A lot of drugs taken orally can irritate the digestive system, especially when taken in the morning on an empty stomach. This is true for both prescription and over-the-counter drugs – however, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen) are known to be especially powerful irritants. In extreme cases, this might even lead to gastritis or an ulcer. The risk is noticeably higher for those who are older than sixty-five, as well as the fans of combining multiple types of painkillers (which is far from good practice, as well as using them with steroids). Since back pain is one of the most common reasons why people take painkillers, you should consider a proper mattress instead.