A new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine suggests that over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may contribute to chronic back pain. Researchers at Canada's McGill University found among a group of more than 2,000 patients who reported acute back pain, those who took NSAIDs for pain relief were nearly twice as likely to develop chronic back pain compared to those who took other drugs or none at all.
One researcher told the New York Times that while NSAIDs are probably fine for short-term use, patients may benefit from other treatment strategies for long-term relief.
