Acute Low Back Pain and Medication

Gerard Malanga, MD
Director, Pain Management
Overlook Hospital
Summit, NJ
Conclusion
There are various agents that can be helpful in addressing the painful phase of acute low back problems. The particular medication should be chosen after consideration of the following: (1) indications (2) contra-indications (3) goals of treatment, i.e. analgesia, reduction of inflammation, reduction of muscle spasm, etc., and (4) the scientific and clinical evidence of there effectiveness.

With the proper selection of pain medication and a positive response, the patient can then be progressed through more active rehabilitation and avoid the development of a more chronic condition.

Reference:
Malanga GA, et al. Pharmacologic Treatment of Low Back Pain. In Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation State of the Art Reviews, Philadelphia, Hanley and Belfus Vol.13, No.3, October, 1999

Last Updated: 05/15/2007

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