The study published in JAMA today demonstrated that from 1999-2010 in 3 key areas, guidelines for the treatment of back pain are being ignored:

  1. Use of recommended NSAIDs and APAP as first line drugs decreased by ~35% whilst not recommended opioid use increased by ~50%.
  2. Not recommended referral from PCPs to specialists for back pain increased by ~106%.
  3. Not recommended use of imaging increased ~50% for MRI and CT and for x-ray remained the same.

Is this a problem? If so, how should it be addressed?

Read more: http://bit.ly/13touQu

 

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Filed under: back pain posts • pain management

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