Predel HG, et al. - The efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of ibuprofen and caffeine was compared with that of ibuprofen or placebo for the treatment of acute lower back/neck pain. In this randomized trial, randomization of 635 patients was done (256 ibuprofen + caffeine: 253 ibuprofen: 126 placebo). All active treatment arms showed a reduced change in pain on movement indicating a decrease in lower back/neck pain; however, treatment effects were small vs placebo. Findings did not support the superiority of ibuprofen plus caffeine over ibuprofen alone or placebo for the treatment of acute lower back/neck pain in this setting.