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Back Strain Chronic Pain Control
Medications commonly used to control pain and inflammation in adults with a chronic back strain or sprain include: 
- Acetaminophen
- Controls pain, but has no anti-inflammatory properties
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
- Narcotic pain medications:
- Require a doctor's prescription
- Generally reserved for moderate to severe pain or severe pain
Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen decreases fever and pain, but does not help inflammation.
- Adult dosing is 2 regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours or 2 extra-strength (500 mg) every 6 hours.
- Maximum dose is 4,000 mg per day.
- Avoid this drug if you have alcoholism, liver disease or an allergy to the drug. See the package instructions.
- Common brand names include Tylenol, Panadol, and many others.
Aspirin
- Aspirin decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is two regular strength (325 mg) every 4 hours with food.
- There are numerous products that contain aspirin.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours.
- Do not exceed 1,200 mg per day without a doctor's recommendation.
- Brand names include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Naproxen
- Naproxen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 200 or 220 mg twice a day with food.
- Do not exceed 500 mg per day.
- Its brand name is Aleve.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen decreases pain, fever and inflammation.
- It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
- Adult dosing is 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours with food.
- Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
- Its brand name is Orudis KT.
- Follow the package instructions and NSAID precautions (below).
NSAID Precautions
- Avoid using alcohol when taking any of these medications.
- Do not mix prescription and non-prescription NSAIDS unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- NSAIDS can interact with other blood thinners, such as Coumadin, and cause bleeding complications.
- Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Ask your doctor before using an NSAID if you have a history of:
Continue to Back Strain Chronic Taking Control
Last Updated: Dec 7, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Back Strain Chronic References
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- Coste J, Delecoeuillerie G, et al: Clinical course and prognostic factors in acute low back pain: an inception cohort study in primary care practice. BMJ 1994 Feb 26; 308(6928): 577-80. [8148683]
- Hayden J, Tulder M, Malmivaara A, Koes B. Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Jul 20;(3):CD000335. [16034851]
- King HA. Back pain in children. Orthop Clin North Am. 1999 Jul;30(3):467-74, ix. [10393768]
- Marriott A, Newman NM, et al: Improving the evaluation of benign low back pain. Spine 1999 May 15; 24(10): 952-60. [10332784]
- Smith D, McMurray N, Disler P. Early intervention for acute back injury: can we finally develop an evidence-based approach? Clin Rehabil. 2002 Feb;16(1):1-11. [11837522]
- van Tulder MW, Koes BW, Bouter LM: Conservative treatment of acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of the most common interventions. Spine 1997 Sep 15; 22(18): 2128-56. [9322325]
- Wassell JT, Gardner LI, Landsittel DP, Johnston JJ, Johnston JM. A prospective study of back belts for prevention of back pain and injury. JAMA. 2000 Dec 6;284(21):2727-32. [11105177]