Medicine for Back Pain Vs Chiropractic Treatment: What Works Best?

If your back has been bothering you for weeks, you’re not alone. Back pain isn’t just an older person’s problem. According to a study that was published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 28.4% of adults aged 18 to 29 had back pain. It hits office workers stuck at their desks, factory staff on their feet all day, and pretty much everyone in between.

In the Philippines, a 2018 report from the Philippine Statistics Authority even named it the most common work-related illness in the country since 2011. For many Filipinos, it’s easy to go to the nearest drugstore—or sometimes even sari-sari stores—to purchase over-the-counter meds to deal with the pain and discomfort. It works, yes. But only for a while. Why? That’s because painkillers only mask the pain; they don’t do much to address their root causes.

This is what this article is all about; it discusses back pain medicine vs. therapy. Read on for details.

What are medicines for back pain?

There are different medicines for back pain. There are also different types of medicines, depending on how bad your pain and discomfort are, how long you’ve had them, and what caused them. Here are some of the most common medicines for back pain in the Philippines.

Over-the-counter medicines

Over-the-counter medicines are the ones that you can buy at a drugstore or pharmacy without a doctor’s subscription. They’re usually the first option for mild to moderate back pain. But, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Will talk about this later.

Paracetamol is often the first thing to try for short-term pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac, work a bit differently. Besides easing pain, they also bring down swelling and inflammation.
Pain-relief creams and gels. If you’re not into pills, you can use gels and creams directly on the painful area. Some contain NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac. Others use capsaicin, an extract from chili peppers.

Prescription medicines

Prescription medicines are drugs that require a doctor’s prescription to purchase. This is essential for safety, proper dosage control, and so on. Because of the internet, even e-prescriptions are accepted in drugstores, pharmacies, and even home delivery.

Higher-strength NSAIDs like naproxen or meloxicam. Opioids like codeine are usually only for severe short-term pain, such as after an injury.
Nerve pain medicines like gabapentin and pregabalin, or certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline and duloxetine. These are sometimes prescribed when the pain involves the nerves.
Corticosteroids like prednisone, which can help when inflammation is the main problem.

What are the risks of pain medicines?

Pain medicines, regardless if they’re over-the-counter or prescription, help. But, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have risks. Some of the most common risks of the mentioned medicines are listed and explained below:

They can cause side effects
Your body can get used to them
They can be addictive
They can affect your breathing

They can cause side effects

You might feel sleepy, constipated, sick to your stomach, or have a dry mouth. Some of these go away after a while, but some don’t. Sleepiness is usually worst when you first start or take a higher dose, and it often gets better in a few days. If it doesn’t, tell your doctor. The longer you take these medicines, the more likely you are to have side effects.

Your body can get used to them

After a while, the same dose may not work as well, so you need more to get the same relief. But taking more also raises your risk of problems. If you stop all at once, you can feel unwell. That’s why doctors lower the dose bit by bit.

They can be addictive

This is different from your body getting used to a medicine. Addiction means you crave it and feel you have to keep taking it, even when it’s causing problems in your life, like with family or money.

They can affect your breathing

Strong painkillers can slow your breathing, and this can be deadly. It can happen at any time while you’re taking them. Only take them the way your doctor tells you, and never share them.

What are supplements for back pain?

There are supplements out there that claim to cure back pain. And many confirm that they play a key role when it comes to addressing back pain and discomfort. Some of the most notable ones are elaborated below:

Turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps reduce swelling. Studies show it can ease short-term pain from arthritis in the hands, hips, and knees. Take it with a meal that has some fat so your body absorbs it better.
Magnesium. Your muscles and bones need magnesium to work properly, and some people take it for long-term back pain. You can also get it from pumpkin seeds, spinach, and yogurt.
Devil’s claw. This herbal remedy may ease pain in a similar way to ibuprofen. It comes as capsules or in herbal tea.
Willow bark. Willow bark works a lot like aspirin. A few small studies found it helped short-term low back pain, but they weren’t high quality. Don’t take it with aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor says it’s okay.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help with back pain by lowering spinal inflammation that irritates the joints as well as nerve endings.

What are the risks of supplements for back pain?

Supplements are marketed as the safer alternative because they’re more, say, natural. But this isn’t the case because they can also cause health issues that’s why they should still be taken with caution.

Heart problems
Stomach problems
Weaker immune system
Kidney problems
Liver damage
Nerve problems
Mixing with your medicines

Heart problems

Some supplements, especially ones sold for energy or weight loss, can make your heart race or raise your blood pressure. This is riskier if you already have heart problems. If your heart starts pounding or your blood pressure changes, stop and see a doctor.

