Take Home Messages: Opiates such as slow release morphine, OxyContin or Endone, are being used more commonly to treat pain. Early use of high doses of opiates in patients with low back pain is associated with poor long-term outcomes. They are more likely to have prolonged disability, increased need for surgery, and continued opioid use. Opioid side effects may deter a person from returning to work. Guidelines have been implemented to ...