Best Ibuprofen for Back Pain of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Ibuprofen is a widely used medication for relieving back pain, known for its effectiveness and accessibility. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) helps reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort caused by muscle strains, sprains, or minor injuries. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body responsible for pain and swelling. Available over-the-counter, it provides a convenient option for those seeking temporary relief from back pain. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if the pain persists or worsens.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Timely Ibuprofen 200mg 500 Tablets Cover #TOP 1
Timely Ibuprofen 200mg 500 Tablets
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 500 Count Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 500 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Advil Liqui-Gels Minis 200mg Cover #TOP 3
Advil Liqui-Gels Minis 200mg
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Ibuprofen for Back Pain

Timely Ibuprofen 200mg 500 Tablets

Timely Ibuprofen 200mg 500 Tablets Cover
TIME-Cap Labs 500 Tablets Ibuprofen 200mg Coated - Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer (NSAID) for Adults, Helps with Headache, Back Pain, Muscle Aches, Toothaches, Menstrual Cramps & Minor Arthritis Pain

Timely Ibuprofen 200mg 500 Tablets are full-strength pain relief pills that also reduce fever for adults and children over 12. They offer the same quality as more expensive products and are easy to use. With 500 tablets per bottle, you'll have enough pain relief for months to come.

What We Like
Consistent effectiveness
Affordable price
Large quantity
Comparable to name brands
Easy-to-take coated tablets
#TOP 2

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 500 Count

Amazon Basic Care
B074F297T8
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 500 Count Cover
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg, Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer, Body Aches, Headache, Arthritis Pain Relief and More, 500 Count (Packaging may vary)

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets are a pain reliever and fever reducer that contain 200 mg of ibuprofen, providing strong relief for tough pain such as muscular aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps or minor aches and pains from the common cold. These tablets are effective for adults and children over 12 years old and are comparable to Advil Ibuprofen Tablets. Ibuprofen is the number one doctor recommended back pain OTC active ingredient.

What We Like
Affordable price
Comparable to name brands
Large quantity per bottle
Fast pain relief
Easy to swallow tablets

Advil Liqui-Gels Minis 200mg

F00573176913
200mg
Advil Liqui-Gels Minis 200mg Cover
Advil Liqui-Gels minis Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Pain Medicine for Adults with Ibuprofen 200mg for Pain Relief - 200 Liquid Filled Capsules

Advil Liqui-Gels Minis are designed to provide quick relief from pain and fever. Each capsule contains 200mg of ibuprofen, making it effective for headaches, back pain, and minor arthritis discomfort. Their mini size makes them easy to swallow, perfect for your busy lifestyle, whether you're in college or on the go. These capsules absorb quickly, delivering fast relief that outperforms Tylenol Rapid Release Gels. Ideal for adults and children aged 12 and older, they are a must-have for anyone seeking reliable pain management.

What We Like
Fast pain relief
Easy to swallow gel caps
Good value for money
Effective for headaches and joint pain
Convenient easy-open bottle
#TOP 4

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer - 100 Coated Tablets

305730150408
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer - 100 Coated Tablets Cover
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Pain Relief Medicine with Ibuprofen 200mg for Headache, Backache, Menstrual Pain and Joint Pain Relief - 100 Coated Tablets

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer is a pain relief medicine with Ibuprofen 200mg that targets pain at the sight of inflammation. It provides longer-lasting relief than Tylenol Extra Strength and comes in a new packaging that is eco-friendly. It is easy to swallow and provides relief for up to 6 hours. It is suitable for adults and children 12 years and older for headache, backache, menstrual pain, joint pain, minor arthritis pain, muscle aches, and fever.

What We Like
Fast pain relief
Reliable ibuprofen formula
Good value for money
Convenient Amazon delivery
Long expiration date

Advil Dual Action Back Pain Caplets - 144 Count

F00573014589
Advil Dual Action Back Pain Caplets - 144 Count Cover
Advil Dual Action Back Pain Caplets Delivers 125mg Ibuprofen and 250mg Acetaminophen Per Dose for 8 Hours of Back Pain Relief - 144 Count

Advil Dual Action Back Pain Caplets provide 8 hours of back pain relief with a lower maximum daily dose of each medication. The medication contains 250mg Ibuprofen and 500mg Acetaminophen to fight back pain 2 ways. Acetaminophen blocks pain signals and ibuprofen targets pain caused by inflammation. It also provides relief for headache, toothache, menstrual cramp, muscle pain and lower back pain.

What We Like
Provides 8 hours of back pain relief
Fights back pain 2 ways with Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen
Relieves headache, toothache, menstrual cramp, muscle pain and lower back pain

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Ibuprofen 200mg for Pain Relief - 300 Count

F00573171754
2 Piece Set
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Ibuprofen 200mg for Pain Relief - 300 Count Cover
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Ibuprofen 200mg for Pain Relief - 300 Count, Advil PM Pain Reliever and Nighttime Sleep Aid, Ibuprofen for Pain Relief and Diphenhydramine Citrate - 2 Count

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer is a coated ibuprofen 200mg pain reliever that can provide relief for back pain, headaches, arthritis, and other types of pain. The bottle contains 300 coated tablets, which are easy to swallow and can last for up to 6 hours. The packaging now features 20% less plastic to reduce plastic waste. In addition, the Advil PM Pain Reliever and Nighttime Sleep Aid Caplets can provide restful sleep and relief for headaches, arthritis pain, joint pain, and occasional sleeplessness related to minor aches and pains.

