Comparison of Ibuprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, or Both for Acute Cervical Strain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Pain [ Time Frame: Daily for 1 week ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Use of Rescue Medications [ Time Frame: 24 hours ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  the number of patients taking additional rescue medications beyond the study meds

• Time to Resumption of Work [ Time Frame: 1 week ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Resumption of Work or School [ Time Frame: next day ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  number of patients resuming regular activity the day following enrollment.

The purpose of this study is to see whether the combination of a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory drug is more effective at relieving pain in patients with neck strains or whiplash than either of the two medications alone.

Muscle relaxants have been used extensively for neck and back pain since muscle spasm is thought to play a role in the cycle of pain and spasm. However, prior studies have conflicting results regarding their additive effect when given in addition to analgesics such as the NSAIDs. Because they have the potential to lead to adverse events their efficacy should be clearly demonstrated before their routine use.

• Drug: Cyclobenzaprine
  5 mg orally every 8 hours as needed
  Other Name: flexeril
• Drug: Ibuprofen
  Ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours as needed
  Other Name: motrin, advil
• Drug: Ibuprofen plus Cyclobenzaprine
  Ibuprofen 400 mg plus cyclobenzaprine 5 mg every 8 hours as needed
  Other Name: motrin or advil with flexeril

• Active Comparator: Cyclobenzaprine
  Intervention: Drug: Cyclobenzaprine
• Active Comparator: Ibuprofen
  Intervention: Drug: Ibuprofen
• Experimental: Ibuprophen plus Cyclobenzaprine
  Intervention: Drug: Ibuprofen plus Cyclobenzaprine

Inclusion Criteria:

• neck pain within 24 hours of injury

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children, allergy or contraindication to any of the study drugs