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Spinecare Topics
Treatment with Medications
Pharmaceutical Treatment for Back Pain
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Pharmaceutical Treatment for Back Pain
Biologic Response Modifiers
Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are biological agents that are scientifically engineered to target specific immune system elements. Their chemical messengers, referred to as cytokines, have been found to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of inflammation resulting in damage of tissue. New medications have been developed which effectively block the anti-inflammatory cytosine, also referred to as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) that is believed to play a significant role in ankylosing spondylitis, as well as other disorders. Doctors reserve the use of these types of biological agents for individuals who have a progressive arthritis/inflammatory process that does not respond well to more conventional approaches. Examples of BRMs include Etanercept (Enbrel) and Infliximabtypically (Remicade).
Osteoporosis Medications
Osteoporosis is typically not painful until there is acquired bony deformation, vertebral collapse or a displaced compression fracture. The symptoms associated with osteoporosis may be modified by the use of analgesics and NSAIDs. It is important to treat osteoporosis to reduce the risk for spinal instability, spinal deformity and chronic pain syndromes. One of the more widely accepted approaches to the treatment of osteoporosis includes hormone administration. A common for post-menopausal women involves the provision of Estrogen, a female hormone. Common pharmaceutical forms of Estrogen include Premarin, Estratab or Menest. Elevated levels of estrogen in the body help maintain bone density. For women who have not had a hysterectomy, physicians may prescribe estrogen in combination with the hormone progesterone to help minimize the complications of excess estrogen on the uterus. Calcitonin may be used for those who suffer with vertebral fractures and pain. This approach may offer pain-relieving effects while helping prevent further fractures. The pharmaceutical form of calcitonin is very similar to the hormone normally produced by our own parathyroid glands that lie along the back of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone helps control the distribution of calcium and phosphate and has a positive effect on bone growth. Medications that have calcitonin-containing pharmaceutical agents include Calcimar and Miacalcin, which can be administered by injection. Calcitonin is also available in the form of a nasal spray called Miacalcin.
One of the newer classes of medications utilized for the treatment of osteoporosis includes selective estrogen receptor molecules (SERMs). They are used in an attempt to slow bone loss. This approach lacks some of the side effects associated with estrogen. The most commonly used medication in this category is Raloxifene Hydrochloride (Evista).
Biophosphonates account for another class of medication that has been used in the treatment of bone diseases, including Paget’s disease. Biophosphanates can be used to help inhibit the breakdown of bone. There are currently two primary medications in this category, which are Alendronate (Fosamax) and Risedronate Sodium (Acetonel). The use of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor molecules and biophosphonates can be used for the treatment of osteoporosis in men.
Over the Counter (Non-Prescription Medication)
There are two primary categories of the over the counter (OTC) non-prescription medications which can be used to help relieve back pain. These two categories are pain killers (analgesics) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Some over-the-counter medications have both chemical components. Some individuals may be directed to implement a synergistic approach by taking an OTC in each category in an attempt to maximize pain relief. Two types of OTC medications, which have been found to help relieve back pain, are acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).
Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are biological agents that are scientifically engineered to target specific immune system elements. Their chemical messengers, referred to as cytokines, have been found to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of inflammation resulting in damage of tissue. New medications have been developed which effectively block the anti-inflammatory cytosine, also referred to as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) that is believed to play a significant role in ankylosing spondylitis, as well as other disorders. Doctors reserve the use of these types of biological agents for individuals who have a progressive arthritis/inflammatory process that does not respond well to more conventional approaches. Examples of BRMs include Etanercept (Enbrel) and Infliximabtypically (Remicade).
Osteoporosis Medications
Osteoporosis is typically not painful until there is acquired bony deformation, vertebral collapse or a displaced compression fracture. The symptoms associated with osteoporosis may be modified by the use of analgesics and NSAIDs. It is important to treat osteoporosis to reduce the risk for spinal instability, spinal deformity and chronic pain syndromes. One of the more widely accepted approaches to the treatment of osteoporosis includes hormone administration. A common for post-menopausal women involves the provision of Estrogen, a female hormone. Common pharmaceutical forms of Estrogen include Premarin, Estratab or Menest. Elevated levels of estrogen in the body help maintain bone density. For women who have not had a hysterectomy, physicians may prescribe estrogen in combination with the hormone progesterone to help minimize the complications of excess estrogen on the uterus. Calcitonin may be used for those who suffer with vertebral fractures and pain. This approach may offer pain-relieving effects while helping prevent further fractures. The pharmaceutical form of calcitonin is very similar to the hormone normally produced by our own parathyroid glands that lie along the back of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone helps control the distribution of calcium and phosphate and has a positive effect on bone growth. Medications that have calcitonin-containing pharmaceutical agents include Calcimar and Miacalcin, which can be administered by injection. Calcitonin is also available in the form of a nasal spray called Miacalcin.
One of the newer classes of medications utilized for the treatment of osteoporosis includes selective estrogen receptor molecules (SERMs). They are used in an attempt to slow bone loss. This approach lacks some of the side effects associated with estrogen. The most commonly used medication in this category is Raloxifene Hydrochloride (Evista).
Biophosphonates account for another class of medication that has been used in the treatment of bone diseases, including Paget’s disease. Biophosphanates can be used to help inhibit the breakdown of bone. There are currently two primary medications in this category, which are Alendronate (Fosamax) and Risedronate Sodium (Acetonel). The use of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor molecules and biophosphonates can be used for the treatment of osteoporosis in men.
Over the Counter (Non-Prescription Medication)
There are two primary categories of the over the counter (OTC) non-prescription medications which can be used to help relieve back pain. These two categories are pain killers (analgesics) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Some over-the-counter medications have both chemical components. Some individuals may be directed to implement a synergistic approach by taking an OTC in each category in an attempt to maximize pain relief. Two types of OTC medications, which have been found to help relieve back pain, are acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's).
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