Stomach problems

High doses of some supplements can cause bloating, diarrhea, or nausea. Magnesium is a common one. Some types work like a laxative, which can leave you dehydrated if you don’t catch it.

Weaker immune system

More isn’t always better. Too much zinc, for example, can weaken your body’s defenses. If you start getting sick more often after taking a supplement, it may be doing more harm than good.

Kidney problems

Your kidneys filter out what your body doesn’t need, so too much of some supplements can strain them. Too much vitamin D or calcium, for example, can lead to kidney stones. Watch out for unexplained lower back pain, swelling, or changes in how you pee.

Liver damage

Some herbal products and high doses of certain vitamins have been linked to liver damage. Signs include yellow skin, dark pee, nausea, and feeling tired for no reason. If you notice any of these, stop and get checked.

Nerve problems

Too much vitamin B6 can damage your nerves and cause numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. If a supplement makes you feel foggy, cranky, or numb, take it seriously.

Mixing with your medicines

This is one of the most overlooked risks. Fish oil, for example, can thin your blood and raise your risk of bleeding if you already take blood thinners. Always tell your doctor about every supplement you take.

What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic treatment is a hands-on method that’s designed to ease pain in the back back and joints, and at the same time improve your overall health. It’s done by trained and licensed chiropractors, and it’s based on the idea that your body can heal itself. Instead of giving you medicines or supplements, a chiropractor works on your body to help it move better. Most of the time, they focus on your spine.

In 2022, about 1 in 9 adults in the U.S. saw a chiropractor, and most of them went because they were in pain. Many people turn to it for back pain, neck pain, and aches that just won’t go away.

How does chiropractic treatment work?

The main treatment is called a spinal adjustment, and it’s specifically designed to fix spine subluxation and joint subluxation to tap your body’s innate ability to heal itself. Your chiropractor uses their hands to give a quick, gentle push to a joint that’s stiff or not moving right. This helps the joint move more easily, which can ease pain and stiffness.

But it’s not all quick pushes. Your chiropractor might also:

Stretch your body to loosen tight muscles and stiff joints.
Press on sore spots to help them relax.
Show you exercises to do at home so your body stays strong between visits.
Give you tips on food to help your body stay healthy.

Most of the treatment is done on the spine, since that’s where a lot of back and neck pain starts. But chiropractors can also treat other joints, like your shoulders, hips, and knees.

What methods do chiropractors use for back pain?

There’s no single fix for back pain, and because of this, chiropractors usually perform assessments then create a personalized plan for you. Therefore, the treatment that may perform depends on the cause of your back pain. Consequently, some people only need a few adjustments, while others require more visits to achieve their desired results.

Adjustments

Your chiropractor uses their hands, or occasionally a small tool, to give a stiff joint in your spine a quick, gentle push. The idea is to get it moving the way it should again.

When it works, you’ll usually feel less stiff and sore. Many people say they stand a little straighter afterward, too. You might hear a pop, but don’t panic or be scared. It’s just how the body reacts when pressure is placed on your spine or joints. It’s actually gas going out of the joint. Same thing when you crack your knuckles.

Spinal decompression

Sometimes the pain isn’t from a stiff joint. It’s from a nerve getting squeezed. Decompression gently stretches your spine to give that nerve some breathing room. Chiropractors often use it for lower back pain, disc problems, and sciatica (that sharp pain that runs down the back of your leg).

Myofascial release

This technique can be linked to a deeper, more focused massage. Your chiropractor works on tight muscles, muscle knots, and the thin layer of tissue wrapped around them, or muscle knots. Loosening that up can ease pain and make it easier to move. It’s often done alongside adjustments.

Stretches and posture tips

A lot of the work happens at home. Your chiropractor will probably give you a few stretches and some pointers on how you sit, stand, and sleep. If you spend hours hunched over a laptop or stuck in traffic. These small changes can help keep the pain from coming back.

Ergonomic guidance

If you sit at a desk most of the day, your chiropractor may also look at your work setup. It’s often the little things that add up.

They may advise you to perform the following:

Keep your screen at eye level so you’re not looking down for hours.
Use a laptop stand or a stack of books works fine.
Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your lower back supported.
Use a small pillow or rolled-up towel if your chair needs it.
Keep your keyboard and mouse close so you’re not reaching and straining your shoulders.
Hold your phone on eye level to avoid tech neck.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic therapy is generally safe. It’s normal to feel a little sore or tired after an adjustment, kind of like the ache you get after a workout. Some people also get a mild headache. These side effects usually pass within a day, and they tend to happen less once your body gets used to regular visits.

