If you have back pain or neck pain—regardless of your specific condition—medications will most likely be part of your treatment regimen.

Just as there is a wide array of spinal conditions, there is a variety of medications available to treat your symptoms. These medications can reduce pain, inflammation, and/or nerve-related problems associated with most back and neck problems.

Drugs and medications may help alleviate the pain associated with the conditions listed below. Follow these links to read articles on drugs and medications used to treat each of these conditions. (Note: This list does not include every spinal condition treated with medication.)

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Kyphosis
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylosis
• Whiplash

If you have a back and/or neck condition, talk to your doctor about where medications fit in your treatment plan.

An important note: Even if you're thinking of taking an over-the-counter drug, make sure you consult your doctor beforehand to avoid any potentially serious complications, especially if you're taking another medication at the same time. The first step to getting you on the right track and reducing your back pain or neck pain is to always keep the lines of communication open.