Back to Back Blog
Ibuprofen and back pain
The Guardian recently reported ‘Anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) are not much more effective than placebo and patients taking them are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from stomach problems’.
The Guardian recently reported ‘Anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) are not much more effective than placebo and patients taking them are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from stomach problems’. See the link to the article in The Guardian here.
All good points…. but two things need to be looked at here.
1. There are many different reasons that people suffer with back pain (‘back pain’ is never that simple) and so when every patient comes into see an osteopath here at Back to Back, we take a comprehensive case history and they have a thorough examination. This gives us a really good idea why they may be suffering.
There ARE inflammatory reasons why we can get back pain. These people will most likely respond well to anti-inflammatory medication. The back pain that is not inflammatory may not get the same level of relief. Also, during an acute episode of back pain, there may well be an inflammatory phase as the body reacts to the injury. These patients may also get some relief from ibuprofen. Once back pain becomes CHRONIC or more longer term, often it looses its inflammatory nature and so these drugs will be less useful.
2. Patients that take these medications for a short time only are less likely to suffer from stomach problems unless they already have a sensitivity to them. If you take them for extended periods, it is very well documented that anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can irritate your gut and cause other problems. There are also different types of NSAIDs (varying in strength and mechanism) and some also have gut protecting properties. So taking care with high doses or for extended periods is important.
Taking any painkiller does not sort out the cause of your back pain. It is sort of like putting a plaster on it, but is does not sort out why it happened to you in the first place. Often getting assessed first is a great place to start and work out why it happened. Get the cause treated and then become empowered to move more efficiently and effectively.
It always depends why things happen…. bodies are super complicated. There is never a straightforward answer. If you are told it is straightforward, maybe look deeper. So as ever….Get good advice from your health professional.
Blog post by James Dodd
Explaining back pain
This really lovely and simple short video from Dr Mike Evans explaining some of the reasons for lower back pain and what you may be able to do to help yourself. Often it is about taking responsibility for yourself and talking control and deciding what you need to do. Movement and treatment are often great ways to start. Osteopaths are able to treat and advise.
This really lovely and simple short video from Dr Mike Evans explaining some of the reasons for lower back pain and what you may be able to do to help yourself. Often it is about taking responsibility for yourself and talking control and deciding what you need to do. Movement and treatment are often great ways to start. Osteopaths are able to treat and advise.
Have a watch …. it is only a few minutes! But really good…
Come in and see one of the great osteopaths at Back to Back if you need help or are concerned. They are registered and qualified to assess and treat you. We are also trained to rule out any ‘red flags’ or ‘things of concern’. Osteopaths not only treat lower back pain, but neck pain, shoulder pain and most muscle or joint pains. We also rehab patients post surgery and some of us also use exercises to improve performance or movement in sport.
Call us on 020 8605 2323
Paracetamol for back pain
Do you take paracetamol for your back pain?
One of the most important issues to understand here is WHY you have pain in the first place. WHAT has put your body in a position where it feels under threat? Pain is an OUTPUT from your brain and just by blocking that output you are not fixing WHY you have pain. Would it not be far better to get the WHY addressed and sorted?
Do you take paracetamol for your back pain?
Have a look at this link on some of the more recent research about this.
This states…..
‘Paracetamol is ineffective at treating back pain and osteoarthritis despite being a recommended treatment, a group of Australian researchers has warned’.
One of the most important issues to understand here is WHY you have pain in the first place. WHAT has put your body in a position where it feels under threat? Pain is an OUTPUT from your brain and just by blocking that output you are not fixing WHY you have pain. Would it not be far better to get the WHY addressed and sorted?
If you can, get properly assessed by a professional who has been fully trained to assess, diagnose and treat you appropriately. Pain in your back may be due to another part of your body working less effectively and so your back ends up having to work harder.
Call us on 020 8605 2323 if you have any questions.