RCT | Opioids not more effective than placebo for acute low back and neck pain

Opioid analgesia for acute low back pain and neck pain (the OPAL trial): a randomised placebo-controlled trial – The Lancet (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

News Releases:

Opioids no more effective than placebo for acute back and neck pain – University of Sidney

Opioid pain relievers do not reduce acute lower back and neck pain, study suggests – The Lancet

Commentary from the authors: Opioids don’t relieve acute low back or neck pain – and can result in worse pain, new study finds – The Conversation