Individuals with chronic or acute pain in the neck or lower back may require some form of pain medication. These can possibly include:
- Anti-Inflammatories or NSAIDS
These over the counter and prescription strength medications help to decrease inflammation by blocking the production of enzymes involved in the inflammatory process without steroids. Examples include Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc. to name a few. These medications must be taken as directed and can produce side effects that can include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, changes in the amount or color of urine, black stools, easy bruising or bleeding. For information on how to take these medications as well a detailed list of complications please refer to www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drugs_nsaid/article.htm, which provides a general overview of NSAIDS as a class or click on the tab for a specific medication. - Medrol Dose Pack
This is a prescribed oral steroid taper that acts to decrease inflammation and blocks the enzymes involved in inflammation; it is stronger than an NSAID. This medication can produce side effects that can be dependant on the dose and length of time treated. Side effects can include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, worsening diabetes, peptic ulcer, easy bruising, personality changes, to name a few. Dr. Taylor may offer this prescription if it is warranted. It is the patient’s responsibility to accept this prescription, understanding the known risks. For detailed information on how to take these medications, as well as a list of potential complications, please refer www.medicinenet.com/prednisolone/article.htm - Muscle Relaxants
These are prescribed medications that help to decrease muscle spasm, muscle tension and strain that can be found in an acute injury or flare-up as well as in a patient suffering with chronic symptoms. Examples include Flexeril and Soma. These medications can produce side effects that can include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, constipation, blurred vision and confusion to name a few. These medications must be taken as directed.
For more information on how to take these medications as well as a detailed list of complications, please refer to www.medicinenet.com/cyclobenzaprine/article.htm or www.medicinenet.com/carisoprodol/article.htm or click on the tab for a specific medication. - Narcotics
These are prescribed medications that help to alleviate pain by blocking the receptor involved in pain and act to reduce the patient’s perception of pain. It is extremely important to never consume alcohol with narcotic use or drive while taking narcotics. These medications must be taken as directed and examples of narcotics include Darvocet, Vicoden, or Percocet. These medications can produce side effects that can include constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, confusion and addiction to name a few. For more information how to take these medications as well as a detailed list of complications, please refer to www.medicinenet.com/narcotic_analgesics-oral/article.htm or click on the tab for a specific medication. - Neuropathic Medications
These are prescribed medications that are used to target and treat the burning, stabbing and shooting symptoms related to nerve pain. These medications must be taken as directed and examples include Lyrica or Neurontin. These medications can produce side effects that can include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, edema, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating to name a few. For more information on how to take these medications as well as a detailed list of complications, please refer to
www.medicinenet.com/pregabalin_lyrica/article.htm or click on the tab for a specific medication. - Anti-Depressants
These are prescribed medications that not only can alleviate depression, but can act to block the patient’s response to pain and increase endorphins. These medication must be taken as directed and examples include Wellbutrin, Paxil, Prozac, and Lexapro. For more information on how to take these medications as well as a detailed list of complications, please refer to www.medicinenet.com/antidepressants/article.htm and click on the tab for a specific medication.
It is important that the patient continue to discuss pain control issues with the pain management physician or primary care provider to best manage symptoms, but also be aware of the potential side effects from the use of any medication. For more information regarding non-operative care with medications, please refer to www.spineuniverse.com/article/chronic-pain-drugs-medications-4586.html.
*Please note that it is very important that any medications, prescription or otherwise, be placed in a secure location that is not accessible to minors.