Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for back pain and related conditions?

To start, one set of researchers compared ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) for chronic pain conditions like back pain, migraine, osteoarthritis, cancer pain, etc. In their review of several studies, they found that ibuprofen usually better met patients’ expectations of pain relief. Neither was effective for everyone. So this study questions the use of acetaminophen as the first-line, go-to drug for chronic pain. (1) Rosenberg Wellness Center admires these researchers’ curiosity about ibuprofen versus acetaminophen for back pain. It surely set the stage for more studies.

A more recent research report states outright that paracetamol (acetaminophen) is ineffective for low back pain treatment. It goes on to state that acetaminophen gives minimal short term relief to patients suffering with osteoarthritis! (2) Rosenberg Wellness Center bets this report will get some attention! Acetaminophen is so often recommended for relief of low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. These researchers question that recommendation.

Astonishingly, another research paper comes right out and states that “no high-quality evidence supports this recommendation” of acetaminophen as the first-line painkiller for acute low-back pain. (3) That’s ok though for New York City back pain patients. Chiropractic care at Rosenberg Wellness Center is a great first-line care option for back pain relief!

Further, one more paper says that up to 4000mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) is ineffective for acute low back pain. (4) Rosenberg Wellness Center knows that this may make our chiropractic patients think twice before taking acetaminophen next time...and call Rosenberg Wellness Center instead!

So contact Rosenberg Wellness Center for back pain relief next time you find yourself reaching for a bottle of ibuprofen or acetaminophen for relief. A non-drug treatment plan featuring the evidence-based Cox Technic system of care for your New York City back pain may well result in the relief you are seeking!