About 40 per cent of patients who complain of chronic back pain could be cured with a course of antibiotics rather than surgery, in a medical breakthrough that one spinal surgeon says is worthy of a Nobel prize.

At some point of time in life, out of five, four suffer from back problems in Britain.

The discovery is worthy of a Nobel prize in which scientists have been able to prove that bacteria are the main cause of long-term and severe back ache and for £114, a person can treat the problem with a course of three months.

Researchers with this have been thanked for their efforts by several patients who were in so much pain that they had to give up work.

According to Hanne Albert, the Danish scientist who made the discovery, said that about 50 per cent of those with severe back ache can get the benefit.

Over half a million Britons are can derive the benefit from this.

Dr Albert said, "These are mums and dads in the middle of an active working life. These are pillars of society, they care for their parents and for their children. They will be able to play with their children, instead of just sitting and watching them play."