If you're among the eighty percent of Americans suffering with back pain, you're looking for fast relief. This type of pain is big business for pharmaceutical companies, who are constantly churning out new pain remedies to a huge market of desperate patients. With so many remedies available on the market, it's not easy to know which is best for delivering the back pain relief you need.

Back pain is second only to headaches as the most common painful conditions affecting adults 30 and over. In fact, the condition is so common that four of every five people will develop or are already experiencing back pain.

The good news is that there are several treatment options available for those suffering the rigors of back pain. Physical therapy, exercise and medications are all viable choices for bringing back pain relief.

There are many back pain medications that can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription. These drugs can be helpful in relieving the pain, as well as addressing several of the symptoms related to episodes of back pain. In addition to non-prescription drugs, other back pain medications are available only when prescribed by a doctor.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophens are among the most popular types of over-the-counter back pain medications. These pain-relieving drugs work by switching off the brain's pain perception. While some common medications offer anti-inflammatory benefits in addition to painkilling properties, acetaminophens do not.

A common dosage of acetaminophens for back pain relief is up to 1000 mg taken every four hours. You should not exceed more than 4000 mg within a twenty-four hour period. Acetaminophens are among the most popular choices, because they are able to act quickly in providing back pain relief.

People who use acetaminophens enjoy other benefits, in addition to relief from pain:

* It's not common for people to have allergic reactions with this type of medication

* There are few side effects

* This type of drug will not cause addiction

* The tolerance level of patients is quite slow to develop, even with extended use, so the drug holds its pain-relieving effects for a longer period of time

Common NSAIDs

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are another common type of over-the-counter back pain medications. Many types of back pain are caused by inflammation, and the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs are especially helpful. NSAID pain relievers, like aspirin, ease the pain by limiting the formation of inflammation. However, there are fewer of the gastrointestinal side effects that aspirin can bring.

Ibuprofen, Naproxen and COX-2 Inhibitors are popular NSAID drug choices.

Narcotic Drugs

In cases of severe back pain, particularly in the lower back, doctors will often prescribe narcotics. For obvious reasons, narcotic drugs are only available with a doctor's prescription. These medications are highly addictive and extremely potent.

Narcotic pain medications are dissociative in nature, meaning they don't actually deaden the pain. Instead, the drugs disassociate the patient from the feeling of pain. Codeine, propoxyphene, hydrocodone and oxycodone are all types of narcotic medications prescribed to bring back pain relief.

Chronic back pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying disease. If your back pain lasts for more than a couple of weeks, or if the pain is too severe for over-the-counter medications, see your doctor. With a doctor's proper diagnosis, you'll be better prepared to find a treatment that brings relief from your back pain.

About the Author, Sheila Ffloyd:

Essayist Sheila Ffloyd contributes articles to numerous popular web magazines, on healthy care and healthy body topics. Wellness business.

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