Researchers analyzed whether spinal cord stimulatory therapy impacted opioid use among chronic pain patients, according to pharmiweb.com.
The study, sponsored by Chicago-based Abbott, included data from more than 5,400 patients receiving SCS therapy.
Here are four insights:
1. Researchers discovered 70 percent of patients receiving SCS therapy saw reduced or stabilized average daily opioid use, compared to opioid use before SCS implantation.
2. The study revealed patients who received a successful SCS implant experienced lower opioid use at a one-year follow-up.
3. The researchers also found SCS therapy proves effective for patients at any level of opioid usage.
4. The researchers concluded their results support the use of SCS therapy earlier in the chronic pain care continuum.