Whether it’s from a slip or fall, picking up heavy objects or a lack of exercise, almost everyone seems to have lower back pain at some point in life.
A new study, published Wednesday in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, lists the most effective medications for reducing lower back pain and disability.
Lower back pain has been the leading cause of years lived with disability since 1990, according to the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study. It’s caused by injury to a muscle (strain) or ligament (sprain).
Serious cases may require surgery. Physical therapy and pain relievers can also help.
Ibuprofen vs. the muscle relaxer
Researchers wrote they found 18 randomized clinical trials that focused specifically on lower back pain that lasted no more than 12 weeks.
The study looked at the following types of analgesics: aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol and Panadol); and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs.