Although ibuprofen can help with mild to moderate pain and inflammation, there are several things ibuprofen can’t do for you. For instance, while it may alleviate pain caused by an uncomplicated UTI, a 2018 study published in PLOS Medicine found it’s not a suitable alternative to antibiotics for treatment. Similarly, it may not be the best option for back pain. A 2016 study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that NSAIDs are only minimally helpful for spinal pain and that high doses are required to make a difference.
If you experience headaches as a symptom of PMS, ibuprofen might not be the solution for you, as per a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health. According to the 2016 report, the pain isn’t linked to inflammation, so NSAIDs like ibuprofen aren’t helpful. While ibuprofen can provide pain relief, it’s essential to keep in mind that it doesn’t really get to the root of the problem causing the pain. Instead of just relying on ibuprofen to manage the symptoms, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying issues causing the discomfort to find a long-term solution for your pain.