Antibiotic Falls Short in Disc-Related Back Pain

A randomized trial found no greater pain reduction vs placebo, but questions remain about patients with type 1 Modic changes.

1

Amoxicillin-clavulanate did not significantly reduce pain compared to placebo in patients with chronic low back pain and disc herniation at 12 months.
2

The trial included 170 patients aged 18 to 60 years, with chronic low back pain lasting over 3 months and confirmed disc herniation.
3

No significant differences were found in disability, work absence, or psychological measures between the amoxicillin-clavulanate and placebo groups.
4

Adverse events occurred in both groups, with 14 patients in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group discontinuing medication due to side effects.
5

The findings suggest caution against routine antibiotic use for chronic low back pain, particularly in patients without type 1 Modic changes.

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