Analgesics are classified as narcotics or non-narcotics. Narcotics act on the brain to reduce the perception of pain, for this reason they pose a risk of tolerance and dependence. Non-narcotics act at the site of the pain to reduce the stimulation of the nerve endings. These two types are sometimes combined.
Some analgesics also reduce inflammation.
The three most common kinds of arthritis that affect the spine are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Everyone usually develops some arthritis as a normal consequence of the aging process but in most cases it is mild and easy to cope with. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition which is far more serious. However, research studies now show that long-term bed rest actually does more harm than good. Now, early active treatment is generally prescribed following an injury or an acute flare-up of a chronic back problem.