Pain produced by musculoskeletal disorders commonly misconceived as having mechanical etiology often is caused by inflammatory mechanisms. Simple analgesics (ie, those that lack anti-inflammatory action) often are used to treat musculoskeletal pain when an anti-inflammatory analgesic may be more effective for the painful condition. This review addresses the anti-inflammatory agents available for the symptomatic management of common inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and low back pain.