Serious problems are rare, but they can happen. These include worsening disc problems, pinched nerves in the lower back, and, in very rare cases, a stroke. The risk goes up when the person doing the adjustment isn’t properly trained. That’s why you should only see a licensed chiropractor, which in the Philippines should be certified by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)

A good chiropractor will also check whether chiropractic care is right for you before starting. On your first visit, they’ll ask about your health history, examine you, and may order an X-ray or MRI. If chiropractic isn’t a good fit for your condition, they should refer you to another health professional instead.

It’s also a good idea to let your regular doctor know about your back pain, especially if it’s lasted more than three months. They can rule out serious problems that need more than chiropractic care.

After a session, pay attention to how you feel. If you notice weakness, numbness, or pain that’s getting worse instead of better, see a doctor right away.

But again, take note that the probability of encountering severe side effects and malpractice can be drastically reduced if you work with a certified and experienced chiropractor. Someone who’s backed by a long history of trustworthiness and client satisfaction and safety.

Can you use chiropractic care and medicine for back pain together?

For many Filipinos, combining medicine for back pain together with chiropractic therapy is a practical approach. You don’t have to choose one or the other. Pain medicine and chiropractic care do different jobs, and they can work well side by side.

Health experts say long-term pain is best managed with a combination of medicine and non-medicine approaches. Cleveland Clinic also describes chiropractic therapy as something that works alongside regular medical treatment, not in place of it.

How chiropractic treatment and pain medicines work together

Pain medicine can help you get through a acute back pain. It helps you sleep, work, and move around. But it doesn’t fix what’s causing the pain.

That’s where chiropractic treatment comes in. This holistic approach focuses on how your spine and joints move, and it gives you stretches and posture habits to help keep the pain from coming back. Over time, the goal is to rely less on painkillers to get through the day, since the longer you take them, the more likely side effects become.

How to do it safely

Keep everyone informed. Tell your chiropractor what medicines and supplements you’re taking, and tell your doctor you’re seeing a chiropractor. When both know the full picture, they can plan your care better.

Take your medicine as directed.

Stick to the dose on the label or what your doctor prescribed. If you’re on a prescription painkiller, don’t stop suddenly just because you’re feeling better. Ask your doctor how to cut back safely.

Don’t ignore warning signs.

If your pain isn’t improving with over-the-counter medicine, or if you’re having side effects, talk to your doctor. The same goes for any weakness, numbness, or worsening pain after a chiropractic session.

Get checked if the pain sticks around.

If your back pain has lasted more than three months, see your doctor so they can rule out anything more serious.

Finding the right pain relief with chiropractic treatment

Back pain is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to just live with it.

Pain medicine has its place. When your back flares up, a painkiller can help you get through the day. Just remember that it eases the pain without fixing what’s causing it, and taking it for too long comes with its own risks. The same goes for supplements. “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe.

Chiropractic treatment works on the problem from a different angle. It looks at how your spine and joints move, then helps you build better habits so the pain is less likely to come back. For many people, using medicine when needed alongside chiropractic treatment is the most practical way to feel better and stay that way.

Whatever you choose, let your doctor know. And if your pain lasts more than a few weeks or comes with warning signs like numbness or weakness, don’t wait to get it checked.

Ready to do something about your back pain?

If you’re tired of reaching for painkillers every time your back acts up, Posture Perfect Chiropractic can help. Our licensed chiropractors will take the time to understand what’s causing your pain and create a treatment plan that fits you, whether that’s adjustments, stretches, or simple changes to how you sit and work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic therapy replace pain medicine?

Not completely, and it doesn’t have to. Pain medicine helps you get through a bad flare-up, while chiropractic care works on how your spine and joints move. Health experts say long-term pain is best managed with both medicine and non-medicine approaches, so many people use them together.

Is paracetamol or ibuprofen better for back pain?

It depends on your pain and your health. Paracetamol is often the first thing to try for short-term pain. Ibuprofen also brings down swelling, but it may not be right for people with stomach problems, high blood pressure, or asthma. Ask your pharmacist which one suits you.

Can I take a painkiller after a chiropractic adjustment?

Some soreness after an adjustment is normal, and it usually goes away within a day. If you want to take an over-the-counter painkiller, follow the dose on the label, and let your chiropractor know what you’re taking. If the pain gets worse instead of better, see a doctor.

Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

Most people feel little to no pain. You might hear a pop, but that’s just gas being released from the joint. Afterward, you may feel a bit sore, kind of like after a workout.