What We Like
Fast pain relief
Effective for multiple aches
Gentle on stomach
Convenient subscription
Affordable pricing
#TOP 7

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer

305730151122
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Cover
Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, Pain Relief Medicine with Ibuprofen 200mg for Headache, Backache, Menstrual Pain and Joint Pain Relief - 10 Coated Tablets

Advil Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer is a pain relief medicine that offers 6 hours of relief from headache, backache, menstrual pain, joint pain, minor arthritis pain, muscle aches, and aches and pains from the common cold. The coated tablets are easy to swallow and contain ibuprofen 200mg. The new packaging features 20% less plastic. The product is suitable for adults and children over 12 years old, and is HSA and FSA eligible.

What We Like
Provides 6 hours of relief from various types of pain
Easy to swallow coated tablets
New packaging features 20% less plastic

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 200 mg

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 200 mg Cover
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, 200 mg, Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer, For Headache, Muscular Aches, Arthritis, Backache and More, 100 Count (Pack of 1)

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen, a pain reliever and fever reducer that can be used to alleviate minor aches and pains caused by headache, muscular aches, arthritis, toothache, backache, the common cold, and menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen is the top doctor-recommended OTC active ingredient for back pain. These gluten-free coated tablets are a proven pain relief without a prescription.

What We Like
Relieves minor aches and pains caused by various conditions
Contains 200 mg of ibuprofen, a proven pain reliever and fever reducer
Doctor-recommended OTC active ingredient for back pain
Coated tablets are gluten-free
#TOP 9

HealthA2Z Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets

TS0417-B700ML-M993
500 Count
HealthA2Z Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets Cover
HealthA2Z® Ibuprofen 200mg | 500 Counts | Pain Relief | Body Aches | Headache | Arthritis | Cramps | Back Pain | Fever Reducer… (500 Count)

HealthA2Z Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets are a pain reliever and fever reducer with fast relief medicine for pain, preventing pain before it starts and alleviating pain after initial prostaglandin production. It can reduce your body's temperature to avoid damage to itself, and contains the same active ingredient as name brands at a fraction of the cost. Adults can take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 6 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by doctors.

What We Like
Fast Relief Medicine for Pain
Fever Reducer
Same Active Ingredient as Name Brands

Advil PM Liqui-Gels

305730167550
Advil PM Liqui-Gels Cover
Advil PM Liqui-Gels Pain Reliever and Nighttime Sleep Aid, Pain Medicine with Ibuprofen for Pain Relief and Diphenhydramine HCL for a Sleep Aid - 80 Liquid Filled Capsules - Back to College

Advil PM Liqui-Gels is a pain reliever and nighttime sleep aid medicine by Advil. It contains Ibuprofen for pain relief and Diphenhydramine HCL for a sleep aid. This product is suitable for adults and children who are 12 years and older. It can relieve occasional sleeplessness related to minor aches and pains such as headache, arthritis pain, and back pain. To use Advil PM, take two of these liquid filled capsules at bedtime. The product is HSA and FSA eligible. Moreover, Advil is committed to reducing plastic waste, and by 2022, the new packaging will feature 20% less plastic, keeping nearly 500,000 pounds of plastic out of landfills.

What We Like
Pain relief
Sleep aid
Reduces plastic waste
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ibuprofen good for back pain?

Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), available over-the-counter, is an excellent medication for the short-term treatment of low back pain. Because of the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with your doctor about using this medication.

2. How much ibuprofen can I take for back pain?

Initial drug treatment for acute low back pain starts with ibuprofen in a dosage of 600 to 800 mg three times per day as needed unless contraindicated. Acetaminophen in a dosage of 650 to 1,000 mg four times per day as needed is a reasonable alternative.

3. Can ibuprofen make back pain worse?

A study that looked at half a million British adults found that those who used anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen to treat a sore back had about a 70 per cent higher risk of developing long-term pain compared with those who had taken alternatives such as paracetamol.

4. How many 200mg ibuprofen can I take for back pain?

The usual dose for adults is one or two 200mg tablets or capsules 3 times a day. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of up to 600mg to take 4 times a day if needed. This should only happen under supervision of a doctor.

Editor's Notes

During our ibuprofen for back pain research, we found 24 ibuprofen for back pain products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 719,196 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ibuprofen for back pain list. We found that most customers choose ibuprofen for back pain with an average price of $17.12.

The ibuprofen for back pain are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ibuprofen for back pain, including TIME-CAP LABS, INC., Advil, HealthA2Z. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,170 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.