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. 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 include muscle aches, shooting pains, stabbing pains, radiating pain, limited range of motion and the inability to stand up straight. 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.

What is Colloidal Silver

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. Colloidal silver is frequently sold in a supplement form and is designed to alleviate many health conditions. 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. However, there are no indications of how colloidal silver eliminates back pain after it has been applied. The FDA strongly urges you stay clear of colloidal silver products.

Claims

According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, medicines containing silver were used to treat gonorrhea, colds and epilepsy. However, by the mid-20th century, silver had been replaced by a number of safer products.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. There is no scientific backing to support the use of colloidal silver in treating back pain or any other ailment. Colloidal silver has been known to interact with numerous antibiotics, decreasing their effectiveness. The effectiveness of tetracycline, quinolone and penicillamine can be compromised by the use of colloidal silver.

Warnings

In 1999, the FDA issued a ruling indicating that products containing colloidal silver are unsafe and ineffective. Those who are pregnant, nursing, on antibiotics, and children should not take colloidal silver supplements. According MayoClinic.com, colloidal silver can cause a blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, internal organs, nails, and gums. Irreversible kidney damage, neurological problems and skin irritation may also occur.