When the back pain strikes, one of the fastest solutions is taking a couple pain reliever pills -- but is that over-the-counter medicine actually making things worse?
About 16 million Americans are suffering from chronic back pain. More generally, about 80% of people in their lifetime will experience low back pain, according to Dr. Candice Burnett, a pain management specialist. And a good portion of that 80% will experience pain for three months or longer, Burnett said.
To help ease the pain, many people take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAID. These over-the-counter medications help reduce inflammation after injury, which can subdue the pain.
But new research suggests NSAIDs may not be an effective solution for those struggling with back pain.
A new study by McGill University in Canada suggests that blocking inflammation after an injury may increase the risk of the pain becoming chronic. Researchers theorize the medication interferes with the body’s own natural healing process.
Other recent studies show that daily use of an anti-inflammatory medication may lead to stomach problems, high blood pressure and kidney damage.
Instead of reaching for back pain pills first, some medical guidelines suggest starting with non-drug treatments, including:
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Physical therapy
- Heat
- Massage
Ultimately, experts say it is important to find relief from back pain.
“It’s been linked to depression, sleep problems, anxiety,” Dr. Burnett said. “So, having something that can effectively treat these patients who have been suffering really does improve their quality of life.”
Some medical experts have urged caution when interpreting the results of the recent McGill study, arguing that it didn’t rely on a clinical trial. Still, others say this study is important because it reminds patients and doctors to consider other treatment options before just popping a pill.
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