Non-oncologic chronic pain relief with opioids

Opioids for non cancer pain control are controversial. The evaluation of the pain relief, changes in quality of life and complications due to long term infusion of opioids in the lumbar subarachnoid space in 11 patients with non cancer pain were the goals of this study. Patients were previously treated with drugs and surgical procedures, without significant pain relief. Patients were asked to compare pain characteristics and daily life activities before and after this treatment. The long term spinal opioids through implantable pumps for non-oncologic pain produced pain relief but did not improve the quality of life in the majority of the cases.