Can a simple painkiller help curb opioid use after back surgery?
NCT ID NCT03020875
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving acetaminophen (Tylenol) through an IV works better than pills for pain after lumbar spine surgery. 166 adults having a specific type of back fusion surgery were randomly assigned to receive either IV or oral acetaminophen. The goal was to see if the IV version could reduce pain and cut down on the need for stronger opioid painkillers, which carry risks of addiction and side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
acetaminophen (paracetamol)
What this could lead to
If IV acetaminophen proves better, it could offer a way to manage pain after spine surgery with fewer opioids and less nausea.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-center trial comparing two forms of a common drug, so any benefit may be modest and not apply to all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, 10021, United States