News

29 June 2023

Opioids no more effective than placebo for acute back and neck pain

Opioid pain-relieving medicines are not more effective than a placebo in relieving acute back and neck pain and may even cause harm, according to a world-first trial led by the University of Sydney.

23 May 2023

In 2050, over 800 million people globally estimated to be living with back pain

Study estimates there will be over 800 million cases of low back pain in 2050, a 36 percent increase from 2020. With an ageing population, researchers say we must 'put the brakes' on low back pain cases before the burden becomes too great for our healthcare system.

01 May 2023

Sciatica surgery pain relief benefits short-lived

A new study has found surgery to reduce leg pain and disability in people with sciatica may not be effective in the long-term.

07 March 2023

Spinal cord stimulation doesn't help with back pain, says new review

People with chronic back pain may turn to spinal cord stimulation to ease their pain, but a University of Sydney led Cochrane Review found no sustained benefits to the surgery that outweigh the costs and risks.

02 February 2023

Antidepressants use for chronic pain on the rise, but are they effective?

A University of Sydney led review has found some antidepressants may be effective in treating certain chronic pain conditions, but others lack convincing evidence on their effectiveness.