Back pain medications, such as ketoprofen, paracetamol, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride or venlafaxine, may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce inflammation or promote muscle relaxation, relieving mild, moderate or severe back pain.
Back pain can most often be caused by poor posture or repetitive strain, but it can also arise due to more serious problems such as herniated discs, fractures or tumors. Check out the main causes of back pain.
Remedies for back pain should be used with the advice of an orthopedist, after evaluating the cause of the pain, as well as its onset and intensity, making it possible to recommend the best remedy on an individual basis.
9 remedies for back pain
The main remedies for back pain that may be recommended by your doctor are:
1. Cetoprofen
Ketoprofen is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that reduces inflammation and is indicated for low back pain or sciatic nerve pain.
This remedy can be found in the form of 100 or 150 mg tablets, which must be taken orally during a meal.
In addition, ketoprofen can also be found in the form of syrup, drops, ointment, injectable solution, suppositories or capsules and must be used under medical advice. See how to use ketoprofen.
2. Diclofenac
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, has an analgesic effect, relieving discomfort caused by back pain more quickly.
Generally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first treatment option for back pain, and other medications with similar action to diclofenac that may be recommended by the doctor are ibuprofen, naproxen or celecoxib, for example.
The indication of anti-inflammatory drugs may vary according to the cause of the back pain, as these medications may have more or less strong action and, therefore, different doses and duration of use may be recommended depending on the cause.
3. Paracetamol
Paracetamol, as well as dipyrone or acetylsalicylic acid, can also be indicated in the treatment of back pain, as they have analgesic action, promoting pain relief.
It is important that the analgesic is used as directed by the doctor, as prolonged use or in higher doses can cause damage to the stomach lining and liver.
In the case of pregnant and breastfeeding women, paracetamol is normally recommended, as it is considered safe during these phases, however it is important that the obstetrician is consulted. Find out how to take paracetamol during pregnancy.
4. Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride
Cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride is a muscle relaxant indicated for the treatment of low back pain, or back pain associated with fibromyalgia, as it promotes relaxation of the back muscles, relieving pain.
Cyclobenzaprine can be found in the form of 5 or 10 mg tablets, and should be used under medical advice, only by adults, for a maximum period of 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. See how to take cyclobenzaprine.
5. Diazepam
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine indicated for the relief of back muscle pain, due to its muscle relaxing properties.
This medicine is only sold with a medical prescription and the prescription is retained by the pharmacy, found in the form of 5 or 10 mg tablets. Find out how to take diazepam.
6. Thiocolchicosideum
Thiocolchicoside is another muscle relaxant that may be recommended by a doctor for back pain, especially in cases where there is a muscle spasm or contraction that results in pain.
This medicine is found in the form of 4 mg tablets, such as the commercial name Coltrax, and must be used under medical advice, for a maximum of 7 days of treatment.
7. Tramadol
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, as well as codeine, which may be recommended by a doctor for severe back pain, as they provide short-term relief from severe pain.
However, in more severe cases, the use of stronger opioids for a short period of time, such as hydromorphone, oxycodone, or fentanyl, may be recommended.
Opioids are associated with several side effects and, therefore, it is important to be cautious regarding their prolonged use.
8. Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant, as well as duloxetine, sibutramine, imipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline and clomipramine, which can be indicated in cases of chronic back pain, as they have a positive effect on pain, and are mainly recommended in cases of low back pain. chronic.
Antidepressants that have been used to relieve back pain are norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
These medications are contraindicated in cases of kidney failure, glaucoma, pregnancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure and should only be used under medical prescription.
9. Cortisone
Cortisone injection is usually indicated when medication treatment is not sufficient to provide pain relief, and the injection may be recommended by the doctor according to the cause and intensity of the back pain.
Home remedies for back pain
An excellent home remedy for back pain is to make a hot compress, as the heat relaxes the muscles and activates blood circulation in the region, reducing pain.
Another natural solution to complement the treatment of back pain is ginger tea or compress, due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and vasodilating properties.
To make the tea, place about 3 cm of ginger root in 1 cup of water and let it boil for 5 minutes and then strain, let it cool and drink up to 3 times a day. To make the ginger compress, simply grate the same amount of ginger and apply it to the back area, covering with gauze, for 20 minutes.
Tips to relieve back pain
Other tips for relieving back pain include:
- Rest in a lying position on your back, with your legs stretched out, slightly raised, without a pillow over your head and with your arms extended along your body;
- Take a hot water bath, letting the water fall on the area of pain;
- Get a back massage.
These measures may be sufficient to treat back pain or may complement treatment with medications prescribed by your doctor. See more tips on what to do to relieve back pain.
