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Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed commonly for patients with low back and neck pain, randomized trials have not shown dramatic benefits. In this meta-analysis, researchers identified 35 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of NSAID therapy for acute or chronic low back pain or sciatica (33 trials) or neck pain (only 2 trials). Median study duration was 7 days; no study extended beyond 3 months.
On 100-point pain scales, mean differences in pain relief between NSAIDs and placebo were 9.2 points for studies lasting less than 2 weeks and 7.7 points for studies lasting 2 weeks to 3 months. Outcomes were in this general range for both acute and chronic pain and for both nonsciatic and sciatic pain. About six p…