Low-back pain is a major cause of pain, disability, and cost to individuals, their families, and society in general. Up to 85% of the general population will experience low-back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases, the pain eases within 4 to 6 weeks and individuals are able to return to their normal activities. However, by some estimates, in up to 30% of the cases, the pain will persist for up to a year or longer. Three studies (908 participants) are included that compared opioids with a placebo (fake medication). On average, those receiving tramadol, an atypical weak opioid, reported more pain relief and less difficulty performing their daily activities in the short term than those who received a placebo. In a 4th study (36 participants), on average, those receiving an opioid, either morphine or a morphine-derivative, reported little or no difference in terms of pain relief in the short term compared with those who received a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (naproxen). In general, there was little or no difference between the 2 groups in their ability to perform daily activities.

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Improve Quality of Life, Healthcare, Clinical Practice, Secondary Prevention, Healthcare Providers, Patients