“Narcotic drugs (opioids) can help in short-term relief of chronic back pain, but they are ineffective in long-term”, say researchers.

Those suffering with chronic back pain request pain medication for instant pain relief. Many patients go for opioid medications though clinicians raise concerns about developing an addiction to these medications. A recent research study suggests that health specialists should come up with other treatments that can offer similar benefits and fewer long-term adverse effects.

A research study was conducted in Yale School of Medicine to study the prevalence and effectiveness of opioid prescriptions for chronic back pain patients. This research also studied the incidence of substance abuse disorders among back pain sufferers who receive opioid medications.

This research was done on non-obstetric patients over age 18 with non-malignant chronic back pain lasting for at least three months. The patients don’t have opioid dependence. The research studied the efficacy of oral, transdermal or topical opioids.

According to this report, opioids can work effectively for the short-term treatment (i.e. less than four months) of chronic low back pain. But long-term effectiveness is not assured.

However more studies need to be conducted before arriving at firm conclusions.

Also read: Can Water Cure Back Pain?, Can Surgery Cure Back Pain?, and Change Your Routine to Avoid Back Pain.