication, epidruals for back pain, ibuprofen for back pain, narcotics for back pain, steroids for back pain
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