Tablets for back pain and lower back pain are taken as prescribed by a doctor. The list of medications is selected by the doctor for each patient individually. In this case, the vertebrologist takes into account:
If back pain occurs once, then take mild painkillers. Such drugs are ineffective for persistent syndrome. In this case, complex treatment is indicated, which includes taking strong painkillers, physiotherapy or a complex of physical therapy.
Non-hormonal anti-inflammatory tablets for back and lower back pain are available in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. This pharmacological group includes Ibuprofen and Naproxen. These analgesics are prescribed for mild lower back pain. With long-term use, the patient may experience digestive problems, and hematopoiesis is inhibited. Therefore, the course of taking non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs is 3 days. If the pain does not go away, then the doctor examines the patient (to identify complications in order to establish a chronic form).
If pain medications are not effective, then the patient is prescribed muscle relaxants. Their action is aimed at relaxing muscles. With the help of Tizanidine, Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine and other drugs in this group, you can remove muscle spasms that provoke pain. These medications are recommended for back pain that occurs after an injury. Side effects include drowsiness and increases in blood pressure.
Patients who have recently undergone surgery are advised to take narcotic analgesics. These drugs have a direct effect on the nervous system. Experts include Vicodin and Tylenol as mild drugs in this group, and Morphine as strong drugs.
Side effects of narcotic analgesics:
Such tablets cannot be taken over a long period of time. To reduce back pain and relieve inflammation, the patient is prescribed corticosteroids. They are taken if NSAID tablets and muscle relaxants are ineffective. Corticosteroid tablets are taken to prevent the development of chronic inflammation. This pharmacological group includes the drug Methylprednisolone. At the initial stage of therapy, it is taken in large dosages, and over the next 5 days the dosage is reduced.
If back pain is caused by a disruption in the functioning of the nervous system, then taking antidepressants (Duloxetine and drugs for epilepsy (Gapabentin) is indicated. In the chronic course of the syndrome, a strong antidepressant (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline) is prescribed, the effect of which is aimed at improving the patient’s condition. At the same time, the patient is prescribed therapy for strangulation nerve. To quickly relieve back pain, the tablets are taken in combination with a massage. It is recommended to consult a doctor first. After examining the patient, the specialist will prescribe a suitable etiotropic treatment.
If the pain syndrome is caused by stress, then the following treatment regimen is used:
If stress is accompanied by severe back pain, then take powerful antidepressants. Upon completion of the course of therapy, treatment of pinched nerves is indicated. The patient is given injections of B vitamins (Milgamma).
Since back pain causes anxiety for the patient, it is recommended to take sedative tablets. More often, such patients are prescribed plant-based sedatives (motherwort, valerian). In case of a complex course, strong drugs of this group (Nozepam) are prescribed.
The auxiliary therapy regimen for back and lower back pain includes the use of non-narcotic analgesics (Baralgin, Tempalgin), biostimulants (Aloe extract) and chondroprotectors (Dona, Theraflex). Drugs of the latter pharmacological group are taken to regulate metabolism in cartilage and stop destruction in bones.
Chondoprotectors in tablets are taken for a long period of 3-6 months. A sustainable effect is observed only after six months. Taking biostimulants is indicated to activate metabolic and recovery processes. At the same time, the patient’s body has an anti-inflammatory effect. The course of therapy with biostimulants is 8-35 days.
Diclofenac - taken for pain of various types caused by the inflammatory process. The drug can be taken for osteochondrosis. It contains diclofenac sodium. Tablets are taken 3 times a day. Side effects include the risk of gastrointestinal problems.
Experts advise using a special form of this medication - Diclofenac retard - as a pain reliever. It contains 100 mg of diclofenac sodium. Therefore, this drug is taken once a day. Against this background, the risk of stomach problems is significantly reduced. If necessary, Diclofenac is replaced with Naproxen or Piroxicam.
Ketorolac is an effective and strong analgesic that is taken when “lumbago” or severe pain symptoms occur. The action of this drug is aimed at quickly eliminating pain (20-30 minutes after administration). Ketorolac tromethamine is the active ingredient of tablets. 1 tablet contains 10 mg of analgesic. This dosage is sufficient for pain relief. The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the intensity of the pain syndrome. The course of treatment is 5 days. Ketorolac is a non-narcotic analgesic, so the patient will not get used to the tablets.
