What are the best pain tablets for back pain?
Matthew Ash, a Spinal Physiotherapist from Adelaide explains there is enough evidence to confirm that using anti-inflammatories (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAID’s) is the most effective medication to use for easing acute low back pain.
You will need to consult your doctor or pharmacist to get further advice about the best pain tablets for back pain to see if they are appropriate for you.
Should I just take some painkillers and push through my back pain? Or is it causing me damage?
Pain is NORMAL! It is a vital protective response within our nervous system, designed to tell us if there is danger.
In some cases, pain may in fact indicate danger or damage to the body. The human body is a fantastic healer, however in this case, taking medication to push through pain could cause further tissue damage, and therefore would not be the right choice.
However, sometimes a pain response is merely protecting us against potential danger, without actual damage being present.
Physiotherapists know that the best management for back pain is a combination of treatment options, including hands-on therapy, exercise, education, and in some cases medication. The use of medications should be tailored for the individual.
So the best course of action before taking any medication for back pain would be to seek advice from your health care professional beforehand.
If you are suffering from low back pain, book a consultation with your physiotherapist today.
What medications can be prescribed to help manage low back pain?
Anti-inflammatory Pain Medications
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) are commonly used to manage pain relating to inflammation. Therefore, these medications work by changing the body’s response to swelling and pain. These drugs are effective for muscle strains, and sprains, arthritis, and back or neck pain.
There are many types of NSAIDs.
Common NSAIDs include:
- Aspirin
- Nurofen
- Voltaren
Your GP can also supply prescription anti-inflammatories such as Mobic, celebrex, naproxen or stronger voltaren tablets.
Most importantly, NSAIDs should always be taken under the direction of your GP.
Nerve Pain Medications
Nerve pain (also called neuropathic pain) is different from other types of pain. Typically, a combination of medication is used. They work by reducing pain signals sent to the brain.
Amitriptyline (eg. Endep) and Pregabalin (Lyrica) have been shown to improve pain and sleep in some patients with ongoing nerve symptoms that haven’t responded to exercise or other medication.
Take Home Message
Medication can be a useful tool to manage pain. However, it is only one way to manage pain and can usually be improved by using physical and/or cognitive therapy.
Taking the right type of medication is important to provide the best pain relief. This means that before taking any medication it is important to consult your GP.
References:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nerve-pain-medication
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pain-relief-medicines
By Neel Pangaonkar
Physiotherapist Payneham, myPhysioSA
