Last Updated on March 25, 2024

The best cure for backache is Pilates, a new study suggests. Taking painkillers is not an effective way to deal with back pain and sufferers would do far better to take a Pilates or yoga class instead.

Although NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are highly popular, the latest research suggests they are almost pointless.

Read on to discover more about the findings form the latest studies into backache, anti-inflammatory drugs and doctors’ suggestions for managing or curing lower back pain.

Ibuprofen is one of the most popular painkilling drugs for backache, as this is an anti-inflammatory drug that usually deals well with muscular pains.

However, doctors have found that it makes little real difference to backache sufferers. Paracetamol is even less effective.

Exercise is usually recommended for backache instead of drugs. Pilates as a cure for backache, along with yoga exercises are suggested as great ways to deal with backache. Stretching also reduces pain from back problems.

Backache is the leading cause of disability worldwide

One in ten people suffer from backache with the lower back the main problem area. This is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, provide short-term relief from backache and other similar pains such as neck ache and sciatica.

However, they only reduce pain very slightly with negligible clinical significance.

In recent clinical trials using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 6000 patients were analysed to find that only 1 in 6 received any significant pain reduction.

The research indicates that for most backache sufferers, ibuprofen and similar drugs are no more effective than a simple placebo.

NSAIDs double the risk of stomach ulcers

On top of their lack of effect on back pain, using NSAIDs doubles the risk of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding. T

Taking the potential side effects into consideration, drugs such as ibuprofen are not the answer to dealing with backache.

The best way to deal with back pain is through regular exercise including Pilates, yoga, core-stability exercises and stretching.

The exercise programme should also include more standard exercise such as cardio and weight training. It can use simple bodyweight exercises.

Many backache sufferers are helped simply through increased amounts of walking. 

This is because standing upright and moving naturally in a walking motion helps to keep the spine is proper alignment without pressure or stress.

Pilates and Yoga Suggested as Backache Cures

Other ways to improve back pain include maintaining a healthy weight, being generally active, raising our heart rate regularly and moving our muscles and eating a healthy diet.

It is also important to lose weight if you are overweight and live a generally healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep.

So the conclusion is that although drugs can help a little in the short term, they do have potentially damaging side effects.

For a long term solution, you are far better to invest in an exercise programme that involves slow and gentle stretching and strengthening.

Pilates is now a leading suggestion from doctors as a good way to manage or even cure backache.

Other Options for Persistent Back Pain

If pain is persistent there are other options. Form education and psychological support in terms of pain management to epidural injections as a last resort, there are many other options for back pain sufferers.

If you suffer from sciatica or a slipped disc there are different drugs that can deal with this type of ‘neuropathic pain’ which tend to work better than traditional ibuprofen or paracetamol.

For some people, ibuprofen does work to a small degree and it can be worth taking if you are one of those people for whom it offers some relief.

Share your thoughts

What do you think about Pilates as a cure for backache?

Do you find yoga, Pilates or stretching helps to relieve back pain?

Have you ever experienced side-effects from using NSAIDs?

What are your tips for dealing with backache?