Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    Opioids are overrated for some common back pain, a study suggests

    New research calls into question prescribing the drugs even for short-term pain relief – especially given the risk of addiction.
    by Will Stone Jun 28, 2023 5 minutes
    Back and neck pain affect millions of Americans. New research suggests that opioids may not make sense for treating certain kinds of acute back pain.

    Back and neck pain afflicts millions of American adults, driving many to seek relief from their family doctor or even the local emergency room.

    When these episodes of pain are acute and nonspecific — meaning there's no clear cause or explanation — it's generally advised to start off with everyday remedies like over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and alternatives like heat therapy, massage or exercise.

    If that's not doing the trick though, doctors may prescribe a short course of opioids, with the goal of relieving pain and improving a patient's function.

    But the results of a rigorous clinical trial published Wednesday cast doubt on using opioids even in this situation.

    In a study of more than 340 patients suffering from low back or neck pain, a team of Australian researchers found there was no difference in pain severity after six weeks between those who

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR4 min read
    Who Will Pay To Replace Baltimore's Key Bridge? The Legal Battle Has Already Begun
    Workers are still removing pieces of the Key Bridge from Baltimore Harbor, but the fight over who will pay to replace it has already begun. Past accidents offer some clues about how it could play out.
    NPR5 min read
    Amazon, Target And Other Retailers Pull Weighted Infant Sleepwear Over Safety Fears
    Federal regulators, medical experts and safe-sleep advocates have warned of the potential danger of weighted infant sleepwear, but manufacturers say their products have helped millions of families.
    NPR2 min readLGBTQIA+ Studies
    United Methodist Church Lifts Bans On LGBTQ Clergy And Same-sex Weddings
    Meeting at their worldwide General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., United Methodist delegates voted overwhelmingly to allow LGBTQ clergy and for Methodist ministers to officiate at same-sex weddings.

    Related