A recent Lancet medical journal study reveals that opioids, commonly prescribed for low back and neck pain, provide no significant relief and may worsen pain. The study, involving 347 participants, found opioids did not outperform placebos in pain relief or improve physical function, quality of life, or recovery time. Opioid use resulted in more side effects and a higher risk of misuse. The findings emphasize the urgent need to reconsider opioid prescriptions globally for acute low back and neck pain, aligning with evolving international guidelines favoring non-drug treatments. Successful interventions reducing opioid prescriptions are viable, requiring collaboration between clinicians and researchers for implementation.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/experts-warn-why-we-need-to-stop-treating-back-pain-with-opioids