Posted 5/9/2013 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
A fascinating new study from researchers in Denmark and England shows a possible link between back pain and bacteria. The researchers believe that in some cases a common bacteria is infecting ruptured discs, causing inflammation and pain, and up to 40% of back pain patients may be helped with a long term course of antibiotics.
It is a small study, but as a back pain patient with multiple herniated discs and surgeries, I am all ears. If antibiotics could relieve my current back pain (as opposed to another surgery), and I had a demonstrated infection, I would definitely give it a try. More research is needed, though, from what I understand to make this a standard, proven course of treatment.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260274.php
Yay to researchers! The unsung heroes of medicine.
Edited to add: I posted this here because I know many of us suffer from back pain in addition to/along with our fibro. I also wonder how much of our back pain is attributed to fibro when it actually may have a different, treatable cause.