Back pain - diclofenac suppository versus ibuprofen

[LivinginUS]

Hello.
Need hand-hold.
I've lived in the US since my 40's. Now 70's.
History of back problems - discs, arthritis, spasms. Having episode.
Used to take diclofenac suppositories for period pain - very effective. Saw that MNers use it for back pain. Was in UK last week - Private Urgent Care GP wrote prescription for 7.
Now back in US - GP here hesitant - says has never used it, prefers oral ibuprofen + paracetamol.
UK pharmacist was OK with the diclofenac along with the other things I now take, and obvs GP wrote the prescription. But I'm a bit reluctant to go against the GP's advice here - if anything went pear-shaped, I would need him. But the ibuprofen gives me heartburn, it's more difficult to coordinate with mealtimes, and doesn't work as well as the suppository.
Grateful for any thoughts or suggestions.

How about the diclofenac gel? Does that work for you? I have a lot of back and shoulder pain and it’s very helpful. I wouldn’t want ibuprofen constantly either

Thanks, I have some 10% gel.
I've had skin irritation with it in the past but I'll try it again.

Diclofenac suppositories are the best thing I have ever used for back pain and far superior to ibuprofen and paracetamol!!!!
tell the dr the ibuprofen gives you heartburn and that you’d like to continue with the diclofenac suppositories.

i'd be pretty cautious with either aged 70 (the risk of side effects from both increase with age). Using a suppository can still cause gastric side effects and there some cardiac and renal risk with NSAIDs. How good an idea either drug is depends on your medical history/other drugs/risk factors for renal/cardiac problems so no one here can really advise.

@Blueuggboots tell the dr the ibuprofen gives you heartburn and that you’d like to continue with the diclofenac suppositories.

Thanks, I did. His response, "I have never given or received the suppositories and I'm hesitant because you haven't taken them for 25 years."

😫

Totally agree! I even used diclofenac suppositories when I used to get severe period pain before my hysterectomy.

@Greybeardy How good an idea either drug is depends on your medical history/other drugs/risk factors for renal/cardiac problems so no one here can really advise.

Yes, of course you're right. But the GP in the UK was fine with a short course, and the US GP doesn't want me to use them at all. He's right that I haven't used them since I had period pain, but they were so effective for that.