Narcotic medications do not actually deaden back pain

Back pain medication is used to relieve backache when surgery is not seen as necessary but a hot water bottle isn't working to ease the pain anymore.

In cases of severe pain, both chronic and acute, a doctor may prescribe pain killers and/or anti-inflammatories or narcotic medications. Other medications include over the counter remedies, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, so-called natural remedies and spinal injections.

Anti-inflammatory medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are most often used in the modern treatment of pain, both chronic and acute.

The three most common types of NSAIDs you'll hear about if you're a back pain sufferer are: Ibuprofen (most commonly prescribed for milder forms of pain, can be bought over the counter but can upset sensitive stomachs) Naproxen (not recommended for anyone on medication that thins the blood) and COX-2 inhibitors (must be prescribed by a doctor).

Narcotic medications do not actually deaden the pain, but work to dissociate patients from the pain and many doctors use this type of pain medication as a last resort or for severe pain. Medical supervision is required as narcotic medications can be addictive.

A 50% success rate is the figure bandied about for spinal injections. This form of medication goes straight to the root of the physical pain and is recommended when oral medication is not helping but surgery does not appear necessary.

Muscle relaxants for the treatment of back pain haven't been proven effective for everyone. Neither have anti-depressants, unless depression is reliably diagnosed as the root cause of the pain.

Experts agree that pain medication is most effective when used in combination with a pain management program that includes exercise.

It is absolutely essential to consult a doctor before using pain medication. This is particularly important for the elderly or anyone who suffers from any type of seemingly unrelated disorder or condition, including asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, etc.

It is very important that you let your doctor know if you are taking any supplements, even the most seemingly innocuous vitamins or herbal supplements. Some may have adverse side-effects when taken in conjunction with conventional medicine.

Drugs are being constantly tested and reviewed by the FDA and your doctor is the only person you know who makes it his or her business to know what is going on in the market, what is safe and what is best for you.

Anyone who doesn't take regular exercise, is obese or underweight, or who smokes or drinks alcohol on a regular basis is at a risk to experience the potential adverse effects of back pain medication. In fact, these factors are the most common contributing causes of backache, both chronic and acute.