15 best remedies for lower back pain

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Consultation with a professional before buying.

Lower back pain is a familiar problem for many people. Sometimes they occur as a result of overexertion (active training, carrying heavy weights, long static irregular postures). But in some cases, pain signals serious health problems. They most often indicate various diseases and injuries of the spine or back muscles.

Regardless of the cause of low back pain, medication is not without. It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe pain medications to their patients in the form of pills or injections. Well-proven means for local application: ointments, creams, gels, patches. This review looks at the best oral and external remedies for low back pain.

Review of low back pain remedies

Lower back pain pills

When pain occurs in the lower back, the first resort is to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They have analgesic, antipyretic effects, and reduce inflammation.

Voltaren Akti

Popularity Rating:* 4.9

Voltaren Akti drug contains diclofenac potassium (12.5 mg). This remedy is shown for pain with different localization and etiology. Voltaren Akti is intended for adults and children over 14 years. It is excellent for getting rid of pain in the lower back, but people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract should use such NSAIDs with caution.

Voltaren Akti tablets are available in a white film coating. They are smooth, without a separating risk, almost odorless. The pills are quite easy to swallow. They are arranged on blisters with a convenient dotted section. The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets (75 mg). Usually two pills are taken first, and then one to two pills every four to six hours. The tablets should be taken whole, without chewing, with water.

According to reviews, pain relief comes a quarter of an hour after taking the drug. In severe low back pain, Voltaren Akti can be taken no longer than 5 consecutive days. Doctors note that this imported drug is better tolerated by patients than the domestic diclofenac. Their gastrointestinal tract reacts acutely only when they consume it on an empty stomach for a long time.

Advantages

• Lower back pain goes away after a quarter of an hour;
• It is not difficult to swallow the tablets;
• Convenient blister packs with dotted separations;
• Up to 6 tablets can be taken per day.

Disadvantages

• Gastrointestinal side effects with prolonged use.

Movalis

Popularity Rating:* 4.8

German Movalis tablets may contain 7.5 or 15 mg of meloxicam. This substance belongs to the NSAIDs and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect. Meloxicam is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and begins to act quickly. Movalis has proven to be good for all kinds of dorsopathy, including low back pain.

Movalis tablets are round. They have a convex side with a beveled edge and a concave side with a separating ridge. The color of the pills is pale yellow. They are usually swallowed without problems. Tablets are arranged on blisters that have a dotted division. The maximum daily dose is 15 mg of meloxicam. This medicine should be taken with food, with clean water.

In reviews, individuals suffering from low back pain note that Movalis is very effective. It acts more mildly than NSAIDs containing diclofenac, but it is an excellent pain reliever. Those who have taken a course of Movalis note that this drug makes them more “rotary” – they can bend and unbend without fear for the lower back. The drug is not badly tolerated, but in some people it provokes an exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

Advantages of

• quality original drug;
• modern, convenient tablets;
• Excellent for eliminating lower back pain;
• Convenient blister packs of tablets.

Disadvantages

• Causes recurrent hemorrhoids in some people.

Nimulide lingual tablets

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

Indian drug Nimulide contains 100 mg of nimesulide. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, as well as analgesic and, to a lesser extent, antipyretic effect. This remedy is good for eliminating pain of different origin. Nimulide treats lumboishalgia, arthralgia, and pain after trauma or surgery.

Nimulide lingual tablets (for dissolution) are round, biconvex, pale yellow in color. The composition includes orange flavoring, so they leave a rather pleasant aftertaste in the mouth. People over 12 years of age are usually prescribed Nimulide by mouth, 1 tablet 2 times a day. Take them after a meal. Hold the tablet on the tongue until it dissolves saliva, and then swallow.

There are mostly good reviews about Nimulide. For many people, this remedy helps get rid of lower back pain for 4-6 hours. It is convenient that the tablet does not need to wash down with water. Together with effective pain relief, this remedy can provoke diarrhea, nausea and heartburn, but in this matter everything is individual. If you do not exceed the prescribed dosages and do not use the product for too long, Nimulide is usually well tolerated.

Advantages

• Tablets for resorption;
• pleasant taste;
• The pain does not return for 4-6 hours;
• Approved for use from 12 years of age.

Disadvantages

• May provoke diarrhea, nausea, heartburn.

Nalgesin

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

Nalgesin is available in Slovenia. It contains the active ingredient naproxen. This is another NSAID that can effectively relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. This remedy is often prescribed by neurologists and orthopedists to their patients in pain syndromes of the spinal column, neuralgia, myalgia.

Nalgesin comes in the form of oval, biconvex tablets. They are covered with a blue coating. Each one contains 275 mg of naproxen. They are swallowed almost without problems. The usual daily dose, which is enough to effectively relieve pain, is 2-4 tablets (550-1100 mg). They should be taken with a glass of clean water.

