Patch Helps Control Chronic Low Back Pain

A medicated patch offers another treatment option for people with chronic low back pain, according to a new study.

"The majority of patients felt the patch was more effective and liked it better than the oral pain therapies they were taking," says Dr. Richard Simpson, associate professor of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine. "Patients testing the patch reported less pain and significantly less disability."

The patch, which lasts for 72 hours, delivers a continuous dose of fentanyl, a strong opioid therapy, through the skin and into the bloodstream. It is placed on a flat skin surface, such as the chest, back, side or upper arm.

For the study, patients tested the fentanyl patch for one month. Minor side effects typical of all opioid medications were reported, including mild nausea and constipation. However, the study reported these side effects were easily managed.

The results are published in the October issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

- From Baylor College of Medicine

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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