Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition, widely reported as a major health and socioeconomic problem associated with work absenteeism, disability, and high costs for patients and society. Paracetamol is widely recommended for a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, but a Cochrane Review published in June 2016 called its effectiveness into question.

Related resources and media coverage

Paracetamol for low back pain

"Paracetamol: widely used and largely ineffective", Evidently Cochrane

"What's the point of paracetemol?", The Conversation

"Paracetamol is often ‘NO better than placebo – only easing headaches for 1 in 10 of us’", The Sun

"Should YOU be taking paracetamol? Expert claims the common painkiller is 'often no better than a placebo'", Daily Mail

"What’s the point of paracetamol?", Sydney Morning Herald

"What should I take paracetamol for?", The Guardian Online Life and Style Blog