"Management of Low Back Pain in the Emergency Department With Different Analgesic Dosages"

The worldwide prevalence of low back pain makes it one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, and it ranks among the primary complaints in emergency departments. Literature review reveals studies comparing ibuprofen to various agents (such as paracetamol, nimesulide, acetaminophen), and these studies suggest the use of ibuprofen due to its similar or superior efficacy and its safety profile. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled double-blind comparisons between the commonly recommended single doses of ibuprofen, which are 400 mg and 800 mg. Therefore, the objective of our planned study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen in the forms of 400 mg and 800 mg, which can be administered as a single dose, in the treatment of acute mechanical low back pain, as recommended in all guidelines.

The expected benefit of the research is to determine whether the analgesic effectiveness of ibuprofen 400 mg is equivalent to that of 800 mg, thereby potentially reducing the unnecessary use of higher doses of NSAIDs. Alternatively, if the 800 mg parenteral form proves to be more effective, it may suggest recommending the standard single-dose use of 800 mg for analgesia in acute mechanical low back pain.

The research is designed as a prospective, randomized-double-blind, single-center study.

The study is divided into two arms, labeled as Arm 1 and Arm 2. Randomization will be conducted by the principal investigator. For patients who agree to participate in the study, pre-assigned medications will be administered using a computer program. The relevant medications will be numbered and placed in envelopes within this computer program, which will then be labeled as Treatment 1 and Treatment 2. The randomly selected medication (Treatment 1 or Treatment 2) will be administered by a nurse, and the administering nurse will subsequently be separated from the patient's treatment and follow-up.

Upon the arrival of a patient who meets the inclusion criteria, the informed consent form will be obtained. The patient will be assigned to the research arm according to the randomization scheme. Research arms are divided into Arm 1 and Arm 2. In both arms, ibuprofen solutions of 400 mg/4 ml and 800 mg/8 ml will be prepared and administered as rapid infusions over 10 minutes in 150 ml of saline solution (0.09% NaCl).

After the patient arrives, the attending physician will inform the nurse that a patient is being enrolled in the study. The nurse will prepare the injector as specified in the order. The patient will be asked to mark their pain level on a 10-point NRS before injection. They will be asked to mark their pain level again at 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. If there is no relief in pain level by the 30th minute or if the pain level does not decrease to the desired level (NRS>3) at 60 or 120 minutes, rescue medication will be administered.

The rescue medication protocol will involve tramadol citrate 100 mg. It will be administered as an intravenous infusion in 500 cc of normal saline over 20-30 minutes to minimize possible side effects and ensure controlled delivery.

If the patient wishes to withdraw from the study during this follow-up period or if any complications arise, they will be withdrawn from the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18 and above but under 65 years old.
• Patients willing to participate in the study.
• Patients with acute pain lasting less than two weeks.
• Non-traumatic pain.
• Patients without radicular back pain.
• Patients scoring more than 5 points on the 24-item validated Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).
• Patients marking more than 4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS).
• Patients deemed appropriate for the study by an emergency medicine specialist based on history and physical examination.
• Patients in whom other differential diagnoses are not primarily considered.

Exclusion criteria

• - Patients aged below 18 and above 65.
• Patients who decline to participate in the study.
• Patients with vital signs outside normal limits.
• Patients with a history of adverse reactions to ibuprofen.
• Patients unable to determine their pain intensity on the NRS.
• Pregnant individuals.
• Individuals with a history of heart disease and hypertension.
• Individuals with advanced systemic diseases.
• Patients with malignancies.
• Patients with chronic liver disease.
• Individuals using neuro-psychiatric drugs with sedative and analgesic effects.
• Individuals with a history of psychological and neurological diseases.
• Patients who used analgesics within 6 hours before examination.
• Patients with pain lasting more than two weeks.
• Traumatic cases.