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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinic: Colloidal Silver
- National Center for Complentary and Alternative Medicine: Colloidal Silver Products
- Mayo Clinic: Back Pain
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What is Colloidal Silver Treatment for Back Pain?
According to MayoClinic.com, almost all adults will suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. From a small ache to a disabling illness, back pain can reduce quality of life. The makers of colloidal silver indicate it is a useful tool in eliminating back pain 1. Before beginning alternative medicine treatment, consult your doctor.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can arise from a variety of different ailments according to MayoClinic.com. Back pain can last for a few days, or it can develop into a chronic and debilitating condition. Back pain can occur due to strained muscles and ligaments, improper lifting or a sudden, awkward movement. Back pain can also be associated with bulging or ruptured disks, sciatica, arthritis and skeletal irregularities.
- Back pain can arise from a variety of different ailments according to MayoClinic.com.
- Back pain can occur due to strained muscles and ligaments, improper lifting or a sudden, awkward movement.
What is Colloidal Silver
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According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, colloidal silver is comprised of tiny particles of silver that are suspended in liquid 12. Colloidal silver is frequently sold in a supplement form and is designed to alleviate many health conditions 1. Silver has been used for many medicinal purposes, including burn treatment, prevention of conjunctivitis in newborns, and the treatment of skin conditions. NCCAM indicates that modern medicine eliminated silver from the ingredients of a vast majority of drugs years ago, with the exception of a few topical, prescription medications.
Colloidal Silver and Back Pain
Marketed as a topical cream, the makers of colloidal silver indicate back pain can be alleviated by the use of this product 1. However, there are no indications of how colloidal silver eliminates back pain after it has been applied 1. The FDA strongly urges you stay clear of colloidal silver products 1.
Claims
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According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, medicines containing silver were used to treat gonorrhea, colds and epilepsy 3. However, by the mid-20th century, silver had been replaced by a number of safer products. Despite claims of colloidal supplement makers that it can cure cancer, tuberculosis, shingles, pneumonia, herpes and AIDS, colloidal silver has been studied little, according to Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic 14.cause:
- Despite claims of colloidal supplement makers that it can cure cancer
- tuberculosis
- shingles
- pneumonia
- herpes
- AIDS
- colloidal silver has been studied little
- according to Dr
Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic 14. There is no scientific backing to support the use of colloidal silver in treating back pain or any other ailment 1. Colloidal silver has been known to interact with numerous antibiotics, decreasing their effectiveness 1. The effectiveness of tetracycline, quinolone and penicillamine can be compromised by the use of colloidal silver 1.
Warnings
In 1999, the FDA issued a ruling indicating that products containing colloidal silver are unsafe and ineffective 1. Those who are pregnant, nursing, on antibiotics, and children should not take colloidal silver supplements 1. According MayoClinic.com, colloidal silver can cause:
- a blue-gray discoloration of the skin
- eyes
- internal organs
- nails,
- gums 1
Irreversible kidney damage, neurological problems and skin irritation may also occur.
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References
- Mayo Clinic: Colloidal Silver
- National Center for Complentary and Alternative Medicine: Colloidal Silver Products
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Colloidal Silver
- Mayo Clinic: Back Pain
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Colloidal silver. Updated January 17, 2019.
- Dakal TC, Kumar A, Majumdar RS, Yadav V. Mechanistic basis of antimicrobial actions of silver nanoparticles. Front Microbiol. 2016;7:1831. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01831
- Lansdown AB. A pharmacological and toxicological profile of silver as an antimicrobial agent in medical devices. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2010;2010:910686. doi:10.1155/2010/910686
- Gianino E, Miller C, Gilmore J. Smart wound dressings for diabetic chronic wounds. Bioengineering (Basel). 2018;5(3). doi:10.3390/bioengineering5030051
- Oryan A, Alemzadeh E, Tashkhourian J, Nami ana SF. Topical delivery of chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles speeds up healing in burn wounds: A preclinical study. Carbohydr Polym. 2018;200:82-92. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.07.077
- Lencastre A, Lobo M, João A. Argyria -- case report. An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(3):413-6. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20131864
- NIH National Toxicology Program. Testing status of silver acetate M000073. Updated March 3, 2020.
- Mirsattari SM, Hammond RR, Sharpe MD, Leung FY, Young GB. Myoclonic status epilepticus following repeated oral ingestion of colloidal silver. Neurology. 2004;62(8):1408-10. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000120671.73335.ec
Writer Bio
Michelle Zehr started writing professionally in 2009. She has written on health, fitness, fashion, interior design, home decorating,sports and finance for several websites. Zehr possesses a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts in professional writing from Chatham University and a graduate certificate in health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.