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 ).

Low back pain affects an estimated one in four American adults and is the leading contributor to disability globally. In most diagnosed cases, the pain is considered “nonspecific,” meaning it doesn’t have a clear cause. That’s also partly what makes it so hard to treat.

A new review of the evidence finds that only a handful of common remedies provide a modest benefit for acute or chronic back pain.