Painkillers for herniated discs can be categorized into three main groups based on the route of use: the first is topical; the second is oral; and the third is intramuscular or intravenous administration. The topical ones include etofenamate gel and diclofenac diethylamide cream. The oral ones can be categorized into nonsteroidal, opioid, and mixtures of the two, depending on the specific chemical structure. The non-steroidal ones include erliximab tablets, meloxicam tablets, and clonoxicam tablets. Opioids include tramadol hydrochloride capsules. Mixed preparations of NSAIDs and opioids include aminophenol tramadol and lofenadine extended-release tablets. For intramuscular or intravenous administration there are tramadol injections, flurbiprofenac sodium injections, etc. Any pain medication is symptomatic, and for herniated discs it is more of a cause-specific treatment. Painkillers are not suitable for long-term use, and long-term use may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, dependence and other serious complications.