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- Non Surgical Options
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- Prevalence of Spine Disorders
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- Spinecare Introduction
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- Treatment with Medications
- Understanding Back Pain
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Spinecare Topics
Treatment with Medications
Pharmaceutical Treatment for Back Pain
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Pharmaceutical Treatment for Back Pain
Prescription Pharmaceutical Approaches for Back Pain
Analgesics
Most people with back pain receive some benefit from the use of analgesic or pain-relieving medication. Pure analgesics do not reduce inflammation and are used purely for pain relief. Analgesics can be taken orally or applied topically. One of the most commonly used oral analgesics is acetometaphine (Tylenol). For many individuals, the use of an analgesic such as Tylenol is sufficient to reduce back pain. Acetominephin is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter non-aspirin pain relievers. Narcotic analgesics such as Codeine, Oxycodone or Tramadol (Ultram) may be recommended for individuals with severe pain, such as that associated with disc herniation, vertebral fracture or spinal nerve root compromise. Narcotic analgesics are associated with significant side effects, such as drowsiness, grogginess and constipation. There is also the risk of developing dependence. Because of the risk for side effects, particularly the risk of dependence (addiction), physicians must carefully screen their patients and only use a narcotic approach when it is absolutely necessary. The duration of use should be limited to reduce the risk for dependence. Acetometaphin has less potential side effects than narcotic agents and is therefore is more commonly used for the treatment of back pain. Some pharmaceutical agents have a combination of acetometaphine with a narcotic analgesic. Examples include acetometaphine with codeine (Fioricet, Tylenol with codeine). Oxycodone is combined with acetometaphine and Dolacet, Hydrocet, Floracet, Lortab and Vicodin. Tramadol is combined with acetometaphine and Ultraset.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Inflammation is the body’s response to tissue irritation or injury. The presence of inflammation is characterized by redness, increased blood flow, warmth, swelling and pain. Some inflammation is necessary for adequate tissue healing and repair. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs ) medication reduces inflammation by chemically blocking the production of certain chemicals that induce inflammation. NSAIDs work like corticosteorids (steroids) without many of the more serious side effects. NSAIDs generally work within a few hours. They are effective pain relievers but are generally intended for short-term use. They should never be used for more than 2 weeks without consulting a physician. For anti-inflammatory treatment of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, time release NSAIDs are often prescribed. It takes longer for these drugs to take effect but the time-release factor helps to keep blood levels at an effective level throughout a 24-hour period of time, thus reducing the likelihood of inflammation. This approach also helps to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
One of the most widely used medications for reducing inflammation is the class of medications referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One of the most commonly used NSAIDs is aspirin. Popular over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and Nuprin). NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals that induce inflammation through increased levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a critical role in numerous bodily functions such as blood clotting, kidney function, and protection of the stomach lining.
NSAIDs can be a very effective approach for back pain, but there are potential side effects. One of the most common side effects of NSAIDs is gastrointestinal compromise. Gastrointestinal side effects include stomach pain, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, heartburn and vomiting. Chronic use of NSAIDs has been associated with increased risk for gastric ulcers with bleeding.
Steroids
Steroids may be used orally or may be injected directly into the spinal epidural space. Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce swelling and diminish pain.
Analgesics
Most people with back pain receive some benefit from the use of analgesic or pain-relieving medication. Pure analgesics do not reduce inflammation and are used purely for pain relief. Analgesics can be taken orally or applied topically. One of the most commonly used oral analgesics is acetometaphine (Tylenol). For many individuals, the use of an analgesic such as Tylenol is sufficient to reduce back pain. Acetominephin is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter non-aspirin pain relievers. Narcotic analgesics such as Codeine, Oxycodone or Tramadol (Ultram) may be recommended for individuals with severe pain, such as that associated with disc herniation, vertebral fracture or spinal nerve root compromise. Narcotic analgesics are associated with significant side effects, such as drowsiness, grogginess and constipation. There is also the risk of developing dependence. Because of the risk for side effects, particularly the risk of dependence (addiction), physicians must carefully screen their patients and only use a narcotic approach when it is absolutely necessary. The duration of use should be limited to reduce the risk for dependence. Acetometaphin has less potential side effects than narcotic agents and is therefore is more commonly used for the treatment of back pain. Some pharmaceutical agents have a combination of acetometaphine with a narcotic analgesic. Examples include acetometaphine with codeine (Fioricet, Tylenol with codeine). Oxycodone is combined with acetometaphine and Dolacet, Hydrocet, Floracet, Lortab and Vicodin. Tramadol is combined with acetometaphine and Ultraset.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Inflammation is the body’s response to tissue irritation or injury. The presence of inflammation is characterized by redness, increased blood flow, warmth, swelling and pain. Some inflammation is necessary for adequate tissue healing and repair. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs ) medication reduces inflammation by chemically blocking the production of certain chemicals that induce inflammation. NSAIDs work like corticosteorids (steroids) without many of the more serious side effects. NSAIDs generally work within a few hours. They are effective pain relievers but are generally intended for short-term use. They should never be used for more than 2 weeks without consulting a physician. For anti-inflammatory treatment of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, time release NSAIDs are often prescribed. It takes longer for these drugs to take effect but the time-release factor helps to keep blood levels at an effective level throughout a 24-hour period of time, thus reducing the likelihood of inflammation. This approach also helps to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
One of the most widely used medications for reducing inflammation is the class of medications referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One of the most commonly used NSAIDs is aspirin. Popular over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and Nuprin). NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals that induce inflammation through increased levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a critical role in numerous bodily functions such as blood clotting, kidney function, and protection of the stomach lining.
NSAIDs can be a very effective approach for back pain, but there are potential side effects. One of the most common side effects of NSAIDs is gastrointestinal compromise. Gastrointestinal side effects include stomach pain, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, heartburn and vomiting. Chronic use of NSAIDs has been associated with increased risk for gastric ulcers with bleeding.
Steroids
Steroids may be used orally or may be injected directly into the spinal epidural space. Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce swelling and diminish pain.
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