Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

A recent review in the journal Spine, evaluated the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of low back pain. The reviewers concluded that these drugs, which include ibuprofen, naproxene, fenoprofen, meloxicam, nabumetone and lots more, do have some benefit, but don’t expect much from them. They also looked at the studies to try to answer the question that has been asked often enough – which is best. There really doesn’t seem to be a best, they’rr all about the same once the dose is adjusted for differences in potency. The best choice is the cheapest, used in the lowest effective dose in order to minimize side effect. As the doser gets higher, the side effects, particularly the effects on the stomach, become more common and more severe.