[Recommendations for symptomatic therapy of rheumatic pain with opioid analgetics]. / Empfehlungen zur symptomatischen Therapie mit Opioidanalgetika bei rheumatischen Schmerzen.

The treatment of musculoskeletal pain is often difficult. For this reason opioids are increasingly being used for chronic musculoskeletal complaints despite poor or lacking evidence for their pain relieving and function improving effects. However, side effects are common and can be severe. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia can lead to higher doses and stronger pain and increase the risk of side effects. Long-term treatment of rheumatic pain with opioids should be carried out with caution.