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New Low Back Pain Guidelines Recommend Drug-Free Treatments First

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recently issued new clinical guidelines recommending that physicians avoid prescribing pain management drugs when treating acute or subacute low back pain (Ann Intern Med. 2017; DOI: 10.7326/M16-2367). The ACP’s updated clinical practice guidelines were developed based on an extensive review of the highest quality evidence available, including randomized control trials and data from observational studies. According to the updated clinical guidelines, if nonpharmaceutical approaches to treatment fail, what is the recommended first-line of treatment? 

A. Opioids

B. Ultram (tramadol; Janssen)

C. NSAIDs or Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

D. Cynbalta (duloxetine; Eli Lilly)

According to the guidelines, if nonpharmaceutical approaches to treatment fail, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or skeletal muscle relaxants are recommended. For a look at the updated guidelines, read more. 

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