Efficacy of Zoledronic Acid for Chronic Low Back Pain
Efficacy of Zoledronic Acid for Chronic Low Back Pain
To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate bisphosphonates in chronic, non-specific LBP. The improvement in the intensity of LBP was greater with a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg ZA compared to placebo at one month. We believe that ZA is an interesting therapeutic alternative for this common condition, which is difficult to treat effectively with conservative treatment approaches. We acknowledge that ZA should only be reserved for patients with severe disabling LBP, with confirmed MC in MRI, and when symptoms are not adequately controlled with pain medication and physiotherapy. Although the results are encouraging, larger studies are required to prove the efficacy of ZA in patients with LBP due to MC.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate bisphosphonates in chronic, non-specific LBP. The improvement in the intensity of LBP was greater with a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg ZA compared to placebo at one month. We believe that ZA is an interesting therapeutic alternative for this common condition, which is difficult to treat effectively with conservative treatment approaches. We acknowledge that ZA should only be reserved for patients with severe disabling LBP, with confirmed MC in MRI, and when symptoms are not adequately controlled with pain medication and physiotherapy. Although the results are encouraging, larger studies are required to prove the efficacy of ZA in patients with LBP due to MC.
