Medications
One of the first drugs that you should reach for is paracetamol (Tyelenol), which is safe and can quell mild to moderate pain. But if inflammation is causing your discomfort, NSAIDs may give you more relief because they claim inflammation and inhibit pain receptors.
Good choices include aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen, Brufen), naproxen (Naprosyn) and ketoprofen (Orudis). You might find that one works particularly well, while another doesn't seem to help at all. So be prepared for some trial and error.
NSAIDs can irritate your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, although enteric-coated forms seems less likely to, and taking them long term may actually cause stomach bleeding. A new class of GI-friendly NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) may also be an option. The final verdict on their long-term safety is still out, however, and GI breeding can (and does) occur. These prescription drugs are on the PBS for the treatment of arthritic conditions.
If your back muscles are in spasm, muscle relaxants can help. They depress the nervous system, which makes the muscles relax. Some doctors are loathe to use these drugs because they interrupt a key defence mechanism: the tensing of your back muscles, which protects damaged discs ro vertebrae. Only take muscle relaxants, such as diazepam (Valium), for a few days. Drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth can develop with them all. They are also very addictive.
Consider opiates for only the initial painful stages of acute back pain. They work by reducing the brain's response to pain itself. Use them sort them: they can be habit-forming. Common opiates include codeine and paracetamol. Many people, particularly those who have chronic pain, prefer the longer-acting opioids, such as controlled-release oxycodone (Endone) and controlled-release morephine (kapanol), which need to be taken only once every 12 hours. Some doctors criticse the use of opiates for back pain, however, because they can make you listless precisely when you should be up and about. Drowsiness, headache, constipation and nausea are a few of the common side effects. You might also consider using Tramadol, which is a centrally active analgesic but with opioid-like effects.
Don't be surprised if your doctor recommends antidepressants for chronic back pain, even if you don't think you're suffering from the blues. Some people get as much pain relief from antidepressants as they do from traditional painkillers. Low doses of a tricylic antidepressant (Tryptanol, Endep, sinequan ) probably work best, although side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth) can be irritating. The newer SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Efexor) cause fewer side effects, but may not be as effective.
SMART MOVES
There's a lot you can do to recover from back pain--and to protect against future topics. Here are some self-help measures to try:
About 30 percent of those with lower back pain undergo chiropractic or osteopathic spinal manipulation in their search for relief. One study found that spinal manipulation with a chiropractor or osteopath increased the chances of recovering from acute lower back pain within two or three weeks by nearly 20 percent. Some physiotherapists do spinal manipulation as well. The goal of this type of procedure is to help build strength and flexibility, and eventually enable you to get aerobically fit.
One of the first drugs that you should reach for is paracetamol (Tyelenol), which is safe and can quell mild to moderate pain. But if inflammation is causing your discomfort, NSAIDs may give you more relief because they claim inflammation and inhibit pain receptors.
Good choices include aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen, Brufen), naproxen (Naprosyn) and ketoprofen (Orudis). You might find that one works particularly well, while another doesn't seem to help at all. So be prepared for some trial and error.
NSAIDs can irritate your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, although enteric-coated forms seems less likely to, and taking them long term may actually cause stomach bleeding. A new class of GI-friendly NSAIDs called COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) may also be an option. The final verdict on their long-term safety is still out, however, and GI breeding can (and does) occur. These prescription drugs are on the PBS for the treatment of arthritic conditions.
If your back muscles are in spasm, muscle relaxants can help. They depress the nervous system, which makes the muscles relax. Some doctors are loathe to use these drugs because they interrupt a key defence mechanism: the tensing of your back muscles, which protects damaged discs ro vertebrae. Only take muscle relaxants, such as diazepam (Valium), for a few days. Drowsiness, dizziness and dry mouth can develop with them all. They are also very addictive.
Consider opiates for only the initial painful stages of acute back pain. They work by reducing the brain's response to pain itself. Use them sort them: they can be habit-forming. Common opiates include codeine and paracetamol. Many people, particularly those who have chronic pain, prefer the longer-acting opioids, such as controlled-release oxycodone (Endone) and controlled-release morephine (kapanol), which need to be taken only once every 12 hours. Some doctors criticse the use of opiates for back pain, however, because they can make you listless precisely when you should be up and about. Drowsiness, headache, constipation and nausea are a few of the common side effects. You might also consider using Tramadol, which is a centrally active analgesic but with opioid-like effects.
Don't be surprised if your doctor recommends antidepressants for chronic back pain, even if you don't think you're suffering from the blues. Some people get as much pain relief from antidepressants as they do from traditional painkillers. Low doses of a tricylic antidepressant (Tryptanol, Endep, sinequan ) probably work best, although side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth) can be irritating. The newer SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Efexor) cause fewer side effects, but may not be as effective.
SMART MOVES
There's a lot you can do to recover from back pain--and to protect against future topics. Here are some self-help measures to try:
- When sitting, keep your spine straight against the back of the chair. A good backrest can help to support your lower back and encourage good posture. Cyclindrical foam pillows called lumbar rolls will help keep you aligned, especially in the car (position them crosswise in the small of your back). Foam seat wedges can keep you from sinking down----and sacrificing your posture--on a squishy chair. Orthopaedic neck pillows support the natural curve of the neck, keeping the spine aligned.
- When standing, avoid slumping. Set your head squarely above your shoulders, keeping your chin parallel to the floor and your neck straight. And most important: try to keep your abdominal muscles tight.
- To sleep better, invest in a supportive mattress, or a get a bed board to firm up a sagging one. Experiment with various pillows (or pillow combinations) to ensure your neck remains straight as you sleep. Before bed, ease your muscles with a warm bath.
- To improve daily activities, dress for easy movement in loose clothing (tight pants and girdles can weaken abdominals) and flat (or low-heeled) shoes to avoid increasing the curvature of your back.
About 30 percent of those with lower back pain undergo chiropractic or osteopathic spinal manipulation in their search for relief. One study found that spinal manipulation with a chiropractor or osteopath increased the chances of recovering from acute lower back pain within two or three weeks by nearly 20 percent. Some physiotherapists do spinal manipulation as well. The goal of this type of procedure is to help build strength and flexibility, and eventually enable you to get aerobically fit.
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