Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Back Pain Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Low Back Pain - Medications

Medicine can decrease low back pain and reduce muscle spasms in some people. But medicine alone is not an effective treatment for low back pain. It should be used along with other treatments, such as exercise and physical therapy.

Medication choices

There are several medicines your doctor may recommend, depending on how long you have had pain, what other symptoms you have, and your medical history.

Recommended Related to Back Pain

Understanding Back Pain -- Prevention

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing back pain. Excess weight puts a strain on the back, so maintaining a heathy weight is important. Regular exercise, especially core work, keeps the abdominal and back muscles firm.  Smoking ages the spine, so avoid smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke. Practicing good posture is another way to prevent back pain. First, analyze your posture by standing with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and the back of your head should...

Read the Understanding Back Pain -- Prevention article > >

The medicines recommended most often are:

Other medicines sometimes used for low back pain are:

  • Anesthetic or steroid injections . These have been prescribed for chronic low back pain, but they have not been researched enough to know if they work well for back pain.
  • Anticonvulsants . These are sometimes used to treat low back pain, even though there isn't strong evidence that they help.
  • Botox injection . This is a shot into the back muscles. It has not been well tested for chronic low back pain.

Medicines that work for some people don't work for others. Let your doctor know if the medicine you are taking doesn't work for you. You may be able to take another medicine for your back pain.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 27, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Today in Back Pain

back pain myths slideshow
Slideshow
woman with lower back pain
Quiz
 
man on cellphone
Slideshow
acupuncture needles in woman's back
Slideshow
 

woman stretching to touch toes
Article
pain in brain and nerves
Slideshow
 
Chronic Pain Healtcheck
Health Check
break at desk
Article
 

Woman holding lower back
Slideshow
Weight Loss Surgery
Slideshow
 
lumbar spine
Slideshow
back pain
Article