Question
How do ibuprofen, ketorolac, and diclofenac compare for the treatment of acute, nonradicular low back pain in adults?
Conclusion
This study found no differences among ibuprofen, ketorolac, and diclofenac in the primary outcome of overall clinical improvement at 5 days in adults presenting to the emergency department with acute, nonradicular low back pain. Some of the secondary outcomes favored ketorolac, however, leaving open the possibility that ketorolac is superior to ibuprofen and/or diclofenac. As the saying goes, “Absence of proof is not proof of absence.”
Reference
Irizarry E, Restivo A, Salama M, et al. A randomized controlled trial of ibuprofen versus ketorolac versus diclofenac for acute, nonradicular low back pain. Acad Emerg Med 2021;28(11):1228:1235