About Back Pain

My husband suffers from periodic back pain and needs to take a painkiller. He has a stomach ulcer and has been told not to take aspirin. What other type of painkiller can he take?

Anyone with a stomach ulcer or with a history of stomach problems should not take aspirin or another painkiller, ibuprofen. Both of these painkillers can irritate the stomach lining and can cause stomach bleeding, especially if they are taken without food. However, it should be safe for your husband to take paracetamol to relieve the pain. It is an effective painkiller and is much gentler to the stomach. Remember, you should not take more tablets than the recommended dose, because too much paracetamol can cause liver damage. So it is important always to follow the dosage instructions to the letter. Our online pharmacist is an expert on medicines and how they work – and can answer any questions or concerns you may have about your medication, or recommend a suitable remedy for his symptoms if the paracetamol fails to work.