Pain medications for herniated disk: Options to consider Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What are the first-line pain medications to treat a herniated disk Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022A herniated disk is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Several medications are available to help a person reduce their pain. A herniated disk is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, although it can occur anywhere along the spine. People may also refer to it as a ruptured, bulging, or protruding disk. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that pain medications do not heal a herniated disk — they can only help relieve the pain while the disk heals. This article will cover some medications a person can take to reduce the pain associated with a herniated disk. Over-the-counter OTC medications Share on PinterestAsiaVision/Getty ImagesWhen coping with a herniated disk at home, people can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications help reduce pain and inflammation. The following are NSAIDs that may help relieve pain associated with a herniated disk. Naproxen Aleve Naproxen sodium is a type of propionic acid. A person can take it to relieve the pain associated with a herniated disk. Though dosing can vary, a typical dosage is 1–2 tablets — 220 milligrams (mg) each — every 8–12 hours. A person should not exceed 660 mg of naproxen per day. Ibuprofen Motrin or Advil Ibuprofen is another type of propionic acid. People may find this medication under several brand names, including Motrin and Advil. Though this can vary, a typical dosage is 1–2 (200-mg) tablets every 4–6 hours. A person should not exceed 1,200 mg of ibuprofen per day. Aspirin Bayer Aspirin is another common NSAID. It is made up of acetylated salicylates. The typical dosage for aspirin is 1–2 (325-mg) tablets every 4 hours. Alternatively, a person can take 3 tablets every 6 hours. A person should not take more than 4,000 mg of aspirin per day. Side effects of NSAIDS According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), NSAIDS can lead to:stomachachesnauseadiarrheaheadachesdrowsinessdizzinessstomach ulcers In rare cases, they can cause more severe side effects, including allergic reactions and issues with the heart, liver, kidneys, and circulation. Precautions to take Although NSAIDS are usually safe to take, the following people should consult a doctor before taking them:pregnant peoplethose who are trying to conceivethose who are nursingpeople with asthmapeople who have previously had an allergic reaction to NSAIDSthose aged over 65people who have had medical conditions affecting their heart, bowels, liver, kidneys, or blood pressure People who are taking other medications should also consult a doctor to ensure that NSAIDS will not interact with their current medications. Prescription medications If a person’s pain does not go away with OTC medication or a person has severe pain, a doctor may prescribe more powerful medication. The following are options a doctor may prescribe for pain associated with a herniated disk. Epidural corticosteroid injections An epidural corticosteroid injection inserts the medication directly into the spine, where it is needed. The AAOS notes that the medication reduces inflammation around the nerves in the back, which helps reduce pain. A doctor may order an epidural corticosteroid injection if other nonsurgical options have not helped in 6 weeks. A doctor will need to perform the injection in a medical facility. Prior to the injection, a person should follow all recommendations from the doctor. Before placing the injection, a doctor will apply a local anesthetic to help dull the pain associated with the injection. Side effects A person has an increased chance of infection if they receive the injection within 3 months of surgery. A person should discuss any potential risks or concerns they may have with their doctor. Typically, a person will not experience side effects from this injection. However, if side effects occur, they may include:flushing of the chest and facean increased temperature for several daysdifficulty sleepingwater retentionanxietymenstrual cycle changestemporary worsening of pain The side effects tend to go away within 1–3 days. In rare cases, a person may develop serious side effects, including:allergic reactioninfectionbleedingnerve damageparalysis Corticosteroids A person can take oral corticosteroids to help treat inflammation and pain associated with a herniated disk. A doctor may refer to these medications as glucocorticoids or steroids. Although corticosteroids can help reduce pain and inflammation, they can also reduce the effectiveness of a person’s immune system. For short-term treatment, a doctor will likely prescribe enough of these medications to last 7–9 days. A person should take corticosteroids only as a doctor prescribes. They should also let the doctor know if they experience any unwanted or unusual side effects when taking the medication. Side effects Side effects can include:increased risk of infectionweight gainchanges in blood sugarchanges in a person’s response to physical stressincreased blood pressurechanges to skinmood changes Paying for medication Medications can be expensive. A person may find it beneficial to speak with a doctor or pharmacist about lower cost medication options. People may contact the following organizations to find medications at a lower cost:NeedyMedsPharmacyCheckerRxHopePartnership for Prescription AssistanceMedicareMedicaid Summary A herniated disk can cause pain in a person’s back, most commonly in the lower back. To reduce pain associated with a herniated disk, a person can take OTC NSAIDs or prescription steroids. Before taking any medications, a person should consult a doctor for recommendations on which ones to take. They should also follow all instructions on the packaging or from the doctor or pharmacist. Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2022Back PainPain / AnestheticsPharmacy / Pharmacist 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Corticosteroids. (n.d.).https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/corticosteroids/corticosteroidsEpidural corticosteroid injections. (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epidural-corticosteroid-injectionsGhlichloo, I., et al. (2022). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/Herniated disk in the lower back. (2022).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/Malhotra, A. (2020). Epidural steroid injections: Frequently asked questions.https://www.hss.edu/conditions_epidural-injections-faqs.aspNonsurgical treatments for herniated disc. (n.d.).https://nyulangone.org/conditions/herniated-disc-in-adults/treatments/nonsurgical-treatments-for-herniated-discNSAIDS. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/Yasir, M., et al. (2022). Corticosteroid adverse effects.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531462/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on July 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageCauses and treatment of a herniated diskMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP A herniated, or slipped, disk is a common condition that can be painful. Learn more about causes and treatments here.READ MORESafe exercises for a herniated diskMedically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT Exercises and stretches are important parts of recovery from a herniated or slipped disk. 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