2016. Global Burden of Disease Study. Lower back pain is referred to as “acute” when the symptoms are present for between 1 and 12 weeks. It is also called “chronic” is when pain persists for three months or more.
The majority of people use an over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve. But what kind of pain medication is the most efficient?
A brand new study, which was released on Wednesday within the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, set out to discover. Researchers looked through the mountains of studies that were published and discovered 18 clinical trials that were randomized and were specifically focused on lower back pain lasting less than twelve weeks.
The study focused on the different types of analgesics: aspirin; Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol and Panadol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, known as NSAIDs, for short that are a variety.
The most commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, PediaCare) and naproxen (Aleve, Naxen, Naprosyn, Stirlescent); and celecoxib (Celebrex Elyxyb, Celebrex) that isn’t sold over the counter.
Researchers also added muscles relaxers into the study, but they aren’t accessible without prescription.
The study concluded that the most effective treatment that could be used for the treatment of chronic lower back pain was the combination of an NSAID coupled with an NSAID and a muscle relaxer prescribed by a doctorthis combination proved effective in reducing disability and pain after a week.
But, these relaxers don’t perform as you think, according to the doctor. Eliana Cardozo, assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine.at the Icahn Institute of Medicine located at Mount Sinai in New York City.
“They do not reach the muscle to relax it. Instead, they function centrally within our brains, that makes us sleepy, which kind of relaxes the body.” Cardozo, who was not part of the study, explained.
“It’s difficult to take them in the daytime for discomfort,” she added. “Personally I enjoy using the muscle relaxers for those who are experiencing discomfort in the late at night.”
The combination of an NSAID with acetaminophen was linked with better results over taking an NSAID on its own The study concluded.
“But after looking at the actual results of the study, I’m unable to declare that it makes enough difference to take the two drugs and it only had an extremely small benefit,” Cardozo declared.
Acetaminophen on its own didn’t significantly reduce pain according to the study.
The study’s findings can only be applied to lower back pain that’s not ongoing and persistent, said the study’s author Dr. Filippo Migliorini of the department of orthopedic, trauma and reconstructive surgery at University Hospitalsklinikum Aachen situated in Germany.
Before any procedure is suggested, the physician must be certain to determine if there is a “possible particular cause of pain that could require specific measures or diagnostics like the presence of cancer or recent trauma” Migliorini and his coauthors have written.
Pain medications can cause side effects.
Another concern with the use of pain medication is that they can cause possible serious adverse consequences. Acetaminophen is not advised in pregnancy because it could cause hives, rash and breathing problems. The dosage is 4,000 milligrams, which is allowed per day. A high dose can cause liver damage or even liver failure According to National Library of Medicine.
Some of the side effects of NSAIDs include diarrhea, indigestion, headaches, dizziness, allergic reactions and “in very rare cases, issues with your kidneys, liver or your heart and circulation including heart attacks, heart failure and strokes” according to the UK National Health Service noted.
Utilizing NSAIDs for a long time may cause stomach ulcers that may cause internal bleeding and anemia as well, the NHS stated.
“If one is healthy and has no other health issues, it’s acceptable to take NSAIDs all around all hours of the day for a week, but only for a week,” Cardozo said. “And when someone is suffering from asthma, high blood pressure or heart disease, or Peptic ulcer, they shouldn’t take NSAIDs on a regular basis.”
Widespread problem
It’s estimated that 4 out of five people will suffer from low back discomfort in their lifetime as per The Cleveland Clinic. Due to the ongoing degeneration of the spongy discs between back vertebrae, any person older than 30 years is at a higher risk of developing lower back pain.
Also, people who have excess weight because of the rise in joint pressure and disks, as well as smokers, those who consume alcohol regularly or live a sedentary life as per the Cleveland Clinic. People with depression and anxiety are more at risk.
Individuals who have experienced previously experienced episodes of acute lower back pain are at risk of developing chronic, ongoing symptoms according to North American Spine Society.
Antidepressants should not be used to treat lower back pain, as per the guidelines for clinical care developed by the society. Also, neither are intravenous nor oral steroids. “Opioid pain medication should be carefully controlled and limited to a short time frame for treatment of lower back discomfort,” the guidelines state.
But, over-the-counter gels and creams that contain capsicum, also known as chili peppers, are recommended and it is probable the spinal manipulative therapy could aid, though research is mixed.
Exercise is strongly recommended “Remaining active is the best option and will likely result more quickly than bed rest,” the guidelines said.
“People can begin exercises from the beginning, like easy stretching exercises and core stabilizing exercises that could improve the strength of back muscles. back,” Cardozo said. “Now these aren’t crunches or sit-ups — therefore visiting a physical therapist for some exercises that can be started is a great idea.”
