Chronic lower back pain may stem from a very unique and previously less known cause. If you suffer from this particular condition, your pain may be caused by a bacterial infection.
Medscape reported that approximately 40 percent of all chronic lower back pain could be linked to bacteria and that many people with a herniated disc or swelling may benefit from antibiotics.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark determined that antibiotics can be used to treat lower back pain, as long as both the patient and doctor are cautious. Long-term antibiotics should only be prescribed with due diligence and if sincerely necessary to treat the pain.
“However, as many patients, as in this trial, are on sick leave at risk of losing their jobs and have a high analgesic intake, we suggest that antibiotics, when applied along the lines of this MAST [Modic antibiotic spine therapy] protocol may be appropriate in this subgroup,” the researchers wrote. “We do not support the proposition that all patients with lumbar pain should have a trial course of antibiotics.”
The magazine ACA News reported that this new study hailing from Denmark may revolutionize the whole concept of what causes lower back pain. In the past, chiropractors would very rarely, maybe once every few years, determine that low back pain was associated with a bacterial infection. The new research, however, shows that bacteria was present in at least 37 percent of disc herniation cases.
Regardless of cause, how should chronic lower back pain be treated? In one article, Dr. Oz recommends patients visit chiropractors who can manipulate the spine and realign it properly. In addition, physical therapy and stress relief can also help alleviate your lower back problems.
Whether your pain is caused by a bacterial infection or another agent, following these tips will lead you closer to resolving your spine issues.