Study finds opioids ineffective in treating neck and lower back pain.

According to recent research, prescribing opioids for the treatment of acute neck and lower back pain may not be advisable. A study conducted in Australia, which was published in The Lancet on Wednesday, revealed that patients who were administered opioid tablets experienced similar levels of pain after six weeks compared to those who received a placebo.

The study focused on neck and lower back pain due to its high prevalence, as opioids are commonly prescribed to alleviate these conditions. Professor Christine Lin, a senior author and a professor at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney, highlighted the significance of examining this particular pain type in the research.

The study focused on neck and lower back pain due to its high prevalence, as opioids are commonly prescribed to alleviate these conditions. Professor Christine Lin, a senior author and a professor at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney, highlighted the significance of examining this particular pain type in the research. The trial experienced the withdrawal of one participant due to illness.

To ensure the integrity of the study, the participants were kept unaware of whether they were receiving opioid medication or a placebo, maintaining a double-blind approach. The trial doctors were given explicit instructions to provide all patients with “guideline-recommended care.” This included offering reassurance to the patients that their pain would improve over time and encouraging them to maintain an active lifestyle while avoiding prolonged bed rest.

In addition to the randomized groups, some participants from both cohorts also received non-opioid medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include common examples like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium.

Following the six-week period, the researchers collected data on pain severity from the participants, who were asked to rate their pain on a scale of one to ten, with ten indicating the highest level of pain. The average pain score for individuals who received opioids was 2.78, whereas those in the placebo group reported an average score of 2.25.

Dr. Hance Clarke, the medical director of the pain research unit at University Health Network in Toronto, who was not involved in the study, regarded the Australian research as significant. He noted that the study was “good” and suggested that most participants likely experienced muscular pain, as individuals with severe spinal issues were excluded from the study.

Dr. Hance Clarke, stated that the study findings align with the current approach to treating muscular pain in the neck and lower back in Canada. He emphasized that conducting randomized controlled trials, like this one, that investigate the response of opioids in specific patient populations, is a direct response to the opioid crisis. The aim is to enhance prescribing practices and ensure patient safety.

Dr. Clarke expressed that there is minimal justification for utilizing opioids in the treatment of acute muscle pain. He anticipates that there will be limited debate surrounding this issue. Both Dr. Clarke and Professor Christine Lin acknowledged that the majority of acute muscle injuries tend to naturally improve over time.

Dr. Hance Clarke emphasized that opioids continue to play a crucial role in providing short-term relief for severe pain in specific situations, such as immediately after surgery or in cases involving broken bones.

He stressed that the nature of acute muscle injuries differs significantly from conditions like a fractured femur, highlighting the need to consider the appropriate use of opioids based on the specific pain scenario.

Professor Christine Lin highlighted the importance of limiting the duration of opioid use in such cases to mitigate potential long-term consequences. She explained that beyond the risk of addiction, individuals develop tolerance to opioids over time, requiring progressively higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief.

Furthermore, Lin mentioned that individuals taking opioids often experience side effects such as constipation and nausea, underscoring the additional challenges associated with opioid usage.