Low Back Pain Linked to Bacterial Infection

[UglyGreed]

New research suggests that some 40% of chronic lower back pain (CLBP) could be caused by bacteria, and that a significant percentage of people with lower back pain following a herniated disc and swelling in the spine could find relief by taking an antibiotic.

Investigators from the Research Department of the Spine Center of Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, led by Hanne B. Albert, PhD, conclude that antibiotics may be considered as a treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain, but with caution.

The authors suggest that long-term antibiotics should not be prescribed "without due consideration." Low back pain is so common in the community that there could be hazards if used indiscriminately, they write.

"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, i.e., CLBP with Modic type 1 changes. We do not support the proposition that all patients with lumbar pain should have a trial course of antibiotics."


http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803858

[libodem]

1. I didn't want to log into the site

I'm very curious about the science. I wonder if bloodwork shows an actual elevated white count or if they just treat empirically? Is the herniated disc infected?

Maybe it somehow reduces the overall inflammation? Hmmmm?

[UglyGreed]

2. Here are some more links

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260274.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/07/health-back-pain-infection-antibiotics-breakthrough_n_3234288.html

And this link questioning this hypotheses

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/caution-urged-on-antibiotic-cure-to-back-pain/article11832658/

[libodem]

3. Thank you

I'll investigate.

[UglyGreed]

4. No problem at all

I don't know if this is legit but I have so many discs that are now damaged I wonder if this is a possibility in my case or others.

[libodem]

5. After working in healthcare all my life

I usually consider antibiotic resistance a real possibility. This seems like a long course of treatment. There is a compliance factor in following through especially if you don't feel 'sick'. You shouldn't stop once you start. Sounds like a real commitment similar TB treatment.

Antibiotics can also kill off your probiotic population. It leaves one at risk of a sterile gut or yeast infections. C diff really sucks.

If a clear diagnosis of infection is made then maybe.

[UglyGreed]

6. Thank you for

your input and realize that antibiotic resistance is a real concern. I myself had a finger infected with MRSA years ago due to a piece of steel wool that was caught under my skin. It was one of the most painful things I've ever endured in my life. I was lucky that it did not travel through my system but still to this day the finger does not feel quite right.

[TexasBushwhacker]

7. Yes, C Diff does suck

I had a root canal the day after Thanksgiving. The dentist put me on a course of clindamycin and I got the C Diff a couple of weeks later.I was so sick it affected my productivity at work and I got fired in February. I'm still getting over it.