A comparison of the short-term effects of ibuprofen and diclofenac in spondylosis

Abstract

In this controlled, single-blind parallel group study, the effect of ibuprofen 1200 mg daily was compared with diclofenac 75 mg daily. Thirty patients entered the study, randomized into two groups, each group receiving one tablet three times daily for two weeks. A one-week wash-out period (i.e. a drug-free period during which only physiotherapy was given), preceded and followed the treatment on active drug. Assessments were made by the same clinician throughout who was unaware of the treatment of individual patients. Statistically significant improvement was shown by patients receiving ibuprofen for the degree of pain relief at rest and improvement was also shown for the degree of pain at rest and during exercise, for pain relief during exercise and for spinal flexion. Patients who received diclofenac showed statistically significant improvement for forward flexion, together with improvement for the degree of pain on exercise. Side-effects were very few.