Some medications for low back pain, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or analgesics, muscle relaxants, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or cyclobenzaprine, may be recommended by the orthopedist in cases of mild to moderate acute low back pain, caused by poor posture or repetitive efforts, for example.
Furthermore, in the case of chronic low back pain, there are medication options that may be recommended by your doctor, such as antidepressants or corticosteroid injections, as they help to reduce pain and inflammation, relieving symptoms of a feeling of stiffness in the back or difficulty standing. sitting or walking.
The treatment of low back pain should always be guided by an orthopedist, who can indicate the best remedy individually according to its cause. Check out the main causes of lumbar spine pain.
Main remedies
Some remedies that may be recommended by your doctor for low back pain are:
1. Painkillers
Analgesics such as paracetamol (Tylenol) or dipyrone (Novalgina) may be recommended by the doctor for mild to moderate low back pain, as they act by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins or cyclooxygenases, which are substances responsible for pain. See how to correctly take paracetamol or dipyrone.
These remedies can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, and although they are sold without the need to present a prescription, ideally they should be taken with a doctor’s advice, as they are contraindicated for people with liver problems or impaired bone marrow function. .
In some cases of severe low back pain, the doctor may prescribe the use of painkillers associated with other medications, such as muscle relaxants or opioids, for example.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are usually the first treatment option for acute low back pain. These medications, such as ibuprofen (Alivium, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren) or naproxen (Flanax), for example, act by reducing the production of inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes, helping to alleviate low back pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken under medical advice, as they are not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding or by people who have a stomach ulcer, gastritis, kidney disease, chicken pox or suspected dengue fever.
3. Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine (Miosan, Mirtax or Musculare), may be recommended by the doctor, as they act by blocking nerve impulses or pain sensations that are sent to the brain that cause muscle contractions, spasms or pain. In this way, these remedies promote muscle relaxation and relief from acute low back pain.
In some cases, muscle relaxants can be used in association with analgesics, such as carisoprodol, which is sold in association with paracetamol and/or diclofenac, found under the names Torsilax or Mioflex, for example, being sufficient to relieve pain.
Muscle relaxants should only be used by adults, for a maximum period of 10 days to 3 weeks of treatment, as per medical advice.
4. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, may be used to reduce muscle spasm or contractions, which helps relieve acute lower back pain caused by injuries to the back muscles, for example.
These medicines are only sold with a medical prescription and the prescription is retained by the pharmacy, and must be used for a short period of time, as they can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or dependence.
5. Opioids
Opioids such as tramadol (Tramal) or codeine (Codein) are more potent analgesics, recommended by the doctor in cases of acute low back pain, which is very intense or does not improve with common analgesics, and should be used for a short period of time. .
There are also combinations of opioids with paracetamol, which can also be used under medical supervision, such as the Tylex medicine, with paracetamol and codeine, and the Ultracet medicine, with paracetamol and tramadol.
Opioids are not indicated for the treatment of chronic low back pain.
6. Antidepressants
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe certain types of antidepressants, in low doses, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, for example, which help to alleviate certain types of chronic low back pain.
Antidepressants should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.
7. Plasters and ointments
Plasters and ointments with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, such as Salonpas, Calminex, Cataflam Emulgel or Voltaren gel, can also help relieve pain, however, they do not have the same effectiveness as systemic action medications, so , are a good option in cases of mild pain or as a complement to systemic treatment.
8. Injections
When back pain is very intense and there are signs of compression of the sciatic nerve such as pain and burning, difficulty sitting or walking, when it feels like the spine is locked, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants in the form of injections. .
Additionally, in some cases, such as when treatment is not effective enough to reduce pain or when pain radiates down the leg, your doctor may recommend giving you a corticosteroid injection such as betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone disodium phosphate (Diprospan). ), which helps fight inflammation and relieve symptoms quickly.
Other ways to cure low back pain
Some alternative methods or those that can be associated with pharmacological treatment for treating low back pain are:
- Physiotherapy, which must be done with exercises indicated by the physiotherapist on an individual basis. See how physiotherapy for low back pain is done;
- Hot compresses in the painful region or electrotherapy sessions, which heat the region, and can be useful to deflate the area and eliminate pain;
- Posture correction exercises, which can be introduced after pain relief, to prevent symptom attacks and strengthen the spinal muscles. Clinical Pilates and RPG are highly recommended, as they bring relief from symptoms in a few weeks, although complete treatment can take around 6 months to 1 year;
- Spine stretches, which help relieve pain and increase range of motion. Learn some stretching exercises to relieve back pain.
Sometimes, when a person suffers from a herniated disc or spondylolisthesis, the orthopedist may recommend spinal surgery, but this does not exclude the need for physiotherapy before and after the procedure. See also other ways to treat low back pain.
