What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain?

Anyone with an aching back understands the debilitating nature of such pain. Stanford Medicine researchers have promising news for the 500 million people globally suffering from low back pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first choice for back pain relief. Available over-the-counter, like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), NSAIDs alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation in muscles and near damaged spinal discs or arthritic joints. If pain persists beyond three to four days, consulting a doctor is advisable.

For lower back pain management, the origin and severity of the pain dictate the approach. Home remedies can provide temporary relief until the back heals. Diagnostic and therapeutic spine injections, explained by a physiatrist specializing in spine care, target various back pain causes. Conservative care or injections often offer adequate pain relief.

Certain medications are more suitable and effective for spine pain in older adults, as indicated by recent studies. These include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), some nerve pain medications, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants.

When medications offer only temporary and modest benefits, exploring alternatives to pills for back pain relief is sensible. For new low back pain (lasting less than 12 weeks), consider heat therapy, massage, or acupuncture.

Learn more about these approaches on Stanford Medicine’s research, medication options, home remedies, physiatrist guidance, and optimal medications for back pain management.