Which is better, sulindac or ibuprofen ? I hurt my lower back , might just be a bad pull or strain?

Sulindac is a much stronger NSAID than is ibuprofen, and thus one would expect to get better pain control from the former. However, strong NSAIDS--in this case sulindac--tend to have lower safety profiles, IE, more side-effects; adverse reactions and as a result, more contraindications. GI bleeding/ulcers and cardiovascular problems such as myocardial infarction [MI] (aka, heart attack) and stroke are the more serious, and possibly life threatening complications associated with sulindac and related drugs. This makes its usage controversial and the decision on whether or not to choose it as a therapy quite subjective. We doctors will often use the "risk vs benefit ratio" to make decisions on the best drug for a given patient. Basically it compares the level of risk for adverse events with how great the benefit(s) are of taking a drug; having a procedure/surgery or any other medical intervention.

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