Opioids no more effective than placebo for acute back and neck pain. So what is an effective option?
- mark
- Jul 3, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Recent research findings from The University Of Sydney have found that:
"Opioid pain-relieving medicines are not more effective than a placebo in relieving acute back and neck pain, and may even cause harm."
“Opioids should not be recommended for acute back and neck pain full stop."
Acupuncture.
Numerous clients of mine are well aware of the efficacy of acupuncture in helping with their pain.
For those unaware of this efficacy, these words from the Royal Australian College of GP's:
"Acupuncture can be considered as an evidence-based therapeutic option. Acupuncture has a favourable safety profile and may be a viable alternative if the use of pharmacological analgesics is undesirable".
"It also has the advantage of being a safe treatment when practised by a trained professional"
If you have been or know anyone that experiences back pain, I would encourage you to explore this evidence based, safe and effective option.
Resources:
The Lancet:
Australian Family Physician:
University of Sydney:
RACGP:
