At 58, I’m still hitting the tennis court, logging miles on my runs, and lifting weights several times a week. Staying active is non-negotiable for me, but it comes with a price—aches, pains, and the occasional flare-up of spondylosis in my lower back. Like many athletes my age, I’ve learned that ibuprofen helps me keep moving, but I’ve also learned that this little pill isn’t without risks.
Here’s my take on when ibuprofen can be helpful—and when it might do more harm than good. Remember, I am not a doctor; this should not be considered medical advice. (Note: I use "ibuprofen" and "NSAID" interchangeably in this article since ibuprofen is the most common NSAID.)
When Ibuprofen Can Be Helpful
Before Certain Activities
If I know I’m heading into a tough singles tennis match and my back is feeling tight or pinched, I take ibuprofen beforehand to help manage inflammation and discomfort. It’s incredible how much looser my game becomes with its help, especially regarding serving. Retired tennis pro-Brad Gilbert even mentions the benefits of ibuprofen for aging tennis players in his book Winning Ugly.
I don’t make ibuprofen a habit before matches, but I don’t hesitate to take a couple of tablets if I know my body needs it.
For Post-Workout Recovery
After an intense tennis match or a competitive 10+ mile run, ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation and soreness. Long-distance races, like half-marathons or trail runs, take a toll on my aging body, often leaving me achy for the rest of the day. While I sometimes appreciate the post-race soreness as a badge of honor, I’ll take ibuprofen to help me push through if I need to be socially active later.
Following an Injury or Flare-Up
When my back flares up, or I injure a joint or ligament, ibuprofen provides short-term relief. In my experience, its effects also last a few days and aid healing. Some medical experts argue that NSAIDs don’t promote healing, but I trust what works for my body. I always pair ibuprofen with other recovery techniques—icing immediately, resting, using heat therapy, and easing back into workouts gradually.
When I Don’t Use Ibuprofen
While ibuprofen can be a helpful tool, I’m cautious about its risks.
Masking Pain and Risking Further Injury
If ibuprofen dulls discomfort, it can be tempting to push harder than I should, worsening an underlying issue. I never take ibuprofen before a run, whether short or long. Running is a repetitive motion, and any injury will likely get worse from running if I mask it with medication. When I sustain a running-related injury—particularly a muscle strain—I take at least two weeks off and switch to biking, which is easy on my body and provides a smoother recovery.
Stomach Issues and Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Long-term use or overuse of ibuprofen can lead to stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is real—I have a friend who ended up hospitalized for several days due to excessive NSAID use.
Kidney Damage and Running
I’ve considered taking ibuprofen before half-marathons or other long races to ease the aches, but strong research shows NSAIDs can be dangerous for the kidneys, especially during endurance events when the organs are already under stress. Because of this risk, I avoid using ibuprofen as a pre-race elixir.
Delayed Muscle Recovery
Some studies suggest that overusing NSAIDs like ibuprofen can interfere with muscle repair after workouts. After lifting weights, I expect my muscles to be sore—that’s part of the process. I know that this soreness leads to regeneration and ultimately increased muscle mass. However, this discomfort differs from ligament or tendon pain or inflammation in my lower back. I’m careful not to use NSAIDs in a way that might counteract my weightlifting goals.
My Approach: Balance and Caution
I see ibuprofen as a tool rather than a solution. When my back flares up, I suffer a ligament injury, or I’m dealing with post-exertion inflammation, I consider taking a dose. However, I don’t rely on it as my primary strategy for staying active. Instead, I focus on daily stretching, strength training, and exercising caution to support my body as I continue pushing forward.
For any aging athlete, knowing when to use ibuprofen strategically and when to let the body heal naturally. It’s a fine line, but one worth walking if we want to keep playing, running, and lifting for years to come.