New pain block after back surgery could cut opioid use

This study tests whether a continuous nerve block placed by the surgeon during back surgery can reduce pain and the need for opioids afterward. One hundred adults having lumbar spine surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either the nerve block with a numbing medicine or a placebo (salt water) for about two days after surgery. Everyone will also get standard pain medicines. The goal is to see if the nerve block improves recovery and reduces long-term pain.