Potentially addictive opioid💊 painkillers are often prescribed for chronic pain, but they actually work only slightly better than placebo pills, a new review shows.
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The analysis, of 96 clinical trials, found that on average, opioids made only a small difference for people with conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and sciatica.
“Opioids should not be a first-line therapy for chronic, non-cancer pain,” said lead researcher Jason Busse, of the Institute for Pain Research and Care at McMaster University, in Canada.
Dr. Michael Ashburn, a pain medicine specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, agreed.
“This is confirmation of the limited role opioids play in treating chronic, non-cancer pain,” Ashburn said.
So what are the alternatives?
Overall, his team found, opioids were no better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
But, he stressed, there are also non-drug options — including physical therapy🧘, exercise, acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Published by Dr. Cora T Huitt
Cora T. Huitt, PT, DPT, BCB-PMD
~Thirty seven years of clinical practice, specializing in women's health for fifteen years.
~BS Degree in Allied Health Professions, Ohio State University, '72.
~Master of Arts in College Teaching (MACT) focus in Physical Therapy & Therapeutic Exercise, University of North Carolina, '76.
~ Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Alabama State University, 2010
~Attended multiple courses offered in Women's Health Physical Therapy, including Pelvic 1, 2, 3 Course in Women's Health Section APTA.
~Member of VPTA and APTA, Women's Health Section.
~BCIA-PMDB Biofeedback- Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback.
~Certified Pilates instructor, ProHealth.
~Affiliate member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
~Member of International Continence Society.
~Member of National Vulvodynia Association.
~Adjunct Clinical Faculty for student affiliation at multiple universities.
~Director of APTA Women's Health Residency since 2007, credentialed in 2008. (only other residency at Duke Unviersity)
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