Can effective pain relief help patients regain their daily functioning?

Pain associated with low back pain and osteoarthritis affects not only the severity of symptoms but also the ability to perform everyday activities. The aim of the QLIFE study (Impact of naproxen sodium treatment on the performance of daily activities in patients with low back pain or osteoarthritis in regular clinical practice) was to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in reducing pain and improving daily functioning, as well as to assess the tolerability of treatment in routine clinical practice.

This international, multicentre, non-interventional study included 3,081 patients from six countries who were treated with naproxen sodium 550 mg two time daily and followed for up to four weeks. The study assessed pain intensity, daily functioning, treatment satisfaction and safety in patients with low back pain (LBP) or osteoarthritis (OA).

Treatment with naproxen sodium resulted in statistically significant reductions in pain intensity. Current pain intensity decreased by 63%, average pain intensity during the previous 24 hours by 62%, and worst pain intensity by 60% compared with baseline values. Greater treatment adherence was associated with greater pain reduction, highlighting the importance of compliance for optimal outcomes.

In addition to pain relief, improvements were observed in the ability to perform activities of daily living. After up to four weeks of treatment, 91.6% of patients reported improved overall daily functioning. Improvements were reported across several domains, including mobility (89.8%), daily routine (87.9%), social interaction (78.0%) and general well-being (85.7%). Similar benefits were observed across genders, age groups and baseline pain intensities.

The treatment was generally well tolerated, with only 0.9% of patients experiencing adverse reactions related to naproxen sodium.

The results of the QLIFE study demonstrate that naproxen sodium can provide effective pain relief together with meaningful improvements in daily functioning in patients with low back pain and osteoarthritis treated in routine clinical practice.

Publications

EMA RWD Catalogue: Real world management of pain: Impact of naproxen sodium treatment on the performance of daily activities in patients with low back pain or osteoarthritis in regular clinical practice (QLIFE). In: RWD Catalogues [database on internet]. Strasbourg: EMA; 2025. p. 1-11. Available from: https://catalogues.ema.europa.eu/node/4735/administrative-details