What works better for back pain? ibuprofen or aleve?!

What works better for back pain? ibuprofen or aleve?

I was reading the labels and ibuprofen is well ibuprofen but aleve is actually naproxen. My back has had consistent minor pain (not exactly a pain but feels tight kind of like if i was clenching my back muscles while shivering hard if that makes sense to anybody) for the past couple months.

My first back injury was a couple months ago on a shoulder press and i had lifted too much weight and torqued my body the wrong way while doing it. It didnt hurt immediately but after going home and then waking up the next day i noticed and i cant seem to shake it. Its right by my shoulderblade it seems.

Then last week i was serving tables and i guess i had lifted too many heavy trays but now i have a slightly lower back pain on my far left side that just feels really tight.

I havent seen a doc or anything because i dont really have the time and i cant exactly rest from lifting things because i do stonemasonry and serving until the end of summer. i try not to use my bak but its hard. thx.

Ibuprofen works better because it also is an anti-inflammatory. It sounds like you are having muscle spasms, and probably had a muscle strain/sprain in your low back. Heating pads, rice socks, hot tubs, hot springs all ease muscle tension. Massage is great for providing circulation to the area. Have you seen those little wooden massgers, they look like TinkerToys? They work really well, obviously you need someone to do this for you. Sounds like you have a job that is quite physical and demanding on your body. Try soaking in the tub after work, and really relaxing the muscles. Muscle strain/sprains can take a few months to heal up, constant irritation will make it take longer. Valerian works well as a muscle relaxer, and helps with sleep. Follow the directions on the bottle.