A Study from the Back Research Centre in Denmark suggests that some cases of back pain may be linked to bacterial infection.

Back pain specialists and General Practitioners often face the dilemma of the patient with low back pain who, after assessment and tests shows no mechanical or pathological reason for the pain.

A study which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine aimed to test the effect of antibiotics in the treatment of low back pain in patients with previous disc herniation.

At the end of treatment and after a long term follow up period, the researchers found clinically important and significant improvements in all outcome measures, suggesting that bacterial infection may indeed be playing a role in low back pain.

The study reveals needs for further randomised controlled trials and the requirement of the health professional to consider bacterial infection an option where no other mechanical or clinical factors exist.

More information

British Journal of Sports Medicine - original research article; Antibiotic treatment in patients with low-back pain associated with Modic changes Type 1 (bone oedema): a pilot study