A third of Americans rely on over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesic pain relievers to reduce swelling and aches associated with back pain. These types of medications proved to be very effective in reducing symptoms and providing comfort.

The NASS “Back Pain in America” survey found that one in five people rely on prescription medications under their doctor's care to treat their back pain. Despite the name, muscle relaxants are medications that don’t actually relax skeletal muscle. These drugs calm or sedate the central nervous system and can be also useful to facilitate sleep and reduce contributing emotional or muscular tension associated with severe back pain.

Narcotics or opioids are strong pain relievers and help reduce the symptoms of acute back pain. Because these types of drugs are sedatives, they can also be useful in facilitating sleep during the first few nights after the symptoms first occur. These medications should be used only as prescribed by a physician.