ACP, AAFP release new guideline for treatment of non-low back pain

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released new clinical guidelines recommending topical NSAIDs as first-line therapy for acute pain from non-low back musculoskeletal injuries.

The evidence-based, joint guideline was published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

“As a physician, these types of injuries and associated pain are common, and we need to address them with the best treatments available for the patient. The evidence shows that there are quality treatments available for pain caused by acute musculoskeletal injuries that do not include the use of opioids,” said Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, president, ACP, in a press release. “There are a number of recommended interventions that are not opioids to choose from, and topical NSAIDs should be the first line of treatment.”

Read the full recommendations here.