To provide first aid for back pain, you can take other non-narcotic analgesics (Dolak, Ketonov). The following side effects are typical for medications in this group:
The risk group includes patients with high blood pressure.
If back pain is accompanied by muscle spasm, then the patient is prescribed tableted muscle relaxants. This group includes Mydocalm. The active ingredient of this drug is tolperisone hydrochloride.
To relax spastic back muscles with Mydocalm, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Since this drug has serious side effects (muscle weakness, low blood pressure). You can replace Mydocalm with an analogue - Sirdalut. The latter medication effectively affects muscle spasms, while causing minor adverse reactions.
Often back pain appears due to tissue swelling. Fluid accumulated in the area of inflammation contributes to pinching of the spinal roots. In this case, taking strong diuretic tablets is indicated. Such drugs include Furosemide. But since the drug has a strong effect on blood vessels and kidneys, it is taken after consultation with a doctor.
To minimize the harm caused to the body as a result of long-term use of analgesics, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle. Poor diet, alcoholic beverages and smoking aggravate the negative effects of pills. Due to stress, lack of sleep and a passive lifestyle, the immune system decreases. Tablets prescribed by a doctor must be taken according to the instructions. Medicines should not be taken with tea or alcohol - only water.
When taking painkillers, it is recommended to maintain an interval of 12 hours (if the frequency of administration is 2 times a day), 8 hours (for 3 tablets).
If the pain does not subside, it is not recommended to take a second tablet.
If possible, the patient should try to reduce the dose of analgesics. If the condition worsens, it is recommended to make an appointment with a doctor.
Back pain is a phenomenon that has recently become increasingly popular not only among the older population, but also among young people. Poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, nervousness and many other factors lead to back problems occurring at a young age and even in adolescence.
In the future, everything only gets worse, and in old age the pain becomes chronic, that is, the back hurts constantly. Let's consider the main causes of this phenomenon and possible treatment methods.
Pain can be divided depending on the location and nature of the discomfort.
There are sharp pains that resemble lumbago, they are also called lumbago , such pain can occur due to the following pathologies:
Girdle pain is a dangerous signal:
Different organs may be inflamed in different parts of the back; in any case, back pain may indicate a serious pathology that cannot be left to chance and must be treated immediately.
The next type of back pain is sciatica:
Nagging back pain also greatly interferes with everyday life and often lasts for a very long time. The causes of nagging pain are as follows:
Back pain can be of a different nature, depending on which you can determine the pathology and begin its treatment.
Why does my back hurt? Factors influencing the development of back diseases are multifaceted. Let's look at the most common causes of back pain, which occur mainly in the young population.
Most back diseases occur for this reason.
Posture is distorted due to the fact that a person moves little and sits a lot in the main position:
There are often cases when a person is near a draft or in the cold and blows through his back. When going into a cold space while sweating, the same effect can occur. Sometimes even a slight cold instantly penetrates the nerve endings and makes itself felt with back pain.
A person unprepared for physical activity often comes to the gym and immediately selects the maximum weight, which can lead to a “tear” of the spine and back muscles, which leads to severe back pain.
Overweight people, due to their large body mass, place more stress on their back, so it hurts more often than people with a normal physique. The pain is minor, but appears periodically.
Back muscles tend to atrophy over time. If a person is inactive in life, then constant back pain is guaranteed. Muscle congestion and weakness can lead to many back diseases, including intervertebral hernia.
If you notice back pain, you should know which doctor to contact and how to make a diagnosis. It is best to visit a therapist who will refer the patient to a more specialized specialist: a surgeon, traumatologist, or neurologist.
An x-ray examination is also required, which reveals the presence of injuries, fractures and other pathologies. In addition to this method, additional diagnostic methods may be required, such as MRI and computed tomography.
Treatment of back pain at home depends on the nature of the lesion and its duration:
Many methods are used to treat back pain: medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage and other methods. Let's look at the most popular ones, which are the most universal for various back pathologies.
