Acetaminophen in the Management of Acute and Subacute Low Back and Neck Pain

Nonspecific low back pain affects most people at some time in their lives. Although it is frequently short-lived, it accounts for a disproportionate number of healthcare encounters and is a major cause of lost time from work. Acetaminophen is commonly the first-line analgesic prescribed and is recommended in most clinical practice guidelines. Despite this, there is credible evidence that acetaminophen may not be an optimal first choice and that its role in treating acute and subacute low back pain needs to be reevaluated. Here, Sands-Lincoln and Goldman examine the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen in reducing low back and neck pain.