Trending Now - Hormone Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Chronic Back Pain

WHO:

Dr. Janet L. Crane, researcher at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, organization conducting the study

WHAT:

A study suggests that parathyroid hormone (PTH) may prevent and reverse the growth of pain-sensing nerves into damaged areas of the spine.

The study found that one to two months of PTH treatment led to denser, more stable vertebral endplates.

The treatment triggered bone-building cells, known as osteoblasts, to produce a protein called Slit3.

The study indicates that PTH treatment may reduce aberrant innervation (abnormal nerve growth) in lower back pain.

WHERE:

The study was conducted at Johns Hopkins University.

WHEN:

The study was published in the journal Bone Research.

WHY:

Chronic back pain is often linked to the deterioration of spinal discs and vertebral end plates, leading to discomfort.

The findings could shift the focus of back pain treatment from managing symptoms to modifying the underlying issue.

HOW:

Researchers used animal models to study the effects of PTH treatment on spinal degeneration.

The study detailed that the protein Slit3 repels growing nerve fibers, preventing them from infiltrating sensitive regions of the spine.

The researchers confirmed the critical role of Slit3 by removing it from mice, which led to the disappearance of the hormone's pain-relieving effects.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 13:25 UTC)

A new study from Johns Hopkins University suggests that parathyroid hormone, or PTH, may prevent and even reverse the growth of pain-sensing nerves in damaged areas of the spine, potentially transforming how chronic back pain is treated. Published in the journal Bone Research, the study found that one to two months of PTH treatment resulted in denser and more stable vertebral endplates, while also triggering bone-building cells to produce a protein called Slit3, which repels growing nerve fibers. Researchers used animal models to confirm that the absence of Slit3 negated the pain-relieving effects of PTH, highlighting its critical role in addressing abnormal nerve growth associated with lower back pain.