Don't panic! Though our spine is situated on our backs, most of our back pain complaints are not usually associated with spine damage. As a matter of fact, back pain, together with headache, belongs to the most frequent complaints of adults.
The most common signs of serious medical problem caused by back pain are the lack of control of bowel and bladder as well as the weakness in the legs. If you're not experiencing these symptoms, nor were you involved in an accident that could have caused damage to your spine, most probably, your back pain is caused by muscle spasms.
Like what you experience after working out in the gym for the first time, muscle spasms on your back may be secondary to improper posture, strains of physical work or because of wrong sleeping positions. Pregnant women may also experience back pain because of the weight of the child. Sometimes, even the cold weather may trigger tenderness on your back.
Under the said circumstances, back pain usually subsides in a few weeks' time. However, if the pain is really distracting, several over-the-counter medicines are available to lessen the throbbing. The usual types of pain relievers are as follows:
Acetaminophen
This is said to be one of the safest over-the-counter pain relievers and is recommended for children and pregnant women. Acetaminophen, or paracetamol in the British Commonwealth and some Asian nations, is available in several brand names like Tylenol, Datril, Liquiprin, Tempra, etc. It is less powerful than aspirin and ibuprofen and does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is very effective for treating mild pains caused by muscle spasms and fevers. Acetaminophen users seldom experience side effects, although overdose is known to cause liver failure. This is seriously fatal, especially to children, so we must always follow the directions on how to consume acetaminophen.
Aspirin
This is one of the pain relievers that usually have side effects. It is very effective, though, in treating arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Usual side effects are upset stomach and ringing in the ears. The fatal Reye's syndrome on children is also said to be caused by aspirin. To avoid these side effects, children who have chicken pox or flu should avoid taking aspirin. Acetaminophen is safer. Also, if aspirin will be used to lessen aches, say back pain, it should be taken only when it hurts.
Ibuprofen
This is usually prescribed for arthritis and is very effective for pain and fever. Ibuprofen brands like Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc. are available as over-the-counter medicine. This pain reliever also causes upset stomach but has no other fatal side effects. It is said to be impossible to commit suicide with ibuprofen overdose. Ibuprofen, however, costs a little higher compared to other pain relievers.
Naproxen
This is another type of over-the-counter medicine that is efficient for back pain. Its advantage over the other pain relievers is that it has a longer effect. Usually, consuming naproxen twice a day is efficient enough. Because it also causes stomach upset, children and adults over 65 years of age should avoid taking naproxen.
Topical Pain Relievers
Salicylates are the usual components of topical pain relievers. These are the same components present on aspirin and are very effective when absorbed by the skin. Bengay is an example of a topical pain reliever. It contains methyl salicylate that causes the soothing and menthol effect.
Back pain caused by muscle spasms usually subsides in a few weeks. However, if the pain is intolerable despite the intake of pain relievers, or some side effects are being experienced, a visit to the doctor is not a bad idea. Most people usually suffer a lot from worrying than the actual illness itself, so if it would ease your nerves, consult a doctor. Just don't be surprised if he or she prescribes you with the said pain relievers mentioned above.
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