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In an editorial published in the BMJ on 31 March, SPCR members Professors Christian Mallen and Elaine Hay from Keele University comment on recent findings questioning the efficacy and safety of paracetamol in the treatment of spinal pain and osteoarthritis, findings that may prompt changes to clinical guidelines.

 

Christian and Elaine argue that this new evidence reopens the debate on the role of paracetamol as our first choice analgesic, and question our reliance on medication to manage these common musculoskeletal problems. They suggest alternative, safe and effective treatments be adopted, asserting that the challenge for healthcare practitioners and patients is how to ensure the longevity of exercise based self-management approaches. 

The challenge for patients, providers of healthcare, and policy makers is how to ensure access to, uptake of, and adherence to these self management approaches."
- Christian Mallen and Elaine Hay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Efficacy and safety of paracetamol for spinal pain and osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials. Gustavo C MachadoChris G MaherPaulo H FerreiraMarina B PinheiroChung-Wei Christine LinRichard O DayAndrew J McLachlanManuela L Ferreira.

Read the editorial Managing back pain and osteoarthritis without paracetamol. Christian Mallen, Elaine Hay.

BMJ Press release

BBC news