A 29-year-old man with chronic low back pain due to disc disease has been taking regular oral morphine for 6 months with limited benefit. He asks for ...

Question

A 29-year-old man with chronic low back pain due to disc disease has been taking regular oral morphine for 6 months with limited benefit. He asks for increasing doses. There is no red-flag pathology. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Review pain management, consider reducing opioids and refer to a multidisciplinary pain service

Answer

Immediately increase morphine dose

Answer

Stop morphine and advise over-the-counter NSAIDs only

Answer

Prescribe benzodiazepines in addition to morphine

Answer

Arrange urgent spinal surgery

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Chronic non-cancer pain and opioid review

A 29-year-old man with chronic low back pain due to disc disease has been taking regular oral morphine for 6 months with limited benefit. He asks for increasing doses. There is no red-flag pathology. What is the most appropriate management?