Drug treatment is important for acute pain that does not go away with massage, physiotherapy and other conservative treatments. For mild pain, it is enough to use tablets and dragees. More severe discomfort may require an injection.
We must not forget about the side effects that some drugs exhibit. You should always seek medical advice for accurate advice.
A blockade is an injection into the lumbar region, which is used for severe pain in this area. Among the popular drugs are an injection of Novocaine and Ledocaine . The peculiarity of the treatment method is the rapid relief of pain, however, it also has disadvantages: it is a short effect and a large number of contraindications.
Many back diseases are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), they can relieve the most severe, sharp and irritating pain:
For lower back pain, B vitamins are used for injection. They restore damaged nerve fibers and increase the activity of the nervous system. The drugs also have an analgesic effect. This treatment should be carried out for severe pain with “lumbago”.
To improve the effect after a course of injections, vitamins are taken orally; popular medications for oral administration are as follows:
When treating the spine, combination drugs are also used, such as Next or Neurodiclovit.
Ointments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effectively treat back pathologies; the list of names of such drugs is quite extensive.
They quickly restore the functioning of the spine and relieve even severe pain, including the following drugs:
These products have a warming effect, so be sure to consult a doctor before use to avoid allergies, burns and other side effects.
In almost all cases of back pain, additional therapy is prescribed - massage. This method is distinguished by its versatility, as it helps with a variety of back diseases.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are used after medication treatment. If the pain is severe, physiotherapy should not be used.
The procedures take place only after the acute pain has been relieved. Physiotherapy allows you to consolidate the results obtained, normalize the condition of tissues and nerves, in order to protect yourself from lower back diseases in the future.
The most common procedures include:
The result of physiotherapy is complete pain relief and normalization of the body’s nervous system. Procedures are also carried out during the rehabilitation period together with massage, mud baths and other types of therapy.
Most often, back pain occurs due to lack of physical activity. If you don’t have enough time to do a set of exercises, you can at least do exercises periodically during the day at your workplace and let your back relax.
Let's look at a few exercises to strengthen your back muscles:
For back pain, there is another treatment method - fixatives. This is an orthopedic device that places the spine in the correct position and relieves discomfort. They have belts and stiffeners.
The spine is in a more comfortable position, the pressure on the back is reduced. The corset is a wide belt made of dense material.
The essence of acupuncture is the insertion of thin stainless steel needles into painful areas of the back. The procedure must be carried out by a qualified specialist; with the correct technique, acupuncture does not cause pain.
The needles are disposable and eliminate the risk of infection. The procedure is often prescribed in cases where certain medications are contraindicated for the patient.
Tinctures made from lingonberries, rose hips, and blueberries are common for back pain. They are infused for an hour and drunk instead of tea and before meals. In addition to tinctures, compresses and ointments for back pain are widely used.
Prepare the ointment for the compress as follows:
Traditional back treatment using foil is widely used. For this you need the well-known “Star” balm. It is applied to the back, foil is placed on top and everything is secured with a gauze bandage. The compress is wrapped in a blanket on top and left overnight. The procedure helps with all back disorders.
For radiculitis, a recipe made from mustard, salt and kerosene is effective. Mix mustard powder with salt and kerosene, grind the resulting mixture, and instead of kerosene you can use ethyl alcohol. Mustard has a warming effect and relieves pain.
For osteochondrosis, prepare a compress:
While carrying a child, as well as during lactation, women often complain of back pain.
To reduce discomfort during pregnancy, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
Treatment of back pain in children depends on the pathology that causes discomfort. The back may hurt due to uncomfortable sleep, uncomfortable bedding. In this case, the child should buy an orthopedic pillow or mattress.
By applying simple rules, you can not experience back discomfort until old age:
Dr. Fereydoun Batmanghelidj is the author of several books on alternative treatments, including How to Treat Back Pain and Rheumatic Joint Pain.
To relieve back pain and improve overall health, the doctor recommends following three basic rules:
Back pain can signal a variety of disorders. There are universal treatment methods, as well as preventive recommendations. The versatility of therapeutic methods allows you to get rid of an unpleasant symptom in a short time.
