Medications for Back, Neck and Nerve Pain

The goal of pain medicine is not to make pain disappear completely, but to calm it enough that you can sleep, move, and take part in physical therapy and daily life. The right medicine depends on the type of pain you have, your other health conditions and the other medicines you take.

• Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and meloxicam, reduce inflammation and pain. They can affect the stomach, kidneys and blood pressure, and they may need to be stopped before surgery.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) eases pain and is gentle on the stomach, but too much can harm the liver. Watch for it in combination products.
• Nerve pain medicines, such as gabapentin, pregabalin and duloxetine, calm irritated nerves and help burning, shooting or electric pain. They can cause drowsiness or dizziness at first.
• Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol, can help short-term muscle spasms. They often cause drowsiness.
• Short courses of oral steroids, such as a methylprednisolone dose pack, can calm a severe flare of nerve pain. They can raise blood sugar.
• Topical medicines, such as lidocaine patches or anti-inflammatory gels, act on the skin over a painful area.
• Opioid pain medicines are used only for short periods, such as right after surgery, because of the risks of dependence, constipation and sedation.

• Bring a complete list of your medicines and supplements to every visit
• Do not combine products that contain the same ingredient, such as two that contain acetaminophen
• Do not drive after taking medicines that make you drowsy
• Tell us if you have kidney, liver or stomach problems, diabetes, or take a blood thinner
• Never stop a blood thinner or start a new medicine without checking with your doctor

If pain keeps you from sleeping or working despite medicine and therapy, there are other options, including injections, radiofrequency ablation and, for some people, a spinal cord stimulator. When there is a structural problem, surgery can often correct the problem.

What is the best medicine for sciatica?

It depends on the person. Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medicines such as gabapentin or duloxetine, and sometimes a short course of steroids are commonly used. Your doctor will choose based on your health and other medicines.

Are muscle relaxants safe?

They can help short-term muscle spasms but often cause drowsiness. They are usually used for a short time, and you should not drive after taking them.

Will I be prescribed opioids for back pain?

Opioids are generally used only for short periods, such as after surgery, because of their risks. Other medicines and treatments are usually better long-term choices.

If you have neck pain, back pain or nerve pain and want to know which treatments make sense for you, call 470-293-9800 or contact us to schedule a visit with Dr. Grunch or one of her physician assistants. You can also ask general questions any time through our “Ask Us Anything” chat.

Related: All non-surgical treatment options · Physical therapy · Neuropathic pain

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized care from a licensed physician. Please talk to your provider about your symptoms and treatment options.