What's better for back pain ibuprofen or Tylenol?

During back-pain flare-ups, you may also need an over-the-counter pain reliever to help you through. Doctors often suggest you first try acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) because it is gentler on the stomach, even though NSAIDs tend to work better for back pain.


Which pain reliever is best for back pain?

Best over-the-counter pain relievers for back pain
  • Best for fast back pain relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) ...
  • Best for all day/night back pain relief: Naproxen (Aleve) ...
  • Best for back pain relief if you can't use NSAIDs: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) ...
  • Best topical back pain option: Diclofenac gel (Voltaren gel, Aspercreme gel)


Why do doctors recommend Tylenol instead of ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen can also damage the kidneys and cause high blood pressure, especially when large doses are taken over a prolonged period. The biggest risk with acetaminophen is liver damage when very high doses are taken. This can lead to liver failure and death if prompt medical attention is not sought after an overdose.


Is Tylenol stronger than ibuprofen for pain?

by Drugs.com

Acetaminophen is only effective at relieving pain and fever, while ibuprofen relieves inflammation in addition to pain and fever. Other key differences: Some research suggests NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are more effective than acetaminophen at relieving pain.

Is ibuprofen best for back pain?

Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), available over-the-counter, is an excellent medication for the short-term treatment of low back pain. Because of the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with your doctor about using this medication.


Whats the best legal medication for back pain relief?



What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?

Home remedies for fast back pain relief
  1. Overview.
  2. Exercise.
  3. Improve posture.
  4. Use heat and cold.
  5. Stretch.
  6. Pain relief cream.
  7. Massage.
  8. Arnica.


Why doesn't ibuprofen help my back pain?

One of the reasons why research may find that NSAIDs do not work on back pain is due to discomfort related to sciatica. This is a type of pain caused by herniated discs or nerve issues. Since sciatica is not inflammatory, painkillers like Advil will not work well to relieve that pain.

Can I take Tylenol and ibuprofen together?

Is it safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with ibuprofen? The simple answer? Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. And it may surprise you that taking these two medications together actually works better to relieve pain than taking them separately.


Can I take 2 extra strength Tylenol and ibuprofen?

It's generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and extra strength Tylenol together. You can alternate ibuprofen and two extra strength Tylenol tablets every three hours. Or you can take them together every six hours. Don't exceed six extra strength Tylenol tablets in 24 hours.

What is a stronger pain relief than ibuprofen?

Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions.

Is ibuprofen or Tylenol more anti-inflammatory?

Unlike acetaminophen, ibuprofen acts as an anti-inflammatory drug, which means it reduces inflammation and swelling.


Why does Tylenol not relieve pain?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not anti-inflammatory

Acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It does not help reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, acetaminophen works by blocking your brain from releasing substances that cause the feeling of pain.

What is a better painkiller than Tylenol?

NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) may be more effective than acetaminophen for certain conditions because they reduce inflammation as well as relieve pain.

How many hours apart Can I take Tylenol and ibuprofen?

The best way to alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen (Advil) is to take them 2 to 4 hours apart. For example, if you get up at 6.00am, you can take a dose of ibuprofen, then at 8.00am, you can take a dose of Tylenol.


How long after taking 2 Tylenol can I take ibuprofen?

Take ibuprofen and Tylenol alternating every 2 to 3 hours depending on the dose.

How long does ibuprofen take to work?

You should start to feel better 20 to 30 minutes after taking ibuprofen tablets, capsules, granules or liquid. For some types of long-term pain, you'll need to take ibuprofen regularly for up to 3 weeks for it to work properly. If you're applying ibuprofen to your skin, it should start to work within 1 to 2 days.

Should I take Tylenol or ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen: Which to Use? You should use acetaminophen for pain, but if you also have inflammation, consider taking ibuprofen instead. You can also take both of them together if you have pain and inflammation. However, never take more than the recommended dosage.


How much Tylenol can I take with 800 mg ibuprofen?

Take 600-800mg of Ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. If additional pain relief is needed, take 1000mg of Tylenol with the Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed. DO NOT exceed 4000mg of Tylenol per day, and for NO more than 2 days in a row.

How long does ibuprofen last?

How long does Advil last? A single dose of Advil provides relief for four to six hours.

Is 800 mg ibuprofen good for back pain?

Initial drug treatment for acute low back pain starts with ibuprofen in a dosage of 600 to 800 mg three times per day as needed unless contraindicated. Acetaminophen in a dosage of 650 to 1,000 mg four times per day as needed is a reasonable alternative.


What is the best way to sleep if your lower back hurts?

The Best Sleeping Positions for Lower Back Pain

Keeping the knees bent helps balance the body and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. Many people find it helpful to put a small pillow between their knees to make this position more comfortable.

Is ibuprofen or muscle relaxer better for back pain?

Recent studies have shown that a type of skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs), called antispasmodics, outperform anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, in relieving severe pain associated with conditions like acute back pain.

Is it better to sit or lay down with lower back pain?

If you're experiencing back pain when sitting, your impulse may be to lie down and then try to slowly progress back to sitting, says Dr. Atlas. But this is the wrong approach. You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move.


What is the strongest pain relieving medication?

Opioids, powerful pain medications that diminish the perception of pain, may be given after surgery. Intravenous opioids may include fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone and tramadol.

What is the most gentle pain reliever?

Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other nonopioid pain relievers because it doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding. However, taking more than the recommended dose — or taking acetaminophen with alcohol — increases your risk of kidney damage and liver failure over time.