When severe pain appears in the back, lower back, joints, of course, first of all it is necessary to determine the cause of its occurrence. If it is a lumbago from hypothermia, lumbago, or pinched sciatic nerve, intervertebral hernia, etc., you should definitely undergo examination by a neurologist, osteopath, and possibly a gynecologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, since back pain can be not only from spasm of muscles and ligaments , but also for some diseases of internal organs. After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe NSAIDs and B vitamins in injections for back pain as part of complex therapy.
Today, in the treatment of acute pain in the lumbar region and back, medicine finds new principles and algorithms than 50 years ago. The main emphasis in the fight against pain is on eliminating pain with the help of NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress inflammation and reduce pain, as well as muscle blockades.
And after the removal of severe spasms, it is recommended to refuse to immobilize the patient, that is, to conduct physical therapy exercises and perform massage. Most doctors insist that a person during back pain syndromes should not limit his activity as much as possible.
It has also become popular and effective to prescribe combined vitamin complexes that can have a moderate analgesic effect, these are vitamins B12, B6, and B1. It is believed that vitamin B12 has a more significant analgesic property. Why these particular vitamins?
Recently, these drugs have begun to be considered in medicine as moderate analgesics, since they are neurotropic - they normalize the innervation of muscles, participate in the transmission of excitation, in the metabolism of mediators, influence metabolism, processes in the nervous system, and promote the restoration of damaged nerves.
Over 90 different studies have proven that the use of B vitamins in clinical practice led to a significant reduction in pain in the acute phases of inflammation in complex treatment. Therefore, they can be used either individually or in the form of complex preparations of B vitamins.
Most complex drugs in this group contain the anesthetic lidocaine, which enhances the local analgesic effect. However, it should be remembered that the use of this group of vitamins makes sense only for acute pain in the back, joints, alcoholic polyneuropathy, myasthenia gravis B12 for 10-14 days, and for chronic recurrent diseases they become ineffective.
In cases where painkillers do not help, specialists can offer the patient a method of injections and stretching. It is as follows: after the patient lies on his stomach, the most painful seals or points where the pain is most intense are found in the muscles, and an injection with a novocaine solution is made exactly perpendicularly.
Immediately after the injection, passive stretching of the muscle is performed, after which a hot compress is placed on this place. Then, when the compress is removed, the patient should make active movements, exposing the painful muscle to maximum movement.
The purpose of the novocaine blockade is to “turn off” the nerve. Therefore, the injection points should be as close as possible to the exit points of the nerves, for example, sciatic - at the greater trochanter of the femur, for intercostal neuralgia - in the corresponding intercostal space, for osteochondrosis - at the outer edge of the extensor of the back, etc. It is also advisable to carry out epidural blockades for chronic pain syndrome, for example, for herniated intervertebral discs.
Below is a list of medications prescribed by your doctor according to indications. Only a doctor determines the advisability of using B vitamins, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and chondoprotectors. The information below is for informational purposes only; the course of treatment and dosage is determined by a specialist.
B vitamins can also be taken in tablet form, but naturally, intramuscular administration of drugs is considered more effective. Let's consider what drugs of this group exist on the modern pharmaceutical market, their general indications, contraindications, side effects, methods of use and comparative prices in pharmacies:
Milgamma 5 amp. price in pharmacies 220 rubles, 10 amp. 400 rub. 25 amp. 900 rub.
The composition of all these drugs is the same: Lidocaine, Thiamine, Pyridoxine Cyanocobalamin.
Indications: Used for neurological diseases and nervous system disorder syndromes in complex therapy:
Contraindications: Treatment cannot be carried out if:
3 amp. 220 RUR - Neurobion does not contain Lidocaine in its composition
Side effects: Tachycardia, increased sweating, rarely - allergic reactions - rash, itching, urticaria, skin reactions, difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock. In case of overdose - nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tachycardia.
5 amp. about 100 rub.
Application: All of the listed injections for back pain are administered deeply intramuscularly, 2 ml 1 time per day for 5-10 days, then you should switch to 2-3 times per week for 14-21 days. or taking vitamins orally.
