NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) are a common treatment to decrease inflammatory conditions of the spine.  In general, the treatment regimen has been six weeks of regular NSAID dosage to achieve concentration levels in the blood that effectively decrease inflammation and pain in the joints.  Unfortunately, NSAIDs have been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular complications as was the case with Vioxx and its subsequent withdrawal from the market in 2004. 

In addition to the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension, NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, perforation of the intestines, kidney failure, and serious skin side effects such as exfoliative dermatitis.  These risks increase with longer use of NSAID medicines and in people who have heart disease.  The chance of a person getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with taking steroids and blood thinners, longer use, smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and having poor health.  In short, NSAID treatment should be given in the lowest dose for the shortest period to avoid complications.  NSAID dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient’s needs.  Potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered by both the patient and the physician.

Commonly prescribed NSAIDs include:

Generic Name	Trade Name
Celecoxib	Celebrex
Diclofenac	Flector, Cataflam, Voltaren, Arthrotec
Diflunisal	Dolobid
Etodolac	Lodine
Fenoprofen	Nalfon
Flurbirofen	Ansaid
Ibuprofen	Motrin, Advil
Indomethacin	Indocin,
Ketoprofen	Oruvail
Ketorolac	Toradol
Mefenamic Acid	Ponstel
Meloxicam	Mobic
Nabumetone	Relafen
Naproxen	Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve, Naprelan, Naprapac, EC-Naproxyn
Oxaprozin	Daypro
Piroxicam	Feldene
Sulindac	Clinoril
Tolmetin	Tolectin