There is evidence of the short-term efficacy of opioids to treat chronic low back pain, however, the effectiveness and safety of long-term opioid therapy for the same condition remains unproven, according to a study published in Spine.
Researchers updated a 2007 Cochrane Review to assess the efficacy of opioids in adults with chronic low back pain. They also analyzed randomized, controlled trials assessing the use of noninjectable opioids for at least four weeks. Comparisons of different opioids were excluded.
The study found that in the short-term, opioids — including strong opioids, such as morphine and hydromorphone — were effective in providing pain relief, but there was no evidence that long-term use of opioids is also safe and effective for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.
More Articles on Spine:
Hospital for Special Surgery Names Dr. Todd Albert Surgeon-in-Chief
Costs for SI Joint Disruption, Sacroiliitis About $270M Over 5 Years
The Robotic Difference: How New Technology Could Impact Spine