Opioids no more effective than placebo for acute back, neck pain

Opioid pain-relieving medicines are not more effective than a placebo ("dummy" pill) for relieving acute back and neck pain and may even cause harm, according to a world-first trial led by the University of Sydney, Australia. The researchers say this is proof that treatment guidelines should be updated to advise against the use of opioids for this purpose. Active-aging organizations might consider educating residents and staff about the findings to help limit opioid overuse and risk of misuse -- i.e., they can ask doctors about alternatives.