Reducing pain caused by inflammation is really a tough nut to crack. I have tried many OTCs that were supposed to reduce inflammation pain with little or no luck. I would recommend plain acetaminophen (Tynelol) first because it works in the brain not at the site of the inflammation and IMO is more likely to help faster than other non-NSIADs medications, or natural NSAID-type OTCs.

As for natural anti-immflammories, there are many that claim to help, but IMO you really have to be patient and try several and usually wait because few, if any, provide quick relief. They all need time to build up in your body. All that being said, here is a list of a few:

1. Krill Oil (and fish oil to a lessor degree) - - Krill oil has been double blind tested to reduce inflammation pain nearly equal to Celebrex. I have been taking krill oil for several years now, and I originally was convinced that it did help, not so sure now (I now take all three of the above). However, it is worth a try, but expect to take it for at least 2-4 weeks before feeling any improvement.

2. Turmeric or Curcumin. Curcumin is a product of turmeric, but you can buy either one at the drug store. Not really sure why they produce both since cumcumin is the anti-inflammatory. I have taken this also with no noticeable improvement, but it is getting more and more recommendations every day.

3. Ginger is also a well know anti-inflammatory.

IMO, if your problems are temporary, I would first recommend trying a NSAID that does not cause you any side effects. Celebrex can be very good at reducing severe pain. (I even had a doctor recommend it for post-op pain, and it worked better that two other narcotic pain pills.) NSAIDs come with a long and serious list of side effects, but if used for short term periods, then probably the way to go. IMO, natural anti-inflammoroies are too hit & miss and time consuming to use unless you need them for the long term.

After thinking about your situation for another couple minutes, I am having second thoughts about any natural pain medication helping enough. Since you need a Loratab at night, this tells me that you have a serious injury that any OTC will probably not help enough during the day for you to get by. Celebrex may, but I am more inclined to recommend that you discuss this with your doctor to see if a medication change is in order. There are many, many pain medications. Just because one makes you tired during the day do not think that they all will. I have had to try several and none have made me tired, and my wife has to take Oxycodone during the day, but not at night, because it will keep her awake (so she suffers all night). IMO, a doctor visit is needed. Good luck!

Mobic aka meloxicam is the best rx anti inflammatory I've tried. Its also pretty cheap. I have rheumatoid and several "itises" at the moment and its very effective. Especially w/a muscle relaxer for spasms. Its pretty strong, the max dose is 15mg/day and it does come with the standard side effects of NSAIDS. I take 7.5mg am and pm. Ive taken it for a couple of yrs now & haven't had issues with long term use. Always take it with food to keep it from bothering your stomach. It does make my husband drowsy & he sleeps well on it even with his shoulder pain. It doesnt make me drowsy at all. Some pain works better with NSAIDS & others with narcotics like Lortab. NSAIDS will fight the inflammation which is the source of the pain, the hydrocodone tells your brain to ignore the pain.

As far as natural alternatives, sptrout covered that pretty well. There's also several anti inflammatory foods that you can Google. But a diet change takes time to be effective & its different for everyone. I've tried just about every diet in existence to fight inflammation from my RA. Cutting out fast food & processed foods has probably helped the most. Nothing that Im aware of begins working immediately. Give a new diet at least 3mo to see if its helping.

Cskb88..that's at least the 3rd time you've put that link up in a week so I guess you really do think it cures back pain.

Sorry to hear of your fall and your recurring pain-feel better

I have an allergy to NSAIDs so I can't take them for inflammation. I used to take krill oil as an alternative, and use hot/cold therapy. I tried turmeric but that didn't seem to work with me. The krill oil capsules were ok, but they kinda smelled gross. Now I'm using St. John's wort.

You'd have to ask your doctor about krill oil and St. John's wort, though, because they do have some contraindications. I don't know if they would adversely affect someone with asthma.

Sorry to hear about your fall. Hopefully you find an anti-inflammatory that works for you.

Soma is the best thing. Have been on for spams, cramps and inflamed. It is a god send