Ibuprofen for Back Pain
Ibuprofen for back pain is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often taken by patients with
chronic pain
symptoms. Ibuprofen is a time tested drug used for a variety of painful syndromes including
arthritis,
headache
and fever. While over the counter versions of the drug are considered quite safe; they and their prescription strength relatives are not without side effects and risks. Make sure to consult your doctor prior to beginning any long-term use of Ibuprofen, or any drug, to treat your
back pain.
At the very least, read the enclosed product literature carefully and use it to guide you to additional sources of research concerning the effects of continuing pharmaceutical treatment.
Varieties of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is sold in 2 basic forms: prescription strength and over the counter strength (OTC). Common brand names for OTC Ibuprofen are: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Dorival, Nurofen, Act-3, Herron Blue, Brufen, Panafen, Ipren, Ibuprom, Moment and Ibumetin. Prescription strength versions are considerably stronger and more effective, but also demonstrate substantially more risks. This drug is also available in combination with other more powerful drugs such as
Oxycodone
(Combunox) and
Hydrocodone
(Vicoprofen).
Risks of Ibuprofen
Like all NSAIDs, Ibuprofen has some side effects and health risks. Low doses of the drug are unlikely to cause major health concerns, but higher doses can cause some or all of the following: nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sensitivity to light and other problematic symptoms. There are some studies that link NSAID use to increased chances of heart attack and
hypertension.
Make sure to talk to your doctor to find out if Ibuprofen is a good choice for your particular health condition. When you do, be sure to provide them with a complete list of other substances you might use regularly, including alcohol, as well as any health issues you might be suffering besides your back concerns.
Recommendation on Ibuprofen for Back Pain
I do not think that any OTC drug shows really good results for providing serious
back pain relief.
For minor symptoms, it may be sufficient, but is not enough to make a noticeable difference in most patients with severe pain. At least the side effects are minor compared to many of the far more powerful
prescription strength drugs.
Personally, I found Advil to be useless for
back ache
even though it was recommended by several doctors, at higher dosages. I do think that Advil Liquid Gels are one of the best
headache
remedies I have ever tried. My recommendation is a strong thumbs up for headache relief, but a thumbs down when it comes to serious back pain. Better yet, you may want to try some type of all
natural back pain relief
that will not deposit any pharmaceutical poisons into your body. Remember, drugs are only one form of pain management and are certainly not the best method in terms of risk/reward ratio.
Ibuprofen for Back Pain to Back Pain
1/28/08 Revised 1/31/12
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