Treatment of Low Back Pain With Opioids and Nonpharmacologic Treatment Modalities for Army Veterans

Background In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) there is growing interest in the use of nonpharmacologic treatment (NPT) for low back pain (LBP) as pain intensity and interference do not decrease with opioid use. Objectives To describe overall and facility-level variation in the extent to which specific NPT modalities are used in VHA for LBP, either alone or as adjuncts to opioid medications, and to understand associations between veterans' clinical and demographic characteristics and type of treatment. Research design This retrospective cohort study examined use of opioids and 21 specific NPT modalities used by veterans. Subjects VHA-enrolled Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who utilized care in ("linked" to) 130 VHA facilities within 12 months after their separation from the Army between fiscal years 2008-2011, and who were diagnosed with LBP within 12 months after linkage (n=49,885). Measures Measures included per patient: days' supply of opioids, number of visits for NPT modalities, and pain scores within one year after a LBP diagnosis. Results Thirty-four percent of veterans filled a prescription for opioids, 35% utilized at least 1 NPT modality, and 15% used both within the same year. Most patients with LBP receiving NPT, on average, had moderate pain (36%), followed by low pain (27%), severe pain (15%), and no pain (11%). Eleven percent had no pain scores recorded. Conclusions About 65% of VHA patients with a LBP diagnosis did not receive NPT, and about 43% of NPT users also were prescribed an opioid. Understanding utilization patterns and their relationship with patient characteristics can guide pain management decisions and future study.