The Latest Insights on Lower Back Pain to Help You Get Your Life Back

Back pain is no joke. Nearly 65 million Americans suffer from it each day, according to the Health Policy Institute. Dr. Natalia Serrano, Senior Associate Director, Global Medical Affairs at Bayer, shares the latest news from a new study examining different treatment options.

This study examined over 300 trials of different non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for low back pain. Among the treatments effective for acute lower back pain, NSAIDs—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help reduce pain and fever—were among the few that proved successful. NSAID medications, like the active ingredients in Bayer Aleve® and Bayer® Aspirin, are some of the proven effective options in relieving this type of pain.

This study reaffirms the role of an NSAID as a science-backed option, underscoring their value as part of non-opioid, first-line care for lower back pain. It’s reassuring to see options like NSAIDs validated in rigorous, placebo-controlled studies.

Acute pain is short-term pain that comes on suddenly, lasts no more than six months, usually because of an injury, surgery, or illness. It’s your body’s way of saying, “hey, something’s wrong!”

Beyond medication, what else should we do to alleviate back pain? The doctor says it’s all about keeping a healthy lifestyle. “Eating healthy, sleeping well, sleeping on a supportive mattress, exercising, keeping hydrated, avoiding lifting heavy things,” she says, “all of these are strategies that will help you manage your lower back pain.”

Dr. Serrano also urges people to feel empowered to speak to their healthcare providers about their back pain and options that may be available based on their circumstances, because not all pain is the same.

This isn’t just about pain relief; it’s about accessible, non-surgical, evidence-based care that may be an option to empower people to get back to life.