Could bacteria be causing your back pain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT03406624

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Oslo University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOW BACK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Akershus University Hospital

Lørenskog, Lørenskog, 1478, Norway
Haukeland University Hospital

Bergen, Bergen, 5021, Norway
Oslo University Hospital Ullevål

Oslo, Oslo, 4950, Norway
Stavanger Universitetssjukehus

Stavanger, Norway

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