Best Pain Relief Medications for Lower Back Pain:
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- Usage: Taken orally, typically 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours. It’s often recommended for mild to moderate pain relief.
- Side Effects: May cause stomach upset, ulcers, and kidney issues with prolonged use.
- Legal Status: Available OTC in most countries, including the U.S.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): A non-NSAID pain reliever that reduces pain without addressing inflammation.
- Usage: Taken orally, typically 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours. Safe for long-term use at recommended doses.
- Side Effects: Overuse can lead to liver damage.
- Legal Status: Available OTC.
- Naproxen (Aleve): Another NSAID that works longer than ibuprofen and helps with inflammation.
- Usage: Typically 220 mg every 8-12 hours.
- Side Effects: Can cause stomach upset, ulcers, and increased risk of heart issues with prolonged use.
- Legal Status: Available OTC in the U.S. and other countries.
2. Prescription Medications:
- Muscle Relaxants (Cyclobenzaprine, Baclofen): Prescribed for muscle spasms associated with lower back pain.
- Usage: Cyclobenzaprine is typically taken 5-10 mg 2-3 times per day. Baclofen is used for more chronic spasm relief.
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, and risk of dependence.
- Legal Status: Prescription-only in most regions.
- Opioids (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone): Used for severe, acute lower back pain, but usually short-term due to risk of dependence.
- Usage: Often prescribed for short-term relief. Dosage varies, but generally 5-10 mg every 4-6 hours.
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, risk of addiction.
- Legal Status: Highly regulated and prescription-only due to potential for abuse.
- Corticosteroids (Prednisone): Sometimes prescribed for inflammation-related lower back pain.
- Usage: Usually prescribed in short bursts, such as a 5-day course.
- Side Effects: Weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings with long-term use.
- Legal Status: Prescription-only.
