What's a good pain killer for back pain?

[4th and Long]

Originally Posted by DRU

Vicodine. Nothing works better.

Vicodin is for pain, not inflammation and also requires a prescription as it is a controlled substance.

If you are looking for something OTC (Over The Counter) then you need an NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory).

You can find the following NSAIDs over the counter.

Aspirin
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Naproxen (Generic Naprosyn)

Depending upon the severity of the pull and if you wish to go to the ER, they may give you a prescription for other NSAIDs such as

Ketorolac (Generic Toradol)
or
Ketoprofen (Generic Orudis)

If it's REALLY bad pull you may need a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant such as Carisoprodol (Generic Soma), Cyclobenzaprine (Generic Flexeril), Methocarbamol (Generic Robaxin) or Skelaxin (metaxalone) to let things slide back into place.

For muscle pulls, I suggest you put an ice pack on the affected area. Do not put heat on it.