Tramadol Fails to Deliver Significant Relief for Chronic Pain, Major Study Reveals
A widely prescribed pain medication, tramadol, offers little to no benefit over placebo for most chronic pain conditions, according to a new study published in Teh BMJ. The research, involving over 18,000 patients, challenges the routine use of the opioid for long-term pain management and raises concerns about potential risks associated with its continued prescription.
Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States-roughly 50 million people-live with chronic pain, a condition that can severely limit daily activities. While tramadol is frequently enough presented as a safer choice to stronger opioids, the study’s findings suggest it provides minimal advancement in pain and functional limitations, prompting experts to call for a reevaluation of its role in pain treatment protocols.
“The real tragedy is that millions of patients have been prescribed tramadol when what they needed was someone to investigate the actual cause of thier pain,” said Dr. Gary Schwartz,a pain specialist not involved in the study. “We’ve traded real solutions for prescription pads, and patients are suffering for it.”
The study analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials and found that tramadol was only modestly more effective then placebo for neuropathic pain, and showed no statistically significant benefit for osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or lower back pain. Researchers also noted potential side effects associated with tramadol use, including nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent and author of “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart guide to a Pain-Free Life,” emphasizes that alternatives to medication exist. “Options can include meditation and yoga, massage and acupuncture. Even emphasizing eating anti-inflammatory foods like whole grains and leafy greens can help mitigate how our bodies react,” he said.
Nonopioid therapies for pain management, such as ice or heat, elevation, rest, quality sleep, physical therapy, and exercise, as well as medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen, are also viable options.
Experts recommend that anyone prescribed tramadol discuss with their provider the reasons for its use, potential alternatives, and whether the underlying cause of their chronic pain has been thoroughly investigated. Dr. Schwartz states, “I do not prescribe tramadol for chronic pain. Period.The risks are clear from this study.”
