A group of Australian researchers have warned that Paracetamol are futile for back pain and osteoarthritis, despite being a recommended treatment.
Their review of 13 clinical trials were published in the British Medical Journal. The review revealed that taking paracetamol did not reduce disability or quality of life. Rather, it increases the chance of developing liver problems.
Back pain is a leading cause for disability and in the UK, an estimated 26 million people each year are affected by it. However, the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE), which constitutes best NHS practice recommend taking paracetamol for back pain and osteoarthritis.
Research was undertaken by a team at the University of Sydney. They surveyed data from 13 drug trials involving over 5,000 patients. They came to the conclusion that paracetamol was “ineffective” at alleviating back pain.
They found a small improvement in osteoarthritis in the hip or knee when paracetamol is consumed, however, the result of the drug was so small that it was “not clinically important.”
One of the researchers, Gustavo Machado stated, “Paracetamol is the most widely used over-the counter medicine for musculoskeletal conditions so it is critical that we review treatment recommendations in light of this new evidence.
"In our research, paracetamol for low back pain and osteoarthritis was also shown to be associated with higher risk of liver toxicity in patients.
"Patients were nearly four times more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests compared to those taking placebo pills."
In the UK, many people suffer from different health related problems and most are recommended to take paracetamols by their pharmacists or their doctors. It has become a habit for people of all ages, from children to adult to consume paracetamol if they are in pain; even the slightest of discomfort from a headache would be enough to urge them to pop a pill.
Taking paracetamols could be helpful for a short amount of time and relieve pain temporarily, however, it may be more detrimental to your health than you may have imagined. There are plenty of healthy alternatives that one can do to alleviate pain, such as certain exercises or consuming natural food. Yet, people tend to go for a quick-fix, instilling their bodies with medications which may ultimately damage their internal organs.
