Over the Counter Medication for Back Pain

Anyone who has ever experienced back pain knows how frustrating it can be.  Not only are you hurting, but you are unable to move in the way you are accustomed.  Human impulse is to search for something to immediately make that pain go away.   Before calling the doctor, we usually turn to over the counter medication for back pain.Many people choose medications like Ibuprofen as over the counter medication for back pain.  Sometimes, it works.  Other times, we feel frustrated by the fact that we’re still hurting.  That brings up the question, “Is there a better over the counter medication for back pain?”With so many products on the market claiming to be the best over the counter medication for back pain, it’s interesting to find out that research disagrees.  If you are suffering from a backache, the over the counter medication for back pain that would best help is probably right inside your medicine cabinet.  If you happen to have a bottle of Tylenol, you’re in luck.Acetaminophen is by far the best over the counter medication for back pain.  Tylenol is the best known brand, although any generic type of acetaminophen will have the same effects.  The reason this is such a great over the counter medication for back pain is because it works differently from anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen.  Acetaminophen actually works within your brain, helping turn off your brains receptors to pain. Doctors often recommend this as the best over the counter medication for back pain because it is completely safe if taken properly.  It doesn’t cause stomach or intestinal problems.  It isn’t habit forming, and it’s highly effective.  The most important thing to remember when taking over the counter medication for back pain is to always follow dosage instructions.  Do not take more than the recommended dosage, even if your pain persists.  In the case of acetaminophen, this can cause detrimental liver damage. 

Usefull resources for back pain:

Medline Plus: A service of the U.S National library of Medicine

Spine Health: Back pain medical journal for patients

BBC Health: An introduction to back pain