Abstract

CARAMES, M.A.; ROBAINA, F.J.  and  CLAVO, B.. Opioids in spinal pain: Risk/benefit ratio and an appropriate strategy for their use. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2010, vol.17, n.3, pp.169-176. ISSN 1134-8046.

In the last few years there has been a notable increase in the use of opioids in our country, overcoming our traditional position at the end of the queue of opioid prescribers in Europe. This growth has also been reflected in the treatment of highly prevalent pain syndromes, such as spinal pain. However, the efficacy of opioids administered chronically for spinal pain is not clear, due to the risks that have to be assumed being obvious: addiction, aberrant behaviour, probable increase in time off sick and the many secondary effects, such as hyperalgesia or persistent constipation with treatment. Taking into account the narrow risk/benefit ratio for this treatment, we assume that these drugs have been prescribed only by physicians who can closely follow up the patients, patients in whom other options are exhausted, including different analgesic techniques and those who will have been amply informed on their correct use and possible side effects.

Keywords : Opioids; Spinal pain; Lumbalgia; Opioid risk; Opioid efficacy; Appropriate opioid use.

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