Treating Pain Associated with Common Injuries

New analyses elevate topical nonsteroidal preparations to first-choice agents.

Sponsoring Organizations: American College of Physicians (ACP); American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Target Population: Adults with pain from musculoskeletal injuries that do not involve the lower back.

Background

Treating patients who have acute musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, contusions, whiplash, nonsurgical fractures of ribs and toes) is the bread and butter of outpatient medicine. Authors from the sponsoring organizations reviewed 207 trials that included more than 30,000 participants, most younger than 40, with these injuries.

Key Findings

For immediate pain relief, best-quality evidence supported use of acetaminophen alone or combined with oral diclofenac or an opioid. Use of oral or topical nonsteroidal anti-inf…

Reviewing Author

Abigail Zuger, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose