Back pain can cause a person to miss work, decrease physical activity or have difficulty in school. Severe back pain may be the result of a strained muscle or ligament, a bulging or ruptured disk, sciatica, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer in the spine or infection of the spine, states MedlinePlus. Thus, the proper diagnosis and treatment of back pain is necessary for proper medical treatment.
Muscle Relaxants
In severe cases of back pain, a doctor will likely prescribe a muscle relaxant to help ease back pain. Muscle relaxers, such as Flexeril, can reduce chemical signals in nerves to help ease pain. Specifically, muscle relaxers relieve skeletal muscle spasm without interfering with muscle function, states Drugs.com. Taken during acute, severe episodes of back pain, muscle relaxers can help a patient complete activities of daily living and complete physical therapy as the back heals. Common side effects of muscle relaxers include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, constipation and confusion, states Drugs.com. Thus, a patient should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until he knows how his body responds to a muscle relaxer. In addition, he should contact his doctor if he begins to experience significant side effects.
Narcotic Medications
MayoClinic.com states that narcotic medications may be prescribed to relieve serious back pain. Specifically, narcotic medications, such as codeine or hydrocodone, can be used for a short period of time to relieve severe back pain. These medications reduce chemical signals in the brain that are related to pain, thus providing symptoms relief. Side effects of codeine include shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, fainting, seizure, confusion and problems with urination, states Drugs.com. A patient should seek medical treatment if he experiences any of these side effects. Furthermore, narcotic medications may be addictive and should only be used as directed by the doctor.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may also be used to treat severe back pain, states MayoClinic.com. Amitriptyline, among other antidepressants, have been shown to relieve chronic, severe back pain. According to Drugs.com, the mechanism of action of amitriptyline in relieving back pain is unknown, but likely involves chemical signals in nerves that are related to pain. Serious side effects of antidepressants include heart problems, seizures, hallucinations, drowsiness, headache, vision changes and gastrointestinal problems. A patient experiencing any of these problems should seek immediate medical treatment.
