Aspirin and Ibuprofen are regularly prescribed in the treatment of back pain. A recent Australian study cast doubt on the real effectiveness of these substances.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs dangerous for health?
Back pain is one of the pains that many French people face on a daily basis. Low back pain is also the leading cause of work disability among people under 45 years of age. Most of these people regularly use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve their pain.
New scientific research, published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases by Australian researchers from the George Institute for Global Health, may well prompt these people to change their reflexes. Their studies have just proven that these analgesics have more harmful effects on the body than they bring relief to back pain .
Paracetamol, as effective as a placebo?
By taking NSAIDs too frequently, patients run the risk of suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding . These substances would also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
What about other substances such as paracetamol? Science is also not optimistic about the real benefits provided by this molecule. A study conducted in 2015 and covering three clinical trials, showed that patients treated with paracetamol only observed a slightly greater effect than those who took only a placebo . Unpleasant conclusion for patients: ” it is now clear that the substances most used and recommended against back pain do not provide clinical effects that are notably superior to placebos “, indicate the authors in their publication.
