There is a variety of prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications available that can help in eliminating back pain and addressing related symptoms while an episode of back pain is getting better.

Acute or chronic back pain can lead to difficulty stretching and exercising, depression, and difficulty sleeping. All these problems in turn can prolong a painful back. Therefore, careful attention to pain management is an important component of a patient’s recovery.

Over-the-Counter Back Pain Medications:

There are mainly two types of over-the-counter medications for back pain that are recommended by the doctors worldwide to lessen back pain. They are:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s)
2. Acetaminophen

Both types of over-the-counter back pain medications perform the same task differently and hence can be taken at the same time.

Prescription based Back Pain Medications:

Prescription medications for back pain are helpful to reduce pain or related complications for short periods of time. Types of prescription based back pain medications are:

• Narcotic pain medications

• Muscle relaxants

• Antidepressants

• Anti-seizure medications

These types of prescription based back pain medications can help lessen the pain and are often advised to be taken for an extended period of time.

If you are planning on to take over-the-counter medications for your back pain, keep in mind that there are drug interactions, risks, and side effects associated with any medication and it would be a good idea to consult a medical professional prior taking medication. This need for consultation grows bigger if you are already on some other medication or have any significant medical conditions such as diabetes.