The best painkillers for back pain

Back pain can require many different treatments. Find out the importance of painkillers alongside other aids like exercise.

Simple painkillers

Strong painkillers

Key points



There are different types of painkillers that you can take for back pain: simple painkillers and strong (opioid) painkillers.

## Simple painkillers

Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](/health-library/drugs/anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal), can help to relieve back pain.

They do not contain strong pain-killing medicines, known as opioids.

In some countries, you can buy simple painkillers directly from a pharmacy or supermarket. However, in others paracetamol and NSAIDs will need to be prescribed by a doctor or another health professional.

Paracetamol and NSAIDs aren't suitable for everyone, so check the box or leaflet to see whether you can take the medicine first. Speak to a pharmacist if you're not sure.

Applying a warm compress to your back can also provide short-term relief from pain.

You can buy heat patches from your local pharmacy, but a hot water bottle will work just as well.


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## Strong painkillers

If your pain doesn’t improve with simple painkillers and heat, your doctor may also prescribe a muscle relaxant or a stronger type of painkiller.

Strong painkillers usually contain a type of medicine known as an opioid. Opioids help to decrease pain by working on pain receptors in the brain and body.

They are known to be habit-forming, which means you can become dependent on them if you take them for a certain period of time.

Muscle relaxants can also cause dependency if taken for a certain period of time. This is why your doctor may only give you a short course of strong painkillers or muscle relaxants if they think you need strong pain relief.

[Find out more about other ways to manage back pain](/health-library/symptoms/back-pain).


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## Key points

- most cases of back pain clear within a few weeks or months, but if you’re in pain, painkillers can help
- there are different types of painkillers you can try for back pain: simple painkillers and strong (opioid) painkillers
- simple painkillers, like paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help ease pain. These aren’t suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking them
- a warm compress can also be used to help ease back pain
- if simple painkillers aren’t effective, or you can’t take them, you may be able to try strong (opioid) painkillers. These can be addictive, especially if taken for a long time

_Date of last review: 24 July 2020_

**References**

What painkillers are | Coping with cancer | Cancer Research UK [Internet]. Cancerresearchuk.org. 2020 [cited 24 July 2020]. Available [here](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/cancer-and-pain-control/treating-pain/painkillers/what-painkillers-are).

Harding D. Strong Painkillers (Opioids) [Internet]. Patient.info. 2020 [cited 24 July 2020]. Available [here](https://patient.info/treatment-medication/painkillers/strong-painkillers-opioids).

Butanis B. The Science of Addiction [Internet]. Hopkinsmedicine.org. 2020 [cited 24 July 2020]. Available [here](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/opioids/science-of-addiction.html).

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The best painkillers for back pain - Healthily

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