Understanding Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in adults. A frequent example is lower back pain, which is a common form of chronic back pain affecting many people. Unlike acute low back pain, which often resolves within a few days or weeks, chronic low back pain persists for several weeks or longer and can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. While many treatments exist, finding the right medicine for chronic back pain depends on your symptoms, health history, and underlying causes.
Common Medications for Chronic Pain Relief
There are several pain relief options for managing chronic back pain, ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to targeted prescription therapies. These medicines include a variety of pharmacological options such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, opioids, and anticonvulsants, which are selected based on the type and severity of back pain.
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are among the most commonly recommended for low back pain. They help reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. However, long-term or high doses can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, stomach pain, or kidney damage, so patients should use them under medical guidance. Do not use NSAIDs for more than a week without consulting a healthcare professional.
2. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve mild to moderate pain without affecting the stomach lining. Although it’s often safer for the stomach, excessive use may lead to liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or other medications.
3. Muscle Relaxants
When muscles tighten due to spinal strain, muscle relaxants can help relieve spasms and improve comfort. A muscle relaxant primarily acts through the brain and spinal cord rather than directly on the muscles. These medications work on the spinal cord and brain to calm overactive muscle activity. Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea.
4. Antidepressants and Other Medications
Certain antidepressants have shown effectiveness in chronic pain management because they alter the way the brain perceives pain. In addition, some anticonvulsants or nerve pain medications may be prescribed for neuropathic or radiating back pain. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
5. Opioids: The Last Resort
While opioids may provide short-term relief for severe pain, they are rarely recommended for chronic pain due to the risk of dependence, tolerance, and serious side effects. At Point Health, our approach emphasizes conservative management and nonsurgical interventional treatment before considering opioid-based pain medicine.
Non-Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Medication isn’t the only solution for managing chronic low back pain. Other therapies often produce better long-term results when combined with a healthy lifestyle and targeted care. A comprehensive approach to treating chronic back pain should include both medication and non-pharmacologic therapies for optimal results.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
A physical therapist can design a custom treatment plan that includes strengthening, stretching, and posture correction. Chiropractic care can also help improve spinal alignment and reduce pain related to spinal stenosis or disc compression.
Weight Loss and Exercise
Excess body weight can increase strain on the lower back. Incorporating weight loss and gentle exercise into your routine improves flexibility, posture, and blood flow to affected areas.
Regenerative and Interventional Therapies at Point Health
At Point Health, we offer nonsurgical interventional treatments and regenerative medicine to promote natural healing. Our therapies include:
- Stem cell injections to repair damaged tissues
- Exosome therapy for inflammation reduction
- IV infusions for nutrient restoration and energy
- Ketamine therapy for patients with chronic pain and accompanying depressive symptoms
The Importance of Conservative Management
Conservative management means using the least invasive, most effective therapies first. Studies published in journals such as Rosen’s Emergency Medicine, Walls RM, and Clinical Practice suggest that chronic back pain responds best to multimodal care — combining pharmacologic treatment with physical therapy, mind-body techniques, and regenerative medicine.
Risks and Side Effects to Consider
Even over-the-counter medications can cause serious side effects. Some patients experience:
- Stomach ulcers, headaches, or dizziness
- Kidney or liver damage from long-term NSAID or acetaminophen use
- Nausea, swelling, or fatigue from prescription drugs
If you experience symptoms such as pain radiating down the leg, weakness, or changes in urinary or bowel function, seek immediate medical attention.
Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication, and never exceed recommended doses.
Surgical Interventions for Severe Cases
For some patients, chronic low back pain can persist despite trying a range of conservative management strategies, including physical therapy, pain relievers, and other therapies. In these severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered as a last resort to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
The decision to proceed with surgery depends on the underlying cause of your back pain. For example, if chronic pain is due to spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spinal deformities, specific surgical procedures may help reduce pain and restore function. Common surgical options include spinal fusion, which stabilizes the spine in cases of instability or deformity, and discectomy or microdiscectomy, which remove herniated disc material pressing on nerves. In some situations, spinal decompression surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
While surgery can offer significant symptom relief for certain patients, it is important to understand the potential risks and possible side effects. These may include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and ongoing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or stomach pain from pain medicine and other medications used during recovery. Additionally, surgery does not always guarantee complete pain relief, and some patients may continue to experience discomfort or require further treatments.
Before considering surgery, it’s essential to discuss all available treatment options with your doctor, including nonsurgical interventional treatment, pharmacologic treatment, and alternative therapies like chiropractic care. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the benefits and risks of each approach and determine the best path forward for your unique situation.
For those interested in exploring innovative treatments, clinical trials may be available for new surgical techniques or therapies targeting chronic low back pain. Ask your doctor if you might be eligible to participate in a clinical trial and what the potential advantages and risks may be.
Ultimately, surgical interventions are just one part of a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain. By working closely with your doctor and healthcare team, you can develop a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms, supports your goals, and helps you return to your daily activities with improved comfort and mobility.
Personalized Care for Chronic Back Pain Relief
At Point Health Clinic, our medical professionals take a holistic approach to chronic back pain. We evaluate each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and goals to recommend the best treatment options — whether through medicine, physical therapy, or alternative therapies.
Our focus is on restoring mobility, preventing nerve damage, and supporting long-term healing so you can return to your daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
Find Relief Today
If you’re struggling with chronic low back pain, Point Health offers advanced pain relief solutions that go beyond traditional medication. From nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants to regenerative and alternative therapies, our team helps you regain strength and balance.
📞 Call (855) 263-1487 or visit PointHealthClinic.com to schedule your consultation today.
