Could bacteria be causing your back pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03406624
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed study from Oslo University Hospital looked for bacteria in the discs and bones of 200 people with chronic low back pain who were having spine surgery. Researchers took tissue samples during surgery and used lab tests and genetic sequencing to detect any bacteria. The goal was to better understand if bacteria are linked to certain spine changes seen on MRI, which could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat back pain in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help identify whether bacteria play a role in chronic low back pain, potentially pointing toward new diagnostic or treatment approaches.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study focused on understanding, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead to direct patient benefits, and findings could be due to contamination rather than true infection.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Akershus University Hospital
Lørenskog, Lørenskog, 1478, Norway
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Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, Bergen, 5021, Norway
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Oslo University Hospital Ullevål
Oslo, Oslo, 4950, Norway
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Stavanger Universitetssjukehus
Stavanger, Norway