New Reports Examine Effectiveness, Risks of Pain Treatments

Three new AHRQ-funded reports examine the effectiveness and risks of different kinds of chronic pain treatments. The reports, prepared by the Oregon Health & Science University Evidence-based Practice Center, can be used by researchers, policymakers, and clinical teams to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of different pain treatments. Each report examines a separate approach: 1) opioids; 2) non-opioid drugs; and 3) non-drug treatments (e.g., exercise, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy). They found there was, for the most part, small benefit of opioids, but accompanied by serious risks at higher doses; small to moderate improvements with use of non-opioid painkillers; and limited benefit of most non-drug options. Access the report on opioid treatments, the report on non-opioid drug treatments, and the report on non-drug treatments.