A recent trial conducted at the University of Sydney has raised doubts about the effectiveness of opioids in treating acute back and neck pain, suggesting that they are no more effective than a placebo.
credit Stefanie Zingsheim, University of Sydney
The findings, published in The Lancet, stem from the OPAL trial, a triple-blinded and placebo-controlled study involving 346 Australians. Over the course of six weeks, the study found no discernible benefit of opioid treatment for two types of acute pain. Surprisingly, long-term follow-ups revealed that the placebo group experienced only marginally better mental health, quality of life, and pain outcomes.
The study's authors from the University of Sydney are calling for a major reconsideration of opioid prescriptions. Professor Christine Lin firmly states, "Opioids should not be recommended for acute back and neck pain, period" (via EurekAlert!). The study's author further emphasized that opioids should be avoided even when other drug treatments have proven ineffective or impractical for a patient.
Despite opioids being commonly used for pain relief, there is limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating acute or chronic back pain. Professor McLachlan points out, "The potential harmful effects of opioids are well known." Considering the numerous risks associated with opioids, such as addiction, overdose, and even death, shifting global health priorities away from their use is imperative.
It is worth noting that opioids may still be effective for certain types of pain, as previous research has demonstrated their efficacy in other acute and chronic conditions. However, extrapolating this efficacy to multiple body regions has proven unsuccessful.
Professor McLachlan concludes, "The findings from the OPAL trial further reinforce the need to reassess the use of opioid pain-relieving medicines, given the limited evidence of benefit and the significant risk of harm." These trial results hold the potential to substantially impact analgesic care guidelines, signaling a necessary shift away from the use of opioids for acute back and neck pain.
Sources: The Lancet, BMJ, EurekAlert!