[Too many osteoporosis patients are undertreated with analgesics. Chronic pain promotes bone loss]

Abstract

The leading subjective symptom of osteoporosis is severe or intolerable back pain. Resulting partial or complete immobilization increases the risk of muscular atrophy and bone loss, and thus the risk of fractures. Pain management in osteoporotic patients is either not applied at all, or only inadequately. When pain and immobility are pronounced, primary treatment with opioids and individually adapted co-analgesics is called for. Initial experience with opioid therapy in osteoporosis reveals rapid amelioration and improved mobility. Concern about addiction, development of tolerance and problems on discontinuation are unjustified.