Fact checked by Nick Blackmer A new study revealed that only 10% of non-surgical treatments for low back pain were more effective than a placebo.NSAID drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, were most effective for acute pain,

A new meta-analysis found that out of 56 noninvasive treatments, drugs like Advil and Aleve were most effective at relieving acute low-back pain. Learn more the study findings, and other treatment options,

NSAIDs also help with acute pain, but they should be used sparingly. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the only proven pharmacological treatment for short-term back pain. However, they should not be used long-term due to potential side effects (stomach issues, kidney damage, and cardiovascular risks ).

Pooled data analysis shows that pain relief is only marginally better than placebo. A pooled analysis of existing research, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, suggests that only about 1 in 10 commonly used non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for lower back pain are actually effective.