Paracetamol for low back pain 'no better than placebo'

[Northerner]

Paracetamol used to treat acute lower back pain is no better than a dummy pill, research in the Lancet suggests.

The largest trial to date suggests the drug does not improve recovery time or provide greater pain relief than a placebo.

The study questions whether paracetamol should remain a first-choice drug on most national guidelines.

But experts caution anyone considering a change of medication should seek medical advice.

About 26 million people suffer from lower back pain each year in the UK, and it remains a leading cause of disability worldwide.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28440007

I found that topical ibuprofen helped for me.

 

[pav]

Paracetamol just gives me a headache instead of easing the pain. Trying topical ibuprofen at the moment to see if it helps with the pain, codeine works well for me.