What over-the-counter (OTC) medications treat muscular neck and back pain?

The most convenient and cost-effective initial treatment for neck and back muscle pain is over-the-counter pain medication. A brief course of the recommended doses of aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can help reduce pain levels so you can resume some of your normal daily activities. Getting back to your normal routine as quickly as possible may be the most important step you can take on the road to recovery. Many people don't like taking medications of any kind, but short-term use of over-the-counter pain medication or prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful. If medication successfully reduces your pain, you will likely begin increasing your movement. The sooner that happens, the sooner you can begin a more aggressive therapy regimen. If your pain is significantly inhibiting your movement and you think you may need pain medication, take it. Avoiding medication and bearing the pain may only serve to prolong your pain and delay your recovery. The risk of developing long-term tissue damage and chronic pain is far worse than the risk of short-term side effects from pain medication.