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Let's see what to use over-the-counter for this back pain.

Pharmacist

We will take a look at what is available over-the-counter for acute lower back pain. If it is chronic (lasting more than 3 months), you must be seeing a doctor for this.

OK, let's see what is recommended to do over-the-counter.


Pain Pills

NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 

Ibuprofen or naproxen will be a good choice especially if the back pain is within 48 hours. At this stage inflammation is developing and an anti-inflammatory drug will be a good choice.

Take acetaminophen if you cannot tolerate NSAIDS. But make sure you combine a pain patch or cream with it.

Other NSAIDs used for back pain include salicylates. An example is Magnesium salicylate. The active ingredient in Doan's. Aspirin is another example.

Combination pills include NSAIDS with Caffeine. These are better for headaches.

 

Pain Patches / Creams

These provide relief for about 4 hours at a time.

Woman with pain patch

Most contain Methyl Salicylate, an NSAID, and / or Menthol and / or Camphor at various percentages.

 

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy use a low-voltage electric current from electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate the nerves for pain relief.

Getting the right stimulation intensity is critical for pain relief.

They are thought to prevent pain impulses from reaching the brain and stimulate the body to produce the natural painkiller called endorphins.

Should you invest in this?
Well, they are expensive. Know that they block pain perception. It will not work on inflammation or reduce any swelling nor will it heal the affected area. So you still need to combine an NSAID for effectiveness.

It is good to have at home however for most types of pain.

 

Cold / Warm Compress

Ice

Use this for the first 2 to 3 days of the onset of back pain. At this point, inflammation is ongoing and it need to be suppressed as much as possible.

Heat

Use heat to relax the muscle

 

Worth Doing

1. Try lying in a curled-up position with a pillow between your legs while sleeping.

2. No bed rest.  Reduce activity during the first 2 days and gradually get back to your usual activities.  

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/25/2018

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
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Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
    Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
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