Over the Counter Pain Relief
Over the counter pain relief is one of the most popular forms of back
pain management.
Patients with
chronic pain
often develop a habit of using OTC remedies (multiple times) daily, in order to cope with their symptomatic conditions. While OTC products might be effective for some forms of
acute back pain,
they are generally not advised as a long-term treatment option. This is because the chemicals in most of these drugs can accumulate in the body and do great damage to organs and blood, as well as cause other serious health concerns.
OTC Pain Relief Products
Some of the most common brands in OTC back pain relief include Aleve, Advil and Tylenol. Occasional use of these products to help minimize the pain from muscular
back ache
or
spinal arthritis
is perfectly acceptable and even advised, when compared to prescription strength medications. OTC products usually have fewer risks and side effects than
prescription back pain drugs
and are far more cost effective. Make sure you read the directions for any OTC product carefully and pay special attention if you are currently taking any other drugs or herbal supplements, since potentially dangerous interactions are always possible.
Over the Counter Pain Relief Indications
OTC pain medications are good for first aid in treating sudden muscular pain due to injury or overexertion. Daily use of OTC meds might be recommended by a physician to combat the stubborn aches and pains associated with
osteoarthritis
or confirmed
facet joint syndrome.
OTC products are not likely to provide substantial benefits to patients with severe pain or symptoms caused by
herniated discs
or other
spinal abnormalities.
Always remember that OTC products do nothing to cure the problematic condition. They merely help alleviate the pain and always qualify as
symptomatic treatment.
Even if they work well today, you will need them again tomorrow or the pain will return with its original fury.
Recommendation on Over the Counter Pain Relief
Pain relievers come in a wide range of formulas. Some patients experiment with a variety of products to find the one which works best for them. I am not a big advocate of OTC remedies, but do rely on them occasionally for temporary relief of muscular pain or
headache.
I particularly like Advil Liquid Gels and find these to be useful for all types of minor bodily pain. Try to avoid developing a physical or psychological dependency on any substance, including OTC pain products. While OTC drugs are not physically addictive per se, they can still become habit forming and might cause health concerns if used long term. Talk to your doctor about using OTC pain products wisely to maintain your health… not to deteriorate it.
Over the Counter Pain Relief to Back Pain
12/21/09 Revised 1/26/12
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