March 30
A new study suggests that an antibiotic could be a “game-changer” for chronic low back pain. But is this really the breakthrough it seems?
This idea isn’t new. Researchers have been exploring the connection between back pain and bacterial infection for over a decade. Back in 2013, a headline in The Guardian declared: “Antibiotics could cure 40% of chronic back pain patients.” But here we are, more than ten years later, and chronic back pain is still a huge challenge for millions of people.
The reasoning behind antibiotics is simple: if an infection is causing pain, treating it with antibiotics makes sense. And for some people, this may help. But chronic back pain—like all chronic pain—is more complex than just one cause or one solution.
Pain isn’t just about damaged tissue or an infection.
It’s influenced by many inseparable factors—e.g./ beliefs, expectations, past experiences, emotions, environment, context.
Medication, including antibiotics, can help with symptoms, but they don’t teach you how to move better, manage stress, or build a stronger, healthier body. Even if an antibiotic provides some relief, long-term change requires more than just a pill.
Understanding your pain (listen here), then creating a strategy and learning skills to live yourself better are the key to lasting change.
This new study was small, with only 44 people. More research is needed before antibiotics become a real option for chronic back pain. Plus, antibiotics have side effects and can impact gut health, immune function, and antibiotic resistance.
If this treatment turns out to be useful, that’s great.
But whether or not a pill helps, the real key to long-term success is learning how to live in such a way you are meeting your needs (self-care) and working towards meaningful goals in your day to day.
You have the capability to do this, just as those before you who have achieved success and continue to live themselves better — there’s no end to living well. It’s an approach the delivers your best life, regardless of your start point or circumstances.
There are always multiple ways to improve your life.
If you’ve been dealing with chronic back pain, what has helped you the most?
RS ~ The Pain Coach
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