Spinal arthritis is inflammation of the joints that make up the spine. Typically, the most effective medications include analgesics, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, steroids, muscle relaxants, and DMARDs.

Arthritis is a group of conditions that affect the joints. In spinal arthritis, the facet and sacroiliac joints become inflamed, causing pain.

This can occur as a result of natural wear and tear of the spine or inflammatory conditions such as spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The most suitable treatment may depend on the type of arthritis someone has.

Many medications are available to help reduce pain and inflammation in the spine. This article explains the types of medication available to treat spinal arthritis, including other potential treatment options.

A male clutching his back while sitting on a bed, possibly due to pain caused by spinal arthritis.Share on Pinterest
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The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following medications to manage pain and other symptoms of spinal arthritis.

Analgesics

Analgesics are a group of drugs that help relieve pain. Typically, these drugs reduce inflammation or change how the brain processes and perceives pain. There are two categories of analgesics:

Opioids can reduce pain by binding to opioid receptors, blocking the body’s pain messages. However, opioids are addictive and can lead to opioid use disorder, overdose incidents, and death.

To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors may advise trying simple, non-opioid analgesics before stronger medications such as opioid analgesics.

Some types of analgesics are available over the counter. However, stronger types are only available with a prescription.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are simple, non-opioid analgesic drugs that reduce inflammation to help relieve pain.

NSAIDs help by preventing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase from producing hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals are one of the biggest contributors to inflammation.

Examples of NSAIDs include:

Many are available over the counter, but a doctor can prescribe stronger doses. These medications often work within a few hours to help reduce pain and inflammation.

When taking NSAIDS, people should follow the instructions of their doctor or the medication label. Not doing so increases the risk of adverse events, such as:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another type of simple, non-opioid analgesic drug. It helps reduce pain but, unlike NSAIDs, does not reduce inflammation.

It is a common active ingredient in pain relief medications and is a safe pain reliever when people use it correctly. Adverse effects may include liver toxicity and allergic reactions.

People should limit or avoid alcohol consumption when taking acetaminophen, as alcohol can increase the toxic effects the drug can have on the liver.

Acetaminophen during pregnancy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2025 initiated a label change for acetaminophen citing research that associates use of acetaminophen during pregnancy with an increased risk of neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in children.

In a letter to physicians, the FDA recommends clinicians minimize the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy for low-grade fevers. However, the FDA also notes that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been proven to cause ASD, and that acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter pain medication to take while pregnant.

In a statement, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) described the FDA announcement as a “harmful and confusing message to pregnant patients” that is not backed by scientific evidence. ACOG also noted that pain and fever during pregnancy are “far more dangerous” than any potential risk from acetaminophen use.

If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking acetaminophen.

Learn more about the science behind acetaminophen and ASD.

Topical rubs, creams, and sprays

Topical pain relievers are medications that people apply to the skin over inflamed joints. While they are typically better at relieving pain in soft tissues, they may provide some relief from minor discomfort due to spinal arthritis.

If someone is taking other medications, such as NSAIDs, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before using topical treatments.

Topical products are available in different formulations, such as sprays, creams, gels, and patches, and can contain various ingredients. Examples include:

  • salicylates
  • topical NSAIDs, such as diclofenac gel (brand names include Voltaren and Pennsaid)
  • lidocaine
  • menthol
  • capsaicin
  • CBD

Steroid injections

Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, involve a healthcare professional injecting an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint to relieve pain. These medications are synthetic versions of natural hormones and differ from anabolic steroids.

For spinal arthritis, healthcare professionals can inject steroids into the facet joint or sacroiliac joint. These options can provide pain relief for days or months. Potential risks may include:

  • infection
  • bleeding
  • nerve injury
  • post-procedure pain
  • allergic reaction

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that help relax muscles and may be beneficial for reducing muscle spasms and decreasing muscle pain.

A doctor may prescribe them alongside NSAIDs. Muscle relaxants can cause drowsiness, so they may help an individual sleep if back pain keeps them awake.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs may help treat inflammatory forms of arthritis.

By using living cells and organisms, these specialized medications can block a step in the inflammation process — without suppressing the entire immune system — to help relieve symptoms of arthritis.

If medications are unsuccessful or a person’s symptoms are severe, a doctor may suggest surgery. Surgical options can help stabilize the spine and reduce movement in painful joints.

For example, a spinal fusion involves welding two or more vertebrae together to prevent pain from movement. However, it may make the spine less flexible and reduce a person’s range of motion.

Natural options to help treat spinal arthritis may include:

If a person experiences chronic pain, swelling, or stiffness in their back and the discomfort prevents them from performing daily activities, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for a medical evaluation.

In general, healthcare professionals recommend making a medical appointment if joint symptoms last longer than three days or if someone has several episodes of joint symptoms in a month.

The most suitable medication for spinal arthritis may depend on various factors, including the type of arthritis someone has, its severity, and other health conditions they have.

People can speak with a healthcare professional to learn the best medication for them.

Side effects vary depending on the specific drug a person is taking. People can read packaging labels or speak with a healthcare professional to understand the potential side effects of their medication.

However, some potential side effects of pain relief medications include skin rashes, gastrointestinal upset, fluid retention, and more.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, natural remedies, such as acupuncture, massage, and regular exercise, can help relieve arthritis pain.

People can speak with their healthcare team for more information about the effectiveness of natural remedies and advice on incorporating them into their treatment plan.

Spinal arthritis is inflammation in the joints of the spine. This can occur as a result of wear and tear or inflammatory conditions.

A doctor can recommend a variety of medications to help relieve pain and discomfort from arthritis. Typically, these drugs work by reducing inflammation.

Additionally, people may consider natural options, such as exercise, alongside medical therapy.