This is from wikopedia, which isn't always 100% accurate but I like the simplicity of the information:

"Meloxicam is an NSAID and belongs to the class of drugs called enolic acid group, structurally related to piroxicam. Meloxicam significantly decreased symptoms of pain, function, and stiffness in patients, with a low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects. In models, it exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Its mechanism of action may be related to prostaglandin synthetase (cyclooxygenase) (COX) inhibition.

Meloxicam has been shown, especially at its low therapeutic dose, to selectively inhibit COX-2 over COX-1.

A primary advantage of the Oxicam family of drugs is their long half-life which permits once-day dosing.

Adverse effects
Meloxicam use can result in gastrointestinal toxicity and bleeding, tinnitus, headache, rash, very dark or black stool (sign of intestinal bleeding). The risk of adverse side effects is lower than with piroxicam, diclofenac, or naproxen. Although meloxicam does inhibit thromboxane A, it does not appear to do so at levels that would interfere with platelet function.

In rare situations, it could cause serious liver disease. If there is a sensation of fatigue and/or liver pain, intake must be ceased."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meloxicam

When my spinal lesions are acting up, all I use is Naproxen (which is a similar drug). I personally do feel it helps with the inflammation that occurs with this disease, and it also helps take the "edge" off the pain if used regularly. I take 1500 mg the first day, and then 1000 mg a day (usually for a few weeks), when necessary.

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Cherie