Back pain is one of the most common chronic pain conditions. It often has a huge impact on quality of life, causing long term suffering and debility. Many cycle through various medications in the hopes of finding some relief, often with only temporary effects and a number of unwanted side-effects. A recent study evaluating the role of magnesium in pain reduction offers a potential alternative. Eighty subjects with chronic low back and nerve pain were enrolled and split into two groups.⁽¹⁾ Forty were assigned to receive two weeks of daily Intravenous (IV) magnesium at a dose of 1gm followed by four weeks of oral magnesium at a dose of 400mg magnesium oxide/100mg magnesium glycinate twice daily. The other forty received placebo. Participants were taken off all their previous medication and put on the same regimen of Gabapentin, Amitryptiline and Celecoxib to keep consistency across the board. The results were significant reduction in pain and increased lumbar spine mobility at the six month follow up in the treatment group, with no improvement in the control group whatsoever. Several other studies also support the use of magnesium for nerve related pain.^(2,3) It is a commonly deficient mineral and often prescribed by complementary practitioners for a number of concerns including migraines, fibromyalgia and premenstrual syndrome to name a few. This recent study shines new light on a potential treatment option for a challenging condition to effectively manage. Speak to your health care practitioner to see if you may benefit from Magnesium therapy.