Medications

There is no "magic pill" for chronic low back pain. But when used correctly, medications can help you stay active and get more out of exercise and rehabilitation.

An important note: The information on this page is intended to help you understand your medications better. Never change or stop a medication without first consulting your doctor. Making changes on your own can be harmful.

What You'll Learn

• Which medications work for chronic low back pain — and which do not — based on current research
• Risks that older adults should be especially aware of
• A surprising finding about acetaminophen (Tylenol) and chronic back pain
• What over-the-counter options are available and their limitations
• The role of medications in your overall treatment plan

Before looking at individual medications, here is the key message: Medications are a supporting player — not the lead. Research worldwide consistently shows that medications alone do not adequately treat chronic low back pain. The role of medication is to reduce pain enough so that you can participate in exercise, physical therapy, and other active treatments.