Of all the drug treatments available for simple back pain, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide the best overall improvement.

While there is no consensus among doctors about how non-injury-related back pain develops, there is widespread agreement about how to treat back pain – a combination of pain relievers, measured physical activity, and constructive changes in behavior.  And in almost every case, the best drug treatment is also the simplest:  popular over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Advil and Motrin, can be very effective – even when compared with many prescription drugs.

Through vast experience treating millions of back pain cases, doctors have determined that the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs provide the best relief for common back pain.  On occasion acetaminophen-based drugs like Tylenol can be helpful.  In more severe cases, stronger medications – muscle relaxants and narcotic-based medications – are prescribed for short periods.  These decisions should only be made with your doctor.

Of course, in order to be fully effective, drug treatments should be part of a larger rehabilitative program that includes physical activity, lifestyle changes and other factors.