Painkillers, of course, are used only as symptomatic therapy; they help eliminate pain in the joints and back, but do not eliminate the cause of its occurrence; in addition, 50% of patients may experience various side effects.
In more than 50 studies aimed at identifying the best pain reliever, researchers found that not a single NSAID drug was more effective than other pain relievers, and some of them are very expensive drugs. The only thing to pay attention to when choosing is that some generics (Russian diclofenac, for example) are significantly inferior in effectiveness to original drugs (European Diclofenac).
Also, these studies were aimed at identifying a drug with the least side effects. As a result, it was found that Ibuprofen is the least toxic of all NSAIDs.
The manufacturers of the new Cox-2 inhibitor, Celebrex, claimed that it had the least side effects, but studies did not find convincing evidence of this fact.
Therefore, when choosing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, you should remember that they have almost the same anesthetic properties, the same side effects, but different frequency, intensity, severity of side effects, harmful effects, and, not least important, different prices. For example, Meloxicam has less effect on the stomach and intestines than aceclofenac (Aertal). Indomethacin gives a pronounced analgesic effect, but destroys cartilage with prolonged use and is now used less and less.
Moreover, doubling the dose does not reduce the intensity of pain, and in the case when one non-steroidal drug does not help (if it is not a fake), replacing it with another does not make sense. Moreover, based on research, we can also conclude that they are not much more effective than regular paracetamol. You can learn more about all ointments for back pain from our article.
For chronic pain, before prescribing an anesthetic, the doctor determines the causes and nature of chronic pain - referred, neuropathic or central, and prescribes appropriate treatment.
If the pain is acute, then the doctor determines the risk of side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular complications, if the risks are not great, and:
If the risk of cardiovascular complications is high, then NSAIDs should be avoided and Paracetamol and opioids should be used. With a moderate risk, it is possible to prescribe nimesulide, subject to adequate correction of blood pressure (amlodipine, see drugs for lowering blood pressure).
If the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is high, NSAIDs + definitely proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole). It is understood that taking NSAIDs in itself is a sufficient risk even with a single dose, so the standard is that all NSAIDs are taken in combination with proton pump blockers, regardless of the risks of gastroduodenal bleeding.
When the risks of gastrointestinal side effects and cardiovascular complications are combined - Nimesulide + acetylsalicylic acid + omeprazole.
If the pain subsides within 5-7 days, then continue treatment until it is completely relieved.
If acute pain does not subside within a week, then muscle relaxants and local anesthetics are prescribed. Local administration of corticosteroids is possible if the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the joints or spine is excluded. If the pain is very severe and there is no effect from painkillers, the infectious nature of the pain should be excluded (tuberculosis pathology - consultation and examination at an anti-tuberculosis dispensary), joint pain due to gonorrhea, syphilis or other infection.
All known NSAIDs for injection, with their general contraindications and side effects, and average prices in pharmacies are presented in the table:
Indications for the use of NSAIDs: Symptomatic treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, elimination of pain - musculoskeletal, back pain of any etiology, postoperative and other pain.
Artrosilene (6 amps, 170 rubles) Ketonal (10 amps, 200 rubles) Flamax (5 amps, 110 rubles). Flexen (6 amp. 280 rub.)
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any component of the drug, heart failure, pregnancy and lactation, severe liver or kidney failure, aspirin-induced bronchial asthma, children under 16-18 years of age, inflammatory bowel diseases, exacerbations of gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding. Cerebrovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, any severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, concomitant use of antiplatelet agents (clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid) prednisolone, liver dysfunction, severe somatic diseases.
With caution: gastrointestinal diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection, edema, fluid retention, diabetes mellitus, long-term use of NSAIDs.
Ketorol (10 amp. 130-150 rub.), Ketanov (10 amp. 100 rub.) Ketorolac (10 amp. 70-90 rub.)
