Date Time
Could a Robotic “Backpack” Replace Opioids to Relieve Lower Back Pain?
Sixteen million Americans-8 percent of the adult population-suffer persistent back pain. Many more visit their doctor for the occasional twinge. According to a 2018 study in JAMA, low back pain is one of the most common reasons given for prescribing opioids. That’s fueling the opioid crisis-and there’s little evidence the powerful painkillers even help.
“Chronic low back pain is often debilitating,” says Lou Awad, a Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences assistant professor of physical therapy. “Many turn to opioids to help manage the pain, but mistake short-term relief for a long-term cure. Unfortunately, long-term opioid therapies can cause serious problems. Perhaps more importantly, the underlying cause of the pain is never addressed.”