| Back Pain Tips |
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Top Tip
Getting up from your chair and taking short breaks when
sitting for extended periods will allow the muscles
and spine to decompress, helping to prevent repetitive
strain.
You should spend at least one minute standing for
every 20 minutes you spend sitting.
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Top Tip
Mild pain medications can reduce inflammation and pain
when taken properly.
Medications will not stop degeneration, but they will
help with pain control.
Herbal
remedies can be a safe source of help.
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| Back Pain Medications |
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Aspirin compounds are over-the-counter
pain relievers that can help relieve minor pain and back ache.
The main potential side effect of aspirin is the development
of stomach problems, particularly ulcers with or without bleeding.
You should not take aspirin if you are pregnant. In fact,
you should not take any medication unless you have discussed
the medication with your obstetrician.
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NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) include
over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
These medications once were only available by prescription.
NSAIDs are very effective in relieving the pain associated with
muscle strain and inflammation. They block the inflammatory
response in joints. However, be aware that NSAIDs can decrease
renal function if you are an older patient. Excessive use can
lead to kidney problems. Again, do not take them if you are
pregnant. |
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Narcotic Pain Medications
If you experience severe pain, your health provider might prescribe
a narcotic pain medication such as codeine or morphine. Narcotics
relieve pain by acting as a numbing anesthetic to the central
nervous system. Narcotics can cause related side effects such
as nausea, vomiting, constipation, sedation or drowsiness. These
side effects are predictable and can often be prevented. Common
preventative measures include: not taking sleeping aids or anti-depressants
in conjunction with narcotics, avoiding alcohol, increasing
fluid intake, eating a high fibre diet, and using a fibre laxative
or stool softener to treat constipation. Remember that narcotics
can be addictive if used excessively or improperly. |
Non-narcotic Prescription Pain Medication
Non-narcotic analgesics address pain at the point of injury.
Analgesics are ideal in the treatment of mild to moderate
chronic pain. Tylenol and aspirin are the most widely used
over-the-counter analgesics.
Medications that are analgesics and require a prescription
from the doctor include NSAIDs such as: carprofen, fenoprofen,
ketoprofen, and sulindac.
Avoid these medications if you are pregnant, have recurrent
ulcers, or liver problems.
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Anti-depressants
Back pain is actually a common symptom of depression and could
be an indicator of its presence. Anti-depressants can relieve
emotional stress that leads to symptoms of back pain. An important
fact to note - it seems that the same chemical reactions in
the nerve cells that trigger depression also control the pain
pathways in the brain. Some anti-depressant medications seem
to reduce pain, probably because they affect this chemical reaction
in the nerve cells. Some types of anti-depressants also make
for rather good sleep. |
Muscle Relaxants
If you are having muscle spasms, muscle relaxants can help
relieve pain, but they are only shown to be marginally effective.
They also have a significant risk of drowsiness and depression.
Long-term use is not suggested; only three to four days is
typically recommended.
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