Application: The solution for injections for back pain should be administered deeply intramuscularly in a dosage selected by the doctor depending on the age of the patient and the intensity of the pain. Up to 65 years of age, a single dose of 10-30 mg is prescribed. IM every 4-6 hours. For persons with impaired renal function or over 65 years of age, a dose of 10-15 mg IM once or every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily dose should not be more than 60-90 mg. and the duration of therapy is no more than 5 days.
Side effects: Digestive system: often - diarrhea, gastralgia, constipation, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, hepatitis, acute pancreatitis.
Urinary system: frequent urination, nephritis, edema, acute renal failure.
Respiratory system: shortness of breath, laryngeal edema, allergic rhinitis, difficulty breathing.
CNS: dizziness, headache, drowsiness, hyperactivity, psychosis, hearing loss, depression, blurred vision.
CVS: fainting, increased blood pressure, pulmonary edema.
Hematopoietic organs: eosinophilia, anemia, leukopenia.
Blood clotting: rectal, nasal, gastric bleeding, from a postoperative wound.
Dermatological manifestations: urticaria, skin rash, skin peeling, Lyell's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Allergic reactions: swelling of the eyelids, wheezing, shortness of breath, change in facial skin color, itching of the skin, rash, heaviness in the chest.
Other: often - weight gain, swelling of the ankles, face, fingers, legs, increased sweating.
Overdose: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction.
Interaction: The simultaneous use of NSAIDs with acetylsalicylic acid or other non-steroidal painkillers, as well as corticosteroids, calcium supplements, ethanol, can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and the formation of gastrointestinal ulcers. Concomitant use with paracetamol increases the risk of nephrotoxicity.
When your back hurts badly, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory, painkillers in tablets; previously it was believed that oral administration slows down the onset of action, reduces effectiveness and leads to more severe side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. Today it is believed that intramuscular administration and oral administration provide the same bioavailability of the drug. Side effects from the gastrointestinal tract are realized through the suppression of the arachidonic acid system, that is, not through direct contact with the mucous membrane, but after absorption into the blood. Therefore, the side effects are almost the same when taken orally and when injected.
Most of the pain is based on muscle spasm, which itself tightens the nerve root and causes secondary radicular syndrome, so in many cases muscle relaxants are prescribed as an anesthetic:
Mukosat (5 amp. 250-500 rub.), Chondrogard (10 amp. 600 rub.), Chondrolon (10 amp. 800-1100 rub.), Artradol (10 amp. 700 rub.)
Chondroitin sulfate - this drug is an anti-inflammatory drug, which is prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the joints and spine. It slows down bone tissue resorption, improves calcium-phosphorus metabolism in cartilage tissue, stops the destruction of connective and cartilaginous tissue, and accelerates recovery processes. Reduces pain and increases mobility of the spine and joints. It is structurally similar to heparin, and therefore prevents the formation of blood clots in the subchondral and synovial beds.
Alflutop (10 amp. 1400-1500 rub.)
This is a modern drug, which is a concentrate from small sea fish that regulates the metabolism of cartilage tissue. The composition of the bioactive concentrate includes amino acids, potassium, sodium, copper, iron, calcium and zinc ions, as well as mucopolysaccharides and peptides. This remedy stimulates the processes of restoration of cartilage tissue, inhibits the destruction of the structures of osteochondral tissues, which provides a moderate analgesic effect.
The drug is prescribed only to adults with osteochondrosis or polyosteoarthrosis; it should be administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1 ml/day for 20 days. If large joints are affected, then it is possible to administer the drug into the joint once every 3-4 days, 1-2 ml, in a course of 5-6 injections.
Video on how to give an intramuscular injection.
Video on how to quickly relieve back pain with exercises.
Back pain is the price humanity pays for the opportunity to get back on its feet, but people have figured out how to reduce the price by creating pills for lower back pain.
The human spine, and especially its lumbar region, is subjected to the most intense loads, so the lumbar region of the back remains vulnerable to the threat of developing pathological processes caused by its wear and tear.
Of course, it is wrong to say that pain symptoms in the back appear only as a result of degenerative changes in the spine.
Pain occurs due to a number of reasons:
Back pain can accompany various pathologies of the digestive and genitourinary systems and complications after colds. Painful back symptoms often appear during pregnancy, after heavy physical work.
