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How Long Can I Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers For Back Pain?


Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: April 29, 2026

If you’ve noticed that back discomfort has become more common these days, you might just shrug it off by reaching for an Advil or an Aleve in the morning. These over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can do wonders for managing small aches and pains that are rooted in swelling and inflammation, but should you just accept that taking an OTC anti-inflammatory is just a normal part of your morning routine these days? How long can you safely take over-the-counter pain medications for back pain? We answer that question and talk about the best way to tackle low-grade spinal discomfort in today’s blog.

How Long Can I Take Ibuprofen And Naproxen For Back Pain?

If you’re dealing with back pain or low-grade spinal discomfort and you’re looking for an over-the-counter pain reliever to help manage it, you’ll turn to Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen). These are generally considered the best medications for minor back aches because they focus on relieving swelling and inflammation in muscles and spinal discs in the spine. If you’re dealing with some minor soreness after a hard day at work or a rigorous workout, these medications can aid in the recovery process.

However, you shouldn’t just expect to take these pills every day to manage your spinal discomfort. That’s because these medications are designed to target the symptoms of strains and injuries, but not the underlying issue. If your symptoms are just the result of short-term overstrain, occasional medication use can be helpful. Conversely, if your symptoms are actually the result of something else, like arthritic degeneration, a pinched nerve, a muscle tear or similar issue, these pain medications won’t really do much. The underlying problem persists, the symptoms are temporarily dulled before returning, and the cycle continues.

Instead, the goal here is to target the underlying condition with proactive treatment. That typically means you engage in a movement-based activity for weeks or months for best results. Some of the most common proactive movement-based treatment options for low-grade spinal issues include:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Stretching Routines
  • Aquatic-Based Exercises

When you’re dealing with back pain, oftentimes the first instinct is to withdraw from activity and try to limit movement in the painful area. While protecting the area is helpful in the short-term, eventually you’ll want to strengthen the area and expand your comfortable range of motion in the area so that your spine is better able to handle similar movements in the future. Pain medications won’t develop strength or flexibility, but movement-based exercises will.

We’re not saying that pain medications like Advil and Aleve have no place in a comprehensive treatment plan. In fact, many people may take a low dose ahead of a PT session to limit inflammation and make it easier for them to complete their exercise routine. It’s when we only pursue these non-active, medication-based treatments that trouble can develop.

At the end of the day, the general consensus is that you shouldn’t take anti-inflammatory medications for back pain for more than 10 consecutive days, but consult with your spine care professional or primary care provider for individualized advice. Your body can build up a tolerance to these medications, and they can also be damaging to certain organs if taken in abundance or for extended periods, so don’t view them as a long-term option for your back pain. Throw yourself into more effective movement-based exercises, and we’re confident you’ll have more success treating and managing your back pain.

For more advice on how to best care for low-grade back pain, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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