Although a herniated disc can occur anywhere along your spine, it is more common in the back. Herniated disc back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that radiates to your legs and feet. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), pain medications can help relieve this pain (even though they cannot repair a bulging disc). In this guide, we look at the first-line medications your spinal specialist may recommend for your herniated disc pain.
Over-the-Counter NSAIDs
Many mild forms of disc herniation go away on their own with some rest and light stretching or massage. However, if the pain becomes a little intolerable, you can turn to over-the-counter herniated disc medication for relief.
Topical analgesics like patches and creams offer targeted relief without significantly impacting your system. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be more effective at addressing pain and inflammation. Useful NSAIDs you can take include:
1. Aspirin (Bayer)
Aspirin is an OTC painkiller composed of acetylated salicylates. You can get this medication at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Typically, you may get a dosage of 1 to 2 325mg tablets every four hours or 3 tablets every 6 hours. You should never consume more than 4,000mg a day.
2. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil)
Ibuprofen is sold as Advil or Motrin (generic brand names) in local pharmacies. The medication is a type of propionic acid that helps with inflammation and pain. Although the dosage may vary, your pharmacist may recommend you take 1 or 2 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, with a max dosage of 1,200mg.
3. Naproxen (Aleve)
Another type of propionic acid, Naproxen sodium, is commonly sold as Aleve to relieve herniated disc pain. The typical dosage is 1 to 2 220 mg tablets every 8 to 12 hours, with a max dosage of 660mg.
Consult Your Doctor Before Taking Medication
It is essential to point out that these are not official dosages. Always consult your doctor before you start taking an OTC NSAID, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, nursing, asthmatic, allergic to NSAIDs, over 65, or have a liver, kidney, or heart condition.
Prescription Medications
If OTC medications fail to improve your pain or it worsens, see a spine specialist. They may recommend more powerful medications for your herniated disc pain, such as:
4. Corticosteroids
Your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids to treat your pain and inflammation. Also known as steroids or glucocorticoids, this medication is short-acting. You may receive a 7 to 9-day dosage so your doctor can monitor how your pain responds.
5. Epidural Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids can also be delivered directly to the affected area through injections. In this format, the treatment is known as an epidural corticosteroid injection (ESI). It is usually delivered into the affected area to combat nerve inflammation. This is an outpatient procedure.
6. Opioids and Muscle Relaxants
If your pain is highly severe and your doctor deems it safe, they may recommend a potent muscle relaxant or opioid. Opioids are very strong, have a high addiction risk, and are only ever prescribed under extreme circumstances.
Wrapping Up
Although medications cannot repair a herniated disc, they can alleviate your pain long enough for you to rest, go through physical therapy, or explore other treatments. Medications, however, can impact your system, so always consult a specialist before you begin a dosage.