They can be the result of a rapid increase in body weight or hypothermia (due to which inflammation of the nerve roots of the spine develops, i.e. radiculitis).
In addition, some medical procedures (for example, epidural anesthesia) may cause back pain. The list of causes of pain should include stress and poor nutrition.
A person who experiences pain, especially if it begins to recur regularly, needs the help of a doctor. In the vast majority of cases, it is almost impossible to independently determine the etiology of symptoms.
Treating yourself is a way of deliberately causing harm to your own body.
Of course, by taking painkillers, a person will be able to relieve unpleasant symptoms for a while, but it should be understood that these drugs are intended only to alleviate the sensations experienced by the patient and should be only part of a set of measures to get rid of the disease.
It is very difficult to wait for a consultation with a specialist while experiencing pain, so you have to take painkillers in order to ease the symptoms before meeting with him.
Most often, tablets from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and relieve painful symptoms, are used to suppress pain. The most well-known NSAIDs are acetylsalicylic acid and analgin. Drugs in the same group that can be purchased without a prescription include:
Ketoprofen has the most powerful effect among the listed drugs. It relieves the symptoms accompanying the inflammatory process for a long time. Both modifications of diclofenac (ortofen and rapten rapid), like other NSAIDs, suppress the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for the development of the inflammatory process, but rapten rapid acts more quickly.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also include:
The last 3 of these medications, when used, have fewer side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, since they are already selective NSAIDs that selectively block the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. However, they should not be taken for a long time, as this may result in pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and renal systems. This is why most NSAIDs can only be purchased with a prescription.
Another group of drugs for lower back pain includes muscle relaxant drugs. These medications are designed to relax the muscles, so they relieve muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants taken orally are not as effective as parenteral drugs, but in any case, drugs in this group have an auxiliary role: they are used in combination with NSAIDs. Muscle relaxants include:
Doctors insist that these medications be used only under their supervision, since the drugs in this group exhibit many side effects, the weakest of which are drowsiness and lethargy, and decreased activity. The consequences of taking these drugs can be:
In addition, a patient taking muscle relaxants may develop addiction to them and drug dependence. Any medicine in this group is contraindicated for use:
Due to all of the above factors, muscle relaxants are prescribed to the patient only when he is on sick leave or undergoing treatment in a hospital.
A separate group of drugs against low back pain consists of corticosteroids. They have the strongest anti-inflammatory effect, as they suppress the production of inflammatory mediators at a deeper level than NSAIDs. However, the side effects of corticosteroid tablets, which are classified as hormonal drugs, are more serious. They will appear in:
In addition, taking drugs from this group blocks the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands and leads to hormonal imbalance in the body as a whole. Corticosteroid drugs eliminate only the symptoms of the disease, therefore they are prescribed only during their exacerbation, and the duration of the course is minimal. Topical products have fewer side effects. The most common drugs in this group:
Another group of tablets for eliminating lower back pain are narcotic drugs. The most powerful of them is morphine. In addition to it, pharmaceutical companies produce:
These remedies are intended to relieve pain that is chronic in nature. Their action is aimed at weakening the sensitivity of nerve endings and brain cells. Narcotic drugs are also used in the postoperative period. However, these drugs are prescribed only in the most difficult cases. In addition to side effects, the consequences of their use can be:
In addition to the remedies listed above, tablets containing vitamins and minerals (phosphorus and calcium) necessary for the body to restore tissue are used to eliminate painful symptoms in the lower back. Vitamins A, C, E normalize metabolism. Vitamin B regenerates nerve tissue and fights pain. It contains:
A lack of vitamin D in the body leads to cramps, various deformations of bone tissue and joint pain, so tablets containing it are prescribed.
Medical specialists often include the following drugs in therapy:
It is no secret that prolonged pain can provoke a depressive state in the patient. In turn, it interferes with effective treatment and can trigger the development of other diseases.
We can conclude that seeing a doctor if you experience lower back pain is necessary. Only a specialist, from the wide variety of medications and auxiliary drugs, can find the means that most effectively cope with the treatment of back diseases and the elimination of the causes that cause them.