Could robotic apparel replace opioids for back pain?
By Rich Barlow
A soft exosuit developed by researchers at Sargent helps mobility and movement for people suffering from lower back pain, aiding them in activities such as heavy lifting. Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University
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.
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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.”