Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Tylenol is an example of a well-known medication that has acetaminophen as its active ingredient. Unlike aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Instead, it relieves pain by working in the brain to switch off the perception of pain. Acetaminophen has few side effects. There is no chance of addiction and patients do not develop a tolerance (loss of pain-relieving effect) with extended use. It does not produce gastrointestinal (stomach) upset, and very few patients are allergic to it.
Liver damage may occur if acetaminophen is used incorrectly. Patients with liver disease should check with their primary physician before taking acetaminophen. You should never take more than 1,000 mg of acetaminophen every four hours, as higher doses provide no additional pain relief and can harm the liver. You should not exceed 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Most narcotic agents contain acetaminophen. Do not take Tylenol or other medications with acetaminophen in addition to narcotic medication. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Commonly used for inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. NSAIDs do not just mask your pain, they work by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals at the source of the injury. These include aspirin, ibuprophen, naproxen. NSAIDs should be taken as directed on a continuous basis to allow the level of anti-inflammatory to build up, and allow 7-14 days for maximum relief. The medication does not work as well if you only take it occasionally. If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose; just take at the next scheduled time
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants can be highly effective in treating moderate-to-severe episodes of muscle spasms from injury or inflammation, as well as post-operative spasms following back or neck surgery. These drugs do not have anti-inflammatory properties and do not act directly on the muscles to stop spasms. Muscle relaxants are sedatives that act centrally (in the brain) and are more of a total body relaxant. These medications may cause significant drowsiness or dizziness and you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medication
Common muscle relaxants include:
Narcotic Pain-Relievers
Narcotics work in the brain to deaden the experience of pain. Even though your pain may be coming from the structures in or around your spine, you don't actually feel the pain until the pain-signals reach your brain and are processed there. Instead of working at the source of pain like anti-inflammatories, narcotic pain medications work in the brain to regulate the brain's pain-processing ability so that you perceive less pain. Narcotic medications should not be taken for minor "aches and pains". You should instead use Tylenol or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for this type of pain. Narcotic medications are for severe pain, and work best if taken for short periods of time. There is a risk of addiction and dependance if used incorrectly. Use the medication exactly as it is prescribed. Side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.
Common narcotic pain-relievers include: