About the Back and Back Problems: Pain Relief

Getting Relief

A number of medicines and other treatments help with low back symptoms. The good news is that most people start feeling better soon.

Drugs Can Work but ...

Medicine often helps relieve low back symptoms. The type of medicine that your health care provider recommends depends on your symptoms and how uncomfortable you are.

If your symptoms are mild to moderate, you may get the relief you need from an over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicine such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. These medicines usually have fewer side effects than prescription medicines and are less expensive. If your symptoms are severe, your health care provider may recommend a prescription medicine.

For most people, medicine works well to control pain and discomfort. But any medicine can have side effects. For example, some people cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen because it can cause stomach irritation and even ulcers. Many medicines prescribed for low back pain can make people feel drowsy. These medicines should not be taken if you need to drive or use heavy equipment. Talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of any medicine recommended. If you develop side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, rash, dizziness), stop taking the medicine, and tell your health care provider right away.

Non Drug Alternatives

Your health care provider may recommend one or more of the following to be used alone or along with medicine to help relieve your symptoms

Heat or cold packs applied to the back.

Within the first 48 hours after your back symptoms start, you may want to apply a cold pack to the painful area for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, you may find that aor hot shower or bath helps relieve your symptoms.

Our recommended source for Hot and Cold packs

Spinal manipulation.

This treatment (using the hands to apply force to the back to adjust the spine) can be helpful for some people in the first month of low back symptoms.
It should only be done by a professional with experience in manipulation.
You should go back to your health care provider if your symptoms have not responded to spinal manipulation within 4 weeks.

Keep in mind that everyone is different. You will have to find what works best to relieve your own back symptoms.