Individuals who suffer from low back pain respond well to the drug Nalgesin. They like the fact that the analgesic effect comes very quickly. Also, this remedy proves effective even in cases where other more popular NSAIDs fail to cope with lower back pain. Usually the action of the drug lasts for 4-6 hours. It often depends on the dosage chosen. The most common side effects are discomfort in the epigastric region or skin rashes.

Advantages

• gets rid of pain quickly;
• The tablets are not difficult to swallow;
• It relieves pain even in cases where the body is already used to other NSAIDs;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• Can cause epigastric discomfort, skin rash.

Ketonal

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

Another Slovenian drug company, Lek, makes a drug called Ketonal. It is a representative of NSAIDs because it contains ketoprofen. Its analgesic, fever-reducing and inflammatory properties are appropriate for sciatica, inflammation of muscle fibers, neuralgia and other pathologies that cause pain in the lower back. Ketonal is used for therapy from 15 years of age.

Ketonal pills are small, round, blue-coated. Each tablet contains 100 mg of ketoprofen. They may be in a dark glass bottle or on plates. It is taken with or immediately after a meal. It is not allowed to chew the tablet, and you need to wash it down with half a glass of purified water or milk. Ketonal is usually prescribed 1 tablet in the morning and evening.

According to reviews, Ketonal perfectly eliminates pain in the lower back and not only. Many people see this medication as an emergency drug. It helps when other drugs are no longer effective against severe pain.If not used in excessive amounts, tolerability is not bad, but in some patients it may cause nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain.

Advantages

• A strong pain reliever;
• The tablets are easy to swallow;
• Eliminate pain for 6-8 hours.

Disadvantages

• Can cause abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ibuklin

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

For the effectiveness of the drug Ibukulin responsible for 2 substances at once: ibuprofen and paracetamol. This combined remedy eliminates pain, stops inflammation, and helps with hyperthermia. This drug should be considered as an element of symptomatic therapy. It does not affect the progress of the pathological process, but at the time of use of the drug noticeably reduces pain.

Ibuklin tablets superficially resemble capsules, covered with a bright orange shell. On one side there is a separating risk. Since the tablets are quite large, they can be divided in half for more comfortable swallowing. The drug is taken 2-3 hours before or the same time after the main meal. Chew the tablet should not be chewed. It should be drunk with a glass of clean water without gas.

Feedback from people with lower back pain often praises Ibuklin. They like the fact that this remedy is not only good for lower back pain, but can also be useful for colds and in many other cases. Consumers note that it works quickly and the analgesic effect lasts for 3-4 hours. But with uncontrolled use of this remedy, it is not possible to avoid disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Advantages

• combined composition;
• Has many applications;
• The presence of a separating risk.

Disadvantages

• Can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

The best patches for low back pain

The following therapeutic patches can also be used for lower back pain. A plastic mass of the active substances is applied to the fabric, made by a special technology. The main advantage of this dosage form is the rapid entry of NSAIDs into the systemic bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Voltaren patch transdermal

Popularity rating:* 4.9

Voltaren transdermal patch, which is made in Japan and packaged in Greece, contains 1% sodium diclofenac. This dosage form has an analgesic effect in the area of application, and also eliminates inflammation. Against the background of the use of this product eliminates pain and markedly reduces swelling in the lower back.

The shape of the patch Voltaren rectangular with rounded edges. The adhesive layer with the therapeutic substance is applied to the polyester base. On top of this layer is placed a protective film with notches and a pattern that tells how to remove it from the surface of the patch. Each product can be designed for an area of 70 cm² or 140 cm². The package may contain from 2 to 5 patches.

According to reviews, one Voltaren patch is really enough for 24 hours. The pain goes away rather quickly and does not return during the day. Levomenthol is present as an auxiliary component, so you can feel the cooling effect at the beginning, and then a slight warming effect. But not everyone is able to stick the patch right the first time. Also, some people complain that it does not adhere well to the lower back.

Advantages

• Excellent pain reliever;
• Cooling effect, followed by a slight warming effect;
• There is no discomfort while wearing it on the body;
• No unpleasant odor.

Disadvantages

• Does not adhere well to the skin.

Nanoplast Forte

Popularity Rating:* 4.8

Chinese medical patch Nanoplast Forte is made using modern nanotechnology. It contains magnetic powder of rare-earth metals, nanopowder-producer of infrared radiation in the far infrared region of the spectrum. This product can eliminate pain, reduce inflammation and have a muscle relaxing effect.

The size of the patch Nanoplast Forte comes in a variety of. Any package always contains 3 identical products. Inside the cardboard box is a ZIP package. Rectangular pieces of fabric on one side are nanoparticle carriers. If you remove the protective tape, the entire surface is sticky and the active ingredient itself is a black oval in the center. The patches are disposable. It is fixed on the painful area for 12 hours.

