Research on the Relationship Between Pain and the Gut Microbiome

This study examines whether differences exist in the gut microbiota between community-dwelling elderly individuals experiencing low back pain versus pain in other body regions, and between those with pain in zero to one location versus two or more locations. Concurrently, we investigate correlations with data on physical function and mental function collected at the same time. The hypothesis is that abnormalities in the gut microbiota may be observed in the group with low back pain or in the group with pain in two or more areas. If this hypothesis is correct, intervention targeting the gut microbiota could potentially become a treatment option for individuals experiencing low back pain or pain in multiple areas.