What is the best over-the-counter medicine for back pain relief?
There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can be helpful in relieving pain and addressing related symptoms while an episode of low back pain is getting better. Careful attention to pain management is a critical component of a patient’s recovery, as acute or chronic low back pain can lead to depression, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty exercising and stretching, all of which in turn can exacerbate and prolong a painful back condition. Two types of over-the-counter medications, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , are commonly recommended to alleviate low back pain. Acetaminophen and NSAID’s work differently and therefore may be taken at the same time. For short periods of time, prescription medications (such as narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants) may be helpful to alleviate pain or related complications. Other classes of drugs (such as antidepressants or anti-seizure medications) can also help mo
Although you may not have heard of capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) before, if you’ve ever eaten a chili pepper and felt your mouth burn, you know exactly what capsaicin does. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers. When it is applied to the skin, capsaicin has been found to deplete substance P–a neurochemical that transmits pain–causing an analgesic effect. In one double-blind study, 160 people were treated with capsaicin for 3 weeks, while another 160 people used a placebo. After 3 weeks, pain was reduced by 42% in the capsaicin group compared to 31% in the placebo group. Investigators rated capsaicin significantly more effective than placebo. Capsaicin cream, also called capsicum cream, is available in drug stores, health food stores, and online. A typical dosage is 0.025% capsaicin cream applied four times a day. The most common side effect is a stinging or burning sensation in the area. If possible, wear disposable gloves (available at drugstores) before applying
