Antibiotics ‘could relieve back pain’

A simple course of antibiotics could relieve chronic back pain for up to 40% of sufferers, scientists claim.

Researchers in Denmark have demonstrated a link between many cases of long-term back pain and infection by acne bacteria. One leading British expert described the find as “the stuff of Nobel prizes”.

Trial evidence indicates that pills to treat infection rather than surgery can bring an end to constant, lower back pain.