Towards the safer use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Musculoskeletal conditions afflict most of us at some time in our lives, and we all have relatives and friends who suffer the pain and disability sometimes associated with conditions such as back or neck pain, fibrositis and osteoarthritis. The goal of those of us who try to help individuals with these conditions is to achieve effective, but also safe, management of their musculoskeletal disorders, the commonest symptom of which is pain. This goal can be achieved by better diagnosis and problem formulation (allowing better selection of treatment options); informed selection of non-drug and drug therapeutic options, based on relative cost-benefit considerations; and the judicious, appropriate and safe use of drugs, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Setting realistic goals and maintaining regular surveillance of patients are also important considerations. Finally, the active involvement of the patient in their own management is associated with better and safer outcomes.