These medicines usually have fewer side effects than prescription medicines and are less expensive. If your symptoms are severe, your health care provider may recommend a prescription medicine. For most people, medicine works well to control pain and discomfort. But any medicine can have side effects. For example, some people cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen because it can cause stomach irritation and even ulcers.
Many medicines prescribed for low back pain can make people feel drowsy.
These medicines should not be taken if you need to drive or use heavy equipment. Talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of any medicine recommended. Heat or cold applied to the back. If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, you may find that a heating pad or hot shower or bath helps relieve your symptoms. Keep in mind that everyone is different.