Pharmacologic treatment for low back pain: one component of pain care.

Analgesic medications are commonly used for low back pain (LBP). Evidence on the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for LBP comes from clinical trials that have many limitations, including short-term studies and selective trial populations. Evidence currently supports the use of short-term pharmacologic treatment for LBP. However, the safety and efficacy of long-term pharmacologic therapy for LBP is uncertain and therefore best used with caution, monitoring, and as one component of a comprehensive paincare approach emphasizing rehabilitation.