Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor

Anticonvulsants in the treatment of low back pain ineffective, with potentially serious side effects: report

By Carly Weeks The Globe & Mail   

Features Research canadian medical journal chiropractic low back pain opioids pain management pain research


Doctors are increasingly prescribing a class of drugs for low back pain as they look for alternatives to addictive opioids, despite evidence the drugs are largely ineffective and carry substantial risks, according to new research.

The study, published Tuesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, reviewed existing evidence and found there is no solid proof to show gabapentinoids such as pregabalin or gabapentin effectively treat low back pain. In addition, the drugs can cause potentially serious side effects, such as drowsiness and sedation, which can lead to car crashes, falls among the elderly, respiratory depression and death. | READ MORE

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