Medications
Understanding What Medications Can and Cannot Do
What medications can do — and what they cannot
| What medications can do | What medications cannot do |
|---|---|
| Reduce pain to a more manageable level | Cure chronic low back pain |
| Make it easier to exercise and participate in physical therapy | Restore muscle strength or flexibility |
| Help manage anxiety or depression (certain medications) | Change patterns of fear and avoidance |
| Calm overactive nerves (certain medications) | Improve lifestyle habits |
What to Tell Your Doctor
- All medications you are taking — including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products
- Any history of stomach, kidney, or heart problems
- Whether your current medication is actually helping
- Any side effects you are experiencing