Back pain and opioid seeking behaviour.
BACKGROUND
Back pain is a common presentation associated with opioid seeking behaviour.


OBJECTIVE
This case study provides general practitioners with a practical approach to seeing patients with chronic pain whom they suspect of opioid dependence and describes a framework for managing chronic pain and dependence within the general practice setting.


CONCLUSIONS
Back pain, with or without opioid dependence, is commonly encountered in general practice. General practitioners frequently find themselves caught between the desire to treat and relieve symptoms, and not wanting to cause or exacerbate dependence. Clear guidelines and access to support are often lacking.
Sim
Moira G
MG
Edith Cowan University, Australia. m.sim@ecu.edu.au
Hulse
Gary
G
Khong
Eric
E
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid