NSAIDs for Pain: What Works, What Risks, and Which Ones to Choose

When you reach for a pill to quiet a headache, sore back, or swollen knee, you’re likely reaching for an NSAIDs for pain, a class of drugs that reduce inflammation and block pain signals by targeting enzymes in the body. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they’re among the most used medications worldwide—but not all are created equal. Whether it’s a cheap bottle of ibuprofen from the drugstore or a prescription like celecoxib, each one acts differently in your body, carries different risks, and works better for some people than others.

Take ibuprofen, a short-acting NSAID often used for fever, menstrual cramps, and minor injuries. It kicks in fast but doesn’t last long, and if you take it daily for months, it can irritate your stomach or raise blood pressure. Then there’s naproxen, a longer-lasting option that’s better for chronic pain like arthritis. It’s harder on your kidneys over time and increases heart risk if used too long. And then there’s celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor designed to reduce stomach issues. It’s gentler on the gut but still carries cardiovascular risks—especially if you already have heart problems. These aren’t just names on a bottle; they’re tools with trade-offs.

What you don’t see on the label? How your genetics affect how you process these drugs. How mixing them with alcohol or blood thinners can turn a simple painkiller into a danger. Why some people get relief with one NSAID and zero results with another. And why doctors often recommend rotating them instead of sticking to one for years. The posts below dig into real comparisons—Arcoxia vs. ibuprofen, how naproxen stacks up against diclofenac, and why some people should avoid NSAIDs altogether. You’ll find straight talk on side effects, timing, and what actually works for different types of pain, backed by how people use them in real life—not just drug company brochures.