I took ibuprofen for 5 days to ease back pain and now have a slight sharp pain in my stomach. could short term ibuprofen use have caused this?

Yes: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can produce irritation in the gut (heartburn).. Try to reduce heartburn pain initially with antacid medications. If it lingers try the antacid again. If, however, it continues or begins to occur again and again, seek a consultation with your internal medicine physician or gastroenterologist