Duloxetine improves back pain, psychological condition and quality of life in subjects with spinal surgery.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to explore the efficacy of duloxetine on pain severity and quality of life in 50 patients with chronic low back pain who were candidates for posterior spinal fixation.

Participants were divided into either the duloxetine group or placebo group. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Short-form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Hamilton questionnaires were filled before surgery and after six weeks.

Vital differences were noted among groups for the VAS and the verbal analogue scale. Compared to  placebo group, subjects in the duloxetine arm had greater visual and verbal pain scores. Prior to the intervention, both the cohorts displayed a vital difference in quality of life. Considerable differences in Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAR) Scale between groups were witnessed. Following the intervention, only the HAR scale, general health and bodily pain subscales of quality of life displayed a vital difference between the arms.

Only in the duloxetine group, a vital difference was noted between pre and post intervention in the HAR scale. Regarding the quality of life, the subscales of the total score of quality of life, physical pain, and physical and emotional role in both arms were remarkably distinct after therapy. The subscales of general health and physical function were considerably different only in the duloxetine arm after the therapy.

Using duloxetine in individuals who had spinal surgery, can help to mitigate back pain. Further studies with longer sample size and treatment duration are needed.