Neck Pain

Medications for back pain are prescribed based on the type and severity of the pain. They may include:

– **Anti-inflammatory medications**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) can be helpful. Use these medications as directed, as overuse can lead to severe side effects. If over-the-counter options are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs.

– **Muscle relaxants**: If NSAIDs don’t alleviate mild to moderate back pain, muscle relaxants might be considered. Be aware that muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

– **Topical analgesics**: These include ointments, creams, salves, and patches that provide pain relief through the skin.

– **Opioid medications**: Drugs like hydrocodone or oxycodone may be prescribed for short-term use under strict medical supervision.

– **Antidepressants**: Certain antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline or nortriptyline, have been shown to help alleviate chronic back pain.

A physical therapist can teach exercises to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, improve flexibility, and correct your posture. Regularly practicing these exercises can help prevent the recurrence of discomfort. Additionally, physical therapists can guide you on how to modify your movements during a back pain episode, allowing you to stay active without worsening your pain.

**Surgical and Additional Techniques**

Techniques for treating back pain may include:

– **Cortisone Injections**: These injections combine cortisone with a numbing agent and are administered around the spinal cord and nerve roots. They can help relieve pain that radiates down the leg if other treatments haven’t worked. The relief from a cortisone injection typically lasts for one to two months and helps reduce inflammation around the nerve roots.

– **Radiofrequency Ablation**: This treatment involves inserting a small needle through the skin near the painful area. Radiofrequency waves are then sent through the needle to damage the surrounding nerves, which prevents the brain from receiving pain signals.

– **Spinal Cord Stimulators**: Devices implanted under the skin send electrical impulses to specific nerves to block pain signals.

– **Surgery**: For patients with progressive muscle weakness or lower limb back pain, surgery might be recommended to create more space in the spine. This approach can address issues caused by herniated discs or other conditions that narrow the spinal passages.