TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a back pain treatment that uses low voltage electric current to relieve pain. TENS is typically done with a TENS unit, a small battery-operated device. The device can be hooked to a belt and is connected to two electrodes. The electrodes carry an electric current from the TENS machine to the skin. How TENS Might Help Back Pain. There is little research to support how -- or even if -- TENS really works.
Other Pain-Relieving Arthritis Drugs. Acetaminophen is available over-the-counter and is a commonly used pain reliever for people with arthritis. Narcotic pain relievers are available by prescription only and may be used to help with more severe pain, but they don't relieve joint inflammation.nti-inflammatory Painkillers (NSAIDs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Almost everyone with arthritis has taken or is taking one of these drugs.
Common narcotic pain medications include: Schedule II. Fentanyl (brand names Actiq, Abstral, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys) is designed for cancer patients who have flares of pain (sometimes called breakthrough pain) that is not controlled by other medications. It is available as a nasal spray, tablets, lozenges, and as a patch.