Naproxen or Ibuprofen? Which is better for sciatic problems?
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Most sciatica pain responds well to self-measures. You'll heal more quickly if you continue your usual activities but be sure to avoid the move that triggers the pain. For pain relief, you'll have to see what works best for you. NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen will alleviate both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen alleviates pain only. But there's a limit as to how much pain these can control. Make sure your doctor is aware of what you take, how much & how often and how effective it is. For more severe pain that is unrelieved or inadequately relieved by NSAIDs or Tylenol, your doctor may want to prescribe an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxer, a tricyclic antidepressant or an anticonvulsant. You can also use the hot-cold method. When the pain starts, apply ice packs or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to the affected areas for 15-20 min. 4x a day. After 48 hrs. apply heat (heating pad on the lowest setting, heat packs commercially sold or a heat lamp). You can alternate hot and cold if necessary.
Gentle stretching for the lower back may relieve nerve root compression and make you feel better but try not to jerk or twist your back.
Prolonged rest will worsen your pain. FYI: Naprosyn (naproxen sodium) is available over-the-counter. You don't need a prescription. And Aleve IS naproxen.
Naproxen is better for Sciatia. I have had the same problem and at first I tried ibuprofen and it didn't work well. I went to the doctors and they recommended 4 aleve, which was equivalent to 2 naproxen tablets. Two days later, I could finally walk without pain albeit a bit stiff.
naproxen used in conjunction with paracetamol or a codeine based product is used more frequently in the treatment of sciatica
Naproxen is actually a prescription anti-inflammatory drug, whereas ibuprofen is over-the-counter. They are both n-saids, so it's a matter of preference.
If x-rays show your discs are okay, you may want to also visit a chiropractor and a get a massage, hot tubs are great, too!
Naproxen and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs, I think they work pretty much the same, in me anyway. Be careful if you have Kidney disease. NSAIDS are contraidicated in people with Kidney disease and in those with Ulcers, to name a few.
Both are just about equal in efficacy-just be careful. Both can cause gastric irritation when taken injudiciously.
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