Paracetamol Is 'Ineffective' As A Treatment For Lower Back Pain And Arthritis, Study Says | HuffPost Life

This May Be Why Paracetamol Isn't Helping Your Back Pain

PA/ The Huffington Post UK

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If you're struggling with back pain, taking paracetamol may not be the solution you're looking for.

A study has suggested over-the-counter paracetamol is ineffective for lower back pain

The painkiller was also found to have "small but not clinically important benefits" for people with osteoarthritis, the research published in the British Medical Journal found.

Back pain and osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, are leading causes of disability worldwide and clinical guidelines recommend paracetamol as the first line drug treatment for both conditions.

Researchers looked at 13 randomised controlled studies that looked at the effects of paracetamol use compared with a placebo.

The team led by The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney analysed what effect paracetamol had on the reduction of pain intensity, improvement of disability and quality of life, as well as safety and patient adherence, compared to a placebo.

They found paracetamol to be ineffective for lower back pain, but did not come across any studies investigating neck pain.

They also found evidence that paracetamol has a significant but small effect in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, but said this was not likely to be meaningful for clinicians or patients.

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Paracetamol use for osteoarthritis was also shown to increase the likelihood of having abnormal results on liver function tests by almost four times compared with a placebo, but the clinical relevance of this was not certain.

The study authors said their review should inform clinical and policy for those who suffer from lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

The report concluded: "Paracetamol is ineffective in the treatment of low back pain and provides minimal short term benefit for people with osteoarthritis.

"These results support the reconsideration of recommendations to use paracetamol for patients with low back pain and osteoarthritis of the hip or knee in clinical practice guidelines."

In 2013 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) warned of concern that higher doses of paracetamol could lead to multiple adverse effects, including heart, kidney and intestinal problems, and recommended GPs only prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said there was no new evidence to support the advice and is carrying out a wide-ranging review and until that work is completed, Nice has said it will continue to recommend paracetamol as an option.

15 Exercises For Back Pain

Push-Up with Leg Lift(01 of16)

With your hands and feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and the arms fully extended, lower your chest to the floor while maintaining a neutral spine in the plank position. As you do this, elevate one foot off the floor squeezing your butt cheeks to activate your gluteals.Alternate sides until you have completed 20 repetitions.

Plan-Balance Level 1(02 of16)

When holding the plank position, ensure that the arms are in a vertical position directly under the shoulders. While maintaining this position, curl your heel to your butt while keeping your knees at the same height and ensuring there is no rotation or movement through the pelvis or torso. Complete 20 repetitions in total.

Plan-Balance Level 2(03 of16)

Same technique tips as level 1, however, the level 2 movement increases the control needed. Complete 20 repetitions in total.

Side Plank Level 1(04 of16)

Lift your hip from the floor to activate the obliques and core. Keep your hips low and push up from your arm on the floor. 10 repetitions each side.

Side Plank Level 2(05 of16)

Same as level 1, reach your arm overhead to lengthen out the torso, and increase muscle activation and balance. 10 repetitions each side.

Side Plank Level 3(06 of16)

Same as the level 2 exercise, this times as you reach overhead, elevate your knee in towards your elbow for more activation and a bigger challenge. 10 repetitions each side

Bodyweight Squats(07 of16)

While maintaining a neutral spine, sit your bodyweight down into a squat position until your tailbone drops lower than your knees. Ensure there is no excessive forward flexion of the torso. The distance that your knees travel forward during a squat will be different for each person depending on their limb length, regardless, make sure you keep your spine neutral. Complete 15 repetitions.

Walking Lunges(08 of16)

Starting with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands beside your body, take a moderate step forward lowering your knee to about one inch off the floor, while raising your arms overhead. Repeat alternating which leg steps forward for 20 repetitions.

Deadlift Stretch Start(09 of16)

This exercise is used for flexibility in this instance, however, once you have recovered from back pain you can add resistance.

Deadlift Stretch Finish(10 of16)

Focus on keeping the lower back in a neutral position with your chest out and legs should-width apart. You should be able to feel the hamstring activation as your pull your upper body from forward flexion back into an upright position. Complete 10 repetitions.

Gluteal-Hamstring Lift Level 1(11 of16)

Designed to activate the hamstrings, gluteals and lower back, this exercise is great for strengthening and shaping the back of the legs. Start with your butt touching the floor and then lift to push your hips up as you squeeze your butt cheeks. Complete 10 repetitions.

Gluteal-Hamstring Lift Level 2(12 of16)

Same technique as level 1, however, this is the one leg version for people who are looking for an extra challenge. With this level, be sure to avoid any rotation through the pelvis. The challenge is to activate more core and gluteals. Complete 10 repetitions each

Kneeling Hip & Chest(13 of16)

In a kneeling position, take the weight forward as you anchor your back knee to the floor. Hold the stretch for five seconds and release.Completes this stretch five times before switching legs.

Gluteals Level 1(14 of16)

This stretch can also be done with a bent leg elevated on a bench or chair. Aim to have your pelvis in a neutral position with no rotation, and avoid rounding through the upper back as you stretch forward. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds before changing sides. Complete three sets of 20 on each side.

Gluteals & Quads Level 2(15 of16)

Basically the same technique as level 1, this move stretches out the hips. You can elevate the back foot to incorporate hips flexors and quadriceps into the stretch as well. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds before changing sides. Complete three sets of 20 on each side.

Foam Roller(16 of16)

Lie on your side with the roller at the knee and drag your body along the floor until the roller reaches your hips. Return to the starting position. You can also rotate your body forward or back to target a different part of the leg. Complete five rolls on each.

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