In reviews, consumers note that Nanoplast Forte immediately causes a strong burning sensation, but this feeling quickly passes and there is a slight warming effect. The patch adheres well to the skin and does not peel off. Leaves a light brown sticky residue on removal. In pain in the lower back, it has proved itself well. Analgesic effect develops immediately, and lasts as long as the patient wears the patch.

Advantages

• Designed with nanotechnology;
• holds well on skin
• A pleasant warming effect;
• Gives good pain relief.

Disadvantages

• Leaves a light brown sticky residue on the skin after removal.

Ketonal thermal patch

popularity rating:* 4.7

The Ketonal thermal patch, registered by Sandoz and produced in China, contains iron powder. It effectively relaxes deep muscle fibers due to the prolonged heat (acting for up to 12 hours), bringing relief from lower back pain. This product can not be applied on the damaged skin areas, as well as at the trauma site or after injection.

Ketonal thermal patch is a rectangular piece of cloth soaked in iron powder, activated carbon, salt and water. There is a protective sticker on one side that shows with arrows how to remove it correctly. Compared to other similar products, it is quite thick. The patch is usually glued to dry skin, but in people over 55 years it is better to fix it on a cotton shirt, not directly on the lesion. The package contains 10 patches.

Ketonal thermal patch is usually well-reviewed. Consumers note that this product gently warms the lower back for 10-12 hours. It does not cause discomfort at the same time. The patch is firmly fixed and does not come off the affected area. It does not harm the skin and does not leave a sticky residue on it after removal. It has a pronounced analgesic effect.

Advantages

• provides dry heat;
• Effectively relaxes deep muscles;
• Does not leave a sticky residue;
• Good adhesion to the skin.

Disadvantages

• The patch is thick.

The best ointments, creams, gels for low back pain

When you have lower back pain, many people are used to primarily use ointments, creams or gels. These products often have good pain relief and do not cause side effects such as oral medications.

Fastum gel

Popularity Rating:* 4.9

Pharmaceutical company Berlin Chemi produces the drug Fastum Gel. The main active ingredient of this remedy is ketoprofen. Also in the composition is present neroli and lavender oil. Ketoprofen reaches the site of inflammation by penetrating through the skin barrier. This product is excellent for lumbar pain resulting from lumbodynia or trauma.

Sold in tubes of soft aluminum in 30, 50 or 100 grams of Fastum Gel. It is a colorless, almost transparent gel. Its consistency is viscous, the smell is not nasty. It is recommended to squeeze a strip of the product (5-10 cm) and distribute it in a thin layer in the area of the pathological focus. It is advisable to repeat the procedure 1-2 times a day. Also some doctors prescribe Fastum to their patients for physical therapy. Average course of treatment is 10 days.

According to reviews, Fastum gel, when applied, spreads well over the skin. At once it feels sticky, but it dries quickly enough. It has no warming effect. Lower back pain goes away after about 40 minutes after application of the gel. Usually the drug is well tolerated, but in some patients may cause erythema, itching or eczema in the place of application.

Advantages

• Easily dispersed over the skin;
• It absorbs quickly;
• Rather pleasant smell;
• Low back pain goes away in 40 minutes.

Disadvantages

• May cause itching, erythema, or eczema at the point of application.

Nikoflex

Popularity rating:* 4.8

Hungarian ointment Nikofleks refers to local irritants. It contains 3 active ingredients: natural capsaicin, ethylnicotinate, ethylene glycolsalicylate. As an auxiliary component, lavender oil is also present. This product has a well-defined local analgesic property for lumboishyalgia, radiculitis. The drug is approved for use from 18 years of age.

Nikoflex is a homogeneous white ointment that has a specific smell. It is placed in an aluminum tube (50 g). The ointment is squeezed out and applied to the skin without any problems. The product (3-5 cm strip) is distributed in a thin layer on clean skin, without disturbing the integrity in the area of the pathological focus. The first 3 days use the ointment once a day, and then apply Nikofleks in the morning and evening.

In the reviews, patients report that immediately after applying the ointment Nikofleks skin turns red and begins to bake. The burning and warming is quite strong. After 15-20 minutes the relief and the lower back pain will disappear. It is important to wash your hands immediately and do not touch the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, because the burning will be unbearable. Despite its not the most gentle effect, the ointment Nikoflex is very popular, and many people prefer to have it in the home medicine cabinet constantly.

Advantages

• Provides a strong warming effect;
• The pain recedes after 15-20 minutes;
• It is easily distributed over the skin.

Disadvantages

• Initially causes a strong burning sensation.

Apisartron

Popularity Rating:* 4.8

German Apisartron ointment contains bee venom, methylsalicylate (NSAIDs), allylisothiocyanate (mustard oil extract). This combination product has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is excellent for sciatica (low back pain), sciatica. This ointment is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age. And under 12 years of age it is used with caution.

Apisartron is a homogeneous ointment with a slightly yellowish tinge and a specific smell. It is recommended to squeeze out a strip of ointment (3-5 cm) and spread it evenly in a thin layer on the skin. Waiting for redness after 2-3 minutes, the ointment is gently rubbed in. It is allowed to use the product 2-3 times a day until the symptoms completely disappear.

According to reviews, after applying the ointment Apisartron there is a rapidly growing burning sensation, which must be tolerated for 10-15 minutes. But in 20-30 minutes after the application of this agent, the pain in the lower back disappears without residue. Sensitive persons do not like the treatment process itself, but they are very happy with the result. Barring a natural burning sensation from the ointment, Apisartron is usually well tolerated. Only in isolated cases it may provoke skin allergic reactions.

Advantages

• An effective combination formulation;
• Remains pain-free for 20-30 minutes after application;
• Easy to distribute on the skin.

Disadvantages

• Strong burning sensation for 10-15 minutes.

Nais gel

Popularity rating:* 4.7

Indian Naise gel contains the active ingredient nimesulide. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the new generation. If the gel is used topically, pain is observed to subside or disappear. This remedy has proven good for sciatica, sciatica, lumbago. In children’s practice, it is allowed to use it from 7 years of age.

Nais is a transparent gel without specks with a yellowish tint. It is in laminated aluminum tubes of 20, 50 and 100 g. The product is distributed normally, but it is not completely absorbed, so it can stain clothes. Naise has a sweet, herbal flavor. The remedy is squeezed out in a column (about 3 cm) and distributed in a thin layer on the most painful places, without rubbing. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day.

Reviews about Nayse in the form of a gel are mostly good. Patients note that the thermal effect of this remedy does not have. The gel is economically consumed. It copes very well with pain in the lower back area. Tolerance of the tool is usually good, but some may cause local reactions: itching, hives, peeling, transient discoloration of the skin.

Advantages

• NSAIDs of a new generation;
• Unobtrusive fragrance;
• Easy to distribute to the skin;
• Excellent pain reliever.

Disadvantages

• Is not fully absorbed;
• May cause undesirable local reactions.

Diclaus

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

German Diclac gel contains sodium diclofenac. In the area of application this product eliminates pain syndrome and reduces swelling associated with inflammation. It is often prescribed for pain syndrome caused by inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the spine and joints (radiculitis, osteoarthritis, lumbago, sciatica). It is approved for use from 12 years of age.

Diclal is a clear, colorless or slightly yellowish gel. It is homogeneous, without bubbles, with a specific odor. Diclac gel is sold in tubes of 50 or 100 grams. A single dose of the drug is up to 2 g (about 4 cm with the tube neck fully open). Diclal gel is distributed over the skin 2-3 times a day and lightly rubbed in. After the procedure, it is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly.

In reviews, consumers note that Diclac gel is easy to apply and absorb. Hands are not greasy or sticky after it. After applying this product, the pain noticeably subsides. This drug is very comfortable to use and has many applications. It is usually well tolerated, but can sometimes cause peeling, itching and swelling of the treated skin area.

The advantages of

• Easy to apply and absorbs quickly;
• Your hands are not sticky after application;
• Excellent pain relief;
• It helps with bruises.

Disadvantages

• May cause flaking, itching, and swelling where applied.

Ketonal cream

Popularity Rating:* 4.7

German Ketonal cream contains ketoprofen. Its main properties are pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Ketonal cream is often prescribed for sciatica, neuralgia and other types of pain in the lower back. It is approved for use from the age of 15 years.

Ketonal cream is sold in tubes of 30, 50 or 100 grams. The cream has a homogeneous consistency. The color is practically white. It is applied evenly and quickly absorbed. A small amount of cream (3-5 cm) lightly rubbing with a thin layer on the skin of the inflamed or painful area of the body in the morning and evening. Duration of the course of treatment without consulting a specialist should not exceed 2 weeks.

Reviews of Ketonal cream are predominantly positive. Patients like the fact that this product does not burn or sting after application. It does not have a pungent smell. The cream absorbs well, does not stain clothing. Pain relief comes within 20-30 minutes after application of the drug. This external form of ketoprofen usually has good tolerance, but occasionally itching and erythema may occur at the application site.

Advantages

• easy to distribute, absorbs quickly
• does not have a pungent odor;
• Does not stain clothing;
• Excellent pain relief.

Disadvantages

• Itching, erythema may occur at the application site.

*Popularity rankings are based on an analysis of wordstat demand data..