Understanding the use and impact of early opioid prescriptions for work-related low-back pain

Reasons for the study

Prescription opioid use among workers with musculoskeletal disorders is a significant source of concern for the workers' compensation system. Prior studies suggest opioids prescribed shortly after a claim for low-back pain (LBP) can lead to prolonged work disability. However, these studies likely underestimated prescriptions, did not always distinguish exposure from outcome windows, and did not account for potential confounding factors, such as pre-injury health care and prescriptions, use of other therapies, and comorbidities. They also compared opioid users to non-users, the latter of which may include claimants who may differ in injury severity. The objective of this study was to address some of these limitations and provide further clarity on this important issue.

Objectives of the study