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effects of chronic use of ibuprofen

Hi,

I am 28 and for about 6 months now have lower back pain that radiates down the left leg and excersice or walking or standing make it worse. I had an MRI which showed 2 lumbar disc with degeneration and one of them is bulging out, which is probably compressing my sciatic nerve according to the doctor. I’ve had 2 epidural lower back injections that help a lot but the pain is still not completely gone.  I have been taking 800mg/day ibuprofen for  6 months on and off and it really didn’t help much. I began physical therapy a month ago and about 2 weeks ago I started taking about 400mg 2x/day nonstop and the ibuprofen is helping more now, the pain is pretty much gone as long as I take the ibuprofen 2x/day. I am worried that this long term use of ibuprofen is going to damage my liver, kidneys, intestines, etc. If I stop the ibuprofen the pain is back. I really don’t want to use any opiods, in fact I don’t like to take any medications at all, I only take ibuprofen to be able to deal with the pain. Is there anything else that can help with the pain/inflamation that doesn’t have to many side effects as ibuprofen. I am open to any ideas or suggestions, preferably natural remedies. I heard that pineapples have anti-inflamatory properties, any body heard about this.

Thanks a million,
Sucy  
6 Responses
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547368 tn?1440541785
I agree wonderland.

However in our Pain Management Forum the information is often outdated and that's important in many instances. I also respect the person that created the original thread and don't post a new question on them.

I do reach out to that new person - off the forum - as they mean no harm.

Thanks for your input.

~Tuck
Helpful - 0
1191512 tn?1436179375
I enjoy reading old threads. sometimes there is helpful information in the old threads
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547368 tn?1440541785
This very old thread belongs to a inactive member I encourage you to begin a new thread (Post a Question) and add a bit more information.

I'll look forward to reading your Question.If you need help posting a Question please let us know.

I'm sending you a message.

Thanks,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've taken a total of 4,000 mg Ibuprofen today and still hurting.  For the last week to 2 800mg twice a day.  I am 59 yrs old with recent cholecystectomy.  Should I be concerned?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
it can cause stomach ulcers.....too much APAP(tylenol) is bad for the liver.  If you don't want to try opiates....with your back problems that may be hte only real way to help..Maybe try taking small amounts, only when the NSAIDS dont work....other than that, there are tons of herbal remedies...look them up on google....cant say that they work tho....also, some anti-anxiety drugs...such as valium, help alot with back pain..I find this works for me.
Helpful - 0
82861 tn?1333453911
Anything you put in your body for an extended length of time will have side effects.  Yes, even those so-called "natural" or herbal remedies.  Just because a medicine comes from a plant source, does not mean it is ineffective - nor does it mean it is harmless.  Many drugs used in medicine come from plant sources, like opium, marijuana, or even senna used in laxatives.

As for ibuprofen, all I know for certain is that, like other NSAIDS, it will thin your blood, and can irritate the stomach lining.  Some people tolerate it just fine - others don't.  One thing in your favor is that ibuprofen is not as toxic to the liver as tylenol.
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