What medications are used to treat lower back pain?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, commonly used oral medications for treating low back pain include ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, mecobalamin tablets, and Yaotongning capsules. Patients may choose appropriate medications according to the cause and symptoms of their back pain under medical guidance. It is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, prevent excessive strain on the lower back, and perform appropriate exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles.
Generally, commonly used oral medications for treating low back pain include ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, mecobalamin tablets, and Yaotongning capsules. Patients can choose appropriate medications according to the cause and symptoms of their back pain under medical guidance. Specific details are as follows:
1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules
This medication belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It reduces inflammation in the lower back by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, thereby relieving pain and swelling caused by inflammatory conditions. It is suitable for mild to moderate inflammatory low back pain caused by lumbar muscle strain or lumbar disc herniation.
2. Celecoxib Capsules
Celecoxib is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while minimizing gastrointestinal irritation. It is suitable for individuals at risk of gastrointestinal discomfort who need relief from low back pain caused by degenerative spinal conditions or lumbar myofascial inflammation.
3. Eperisone Hydrochloride Tablets
This is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that suppresses spinal reflexes and γ-motor neuron activity, helping to relieve lumbar muscle spasms and improve back pain caused by muscle tension. It is commonly used for pain due to lumbar muscle spasm or postoperative muscle stiffness following spinal surgery.
4. Mecobalamin Tablets
An endogenous form of vitamin B12, mecobalamin nourishes damaged peripheral nerves and promotes nerve repair and regeneration. It is indicated for radiating low back pain accompanied by leg numbness and pain caused by lumbar disc herniation compressing nerve roots.
5. Yaotongning Capsules
A traditional Chinese medicine composed of ingredients such as powdered strychnine seed, soil beetle (Eupolyphaga sinensis), and Cyathula root (Chuan Niuxi), Yaotongning capsules help reduce swelling and relieve pain, dispel cold pathogens, and warm the meridians to restore circulation. They are suitable for low back pain caused by obstruction of meridians due to cold-dampness and blood stasis, such as cases of lumbar disc herniation or sciatica belonging to this syndrome pattern.
In daily life, it is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing and excessive strain on the lower back. Appropriate exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles can enhance lumbar stability. When experiencing back discomfort, timely rest and avoidance of strenuous activities are recommended to prevent worsening of symptoms.
