OTC Back Pain Medication

Even your doctor will likely tell you to try over-the-counter (OTC) Back Pain medication first. OTC Back Pain medication includes such familiar names as aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aleve, and Motrin. These Back Pain medications help reduce pain and inflammation.

Bayer has a product called Extra Strength Bayer Back and Body Pain that adds to 500 mg. of aspirin what Bayer calls “a special pain relief enhancer”. You know it as caffeine. Extra Strength Excedrin has more than twice the caffeine of Bayer’s Back Pain medication, coupled with half the aspirin and an equal part of acetaminophen.

Aleve Back Pain medication should not be taken more than 10 days without consulting your physician.

Narcotic Back Pain Medication

If OTC Back Pain medication, with exercise and other natural treatments, has not given relief, you may want to ask your physician about narcotic Back Pain medication. Lortab is one kind of narcotic pain relief for Back Pain. Doctors commonly prescribe pain killers such as Lortab, as well as narcotic muscle relaxants.

Narcotic Back Pain medications can give relief, but they must be taken every few hours to be effective.

Natural Back Pain Medication

Yes, natural Back Pain medications do exist. Herbal creams and rubs can be massaged into the area of pain to draw out inflammation. Ginger root is a good choice for joint and muscle inflammation. Capsicum, an ingredient in hot peppers, is also an excellent Back Pain medication.

Supplements work as Back Pain medication for some people. Magnesium and fish oil have been reported to reduce pain and inflammation. Neither has side effects for most people. Magnesium with calcium helps relax the entire nervous system and strengthen bones.

Contact a physician to determine the cause of your individual Back Pain, and ask for Back Pain medication that is right for you.

Types of Antacids

The active ingredients of antacids are alkaline substances that neutralize acid. These ingredients vary from one brand to another.

Over-the Counter (OTC) Antacids

OTC antacids cause Back Pain through one or more of the following:

1. Sodium: Sodium can cause a build up of fluid in body tissues. This build up can cause pressure on nerves in the back, especially the lower back. By compressing nerves through this pressure, antacids cause Back Pain. Alka-Seltzer, Bromo Seltzer, Gaviscon, and baking soda contain sodium, and should not be taken if you have high blood pressure.

2. Calcium: Calcium-based antacids can, according to the USFDA, cause kidney stones, one symptom of which is severe Back Pain. Heavy and extended use of antacids containing calcium may clog kidneys, reduce the amount of blood they can process, and cause kidney stones. Via the kidneys, calcium-containing antacids cause Back Pain. Tums, Mylanta, and Maalox are examples of antacids containing calcium.

3. Magnesium: Magnesium is usually used in combination with calcium or aluminum. The USFDA says magnesium taken for a prolonged period may cause kidney stones, especially if kidneys are functioning improperly to begin with. Again, it is possible that antacids cause Back Pain via the kidneys. Maalox, Mylanta, Camalox, and Riopan are examples of magnesium-containing antacids.

4. Aluminum: According to the USFDA, antacids with aluminum can weaken the bones. Extended or heavy use may make these antacids cause Back Pain through their effect on vertebrae. Back Pain is especially likely if you have kidney disease. Rolaids and Amphogel are two examples of this group of antacids.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription antacids, such as Prilosec, often have side-effects of their own. Some of these antacids cause Back Pain more quickly than OTC drugs. In addition, OTC antacids cause Back Pain when taken in combination with prescription medications for other medical concerns. Check with your doctor.

Back Pain from Antacids Is Not Usual

Antacids cause Back Pain for only a minority. It is unusual for healthy individuals to experience this when taking antacids as directed.

* Antacids cause Back Pain more frequently when taken in large doses.
* Antacids cause Back Pain more frequently when taken for long periods.

You should not take any antacid for more than two weeks unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. Antacids should be used only occasionally, for temporary relief from heartburn.