What is the best medicine for extreme pain in the neck and upper back?

Depending on the cause and severity of back pain, some of the best medications to use for pain relief are milder medications such as NSAIDs, Vicoden or Ultram, according to WebMD. However, some patients require stronger medications including opiates such as morphine for relief of back pain.

Some studies show that long-term use of opiate pain medications can actually change the nervous system, causing people to be more sensitive to pain, states WebMD. While some people require opiate pain medication for relief of pain, doctors generally attempt to employ the use of less-addictive medications or other types of treatment if possible. Corticosteroids, a powerful anti-inflammatory, often relieve back pain.