HSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
Same-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
Now accepting insuranceHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality careSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments availableNow accepting insuranceBack pain can be debilitating, but timely treatment may help you feel better sooner. A certified provider can help diagnose and manage your symptoms. With Klarity Health, you can access same-day appointments, flexible care options, and affordable pricing—all from the comfort of your home.
✓ No in-person visits needed
✓ Appointments available within 24 hours
✓ Cash pay accepted; HSA and FSA eligible
✓ Transparent, pay-per-visit pricing with no hidden fees
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve online back pain treatment from a provider committed to you. That’s why you can find an online back pain treatment specialist on Klarity Health and access:
From an experienced, board-certified healthcare professional.
or in-person through treatment tailored to you**
Your information is private, secure, and 100% HIPAA compliant.
*Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
When back pain becomes persistent or severe, speaking with a healthcare provider is important. Based on the cause and severity of your pain, a provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) – Helps relieve muscle spasms
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex) – Used to treat muscle tightness and spasms
• Amitriptyline (Elavil) – Often prescribed for chronic pain
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) – Approved for musculoskeletal pain
• Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Used to manage nerve-related pain
• Pregabalin (Lyrica) – Often prescribed for neuropathic pain
• Tramadol (Ultram) – May be prescribed for moderate to severe pain
• Oxycodone (OxyContin) – Reserved for severe pain, used under close medical supervision
Diclofenac gel (Voltaren) – Applied to the skin to target localized inflammation and pain
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of back pain. Select your state to see available providers.
Back pain is a common condition that affects the muscles, nerves, bones, or discs of the spine. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. Back pain may be acute, lasting days or weeks, or chronic, lasting longer than three months. It often results from strain, injury, or underlying medical issues.
Back pain may result from a variety of causes, including:
Back pain symptoms vary but often include:
If symptoms are accompanied by weight loss, fever, or bladder/bowel issues, seek immediate medical attention
Managing back pain typically requires a combination of self-care, medication, and possibly interventional or surgical treatment, depending on severity.
Self-care and lifestyle modifications
• Stay active – Avoid long periods of bed rest
• Heat or cold therapy – Helps ease pain and reduce inflammation
• Exercise – Low-impact activity can support recovery
• Posture support – Improving posture may reduce strain on the back
Non-pharmacologic therapies
• Physical therapy – Customized programs to improve strength and mobility
• Chiropractic care – May offer short-term relief through spinal manipulation
• Acupuncture – Can help alleviate certain types of chronic back pain
• Mind-body practices – Yoga, tai chi, and meditation can support pain coping
Medications
• OTC analgesics – NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen
• Muscle relaxants – For short-term relief of acute muscle spasms
• Antidepressants or anticonvulsants – For chronic or nerve-related pain
• Topical creams or patches – Target localized inflammation and discomfort
Interventional procedures
• Epidural steroid injections – Deliver anti-inflammatory medication to affected areas
• Nerve blocks – Interrupt pain signals from specific nerves
• Radiofrequency ablation – Uses heat to reduce chronic nerve pain
Surgical interventions
Surgery may be considered if conservative options are ineffective or if structural issues are present, such as:
• Discectomy – Removes part of a herniated disc
• Laminectomy – Removes part of a vertebra to relieve pressure
• Spinal fusion – Permanently connects two or more vertebrae for stability
A provider can help determine the right course of action based on your condition and medical history.
Medications are often used as part of a treatment plan for back pain. The type of medication prescribed depends on the severity and underlying cause of symptoms. Below are commonly considered options, grouped by their primary function:
Pain relievers
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – An over-the-counter pain reliever commonly used for mild to moderate back pain. It works by inhibiting the production of pain-signaling chemicals in the brain.
• Ibuprofen (Advil) – A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. It works by blocking enzymes involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals.
• Naproxen (Aleve) – Another NSAID commonly used for muscle or joint pain. Its effects tend to last longer than ibuprofen, which may allow for less frequent dosing.
Muscle relaxants
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) – Often prescribed for acute back pain with muscle spasms. It acts on the central nervous system to help relax muscles.
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex) – Typically used for muscle spasticity, including tightness associated with back injuries. It reduces nerve signals that cause muscles to contract.
Antidepressants
• Amitriptyline (Elavil) – A tricyclic antidepressant sometimes prescribed off-label for chronic back pain. It works by modifying neurotransmitter levels that influence how the brain processes pain.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) – FDA-approved for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain. It increases serotonin and norepinephrine to help regulate pain signals.
Anticonvulsants
• Gabapentin (Neurontin) – Prescribed for nerve-related pain. It affects nerve signaling in the brain to reduce the sensation of pain.
• Pregabalin (Lyrica) – Used to manage nerve pain in conditions such as spinal cord injury or sciatica. It helps calm overactive nerves.
Opioids (if medically appropriate)
• Tramadol (Ultram) – A centrally acting analgesic that may be considered for moderate to severe pain when other options are not effective.
• Oxycodone (OxyContin) – A Schedule II opioid sometimes used for severe pain. Due to its risk for dependence, it is prescribed cautiously and under close provider supervision.
Topical agents
• Diclofenac gel (Voltaren) – A topical NSAID applied to the skin to relieve localized inflammation and pain, commonly used for joint pain, such as in osteoarthritis.
Consult a licensed provider if you experience:
Prompt evaluation can help prevent complications and guide effective treatment.
Many healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat back pain, including:
The appropriate specialist depends on your symptoms and diagnosis.
With Klarity Health, you can connect with a licensed provider to explore treatment options.
Steps to get started:
Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.