Scientists have discovered that spinal discs have a 24-hour body clock that can cause severe back pain when they are out of sync, reports the Daily Mail.
More than 80% of Britons suffer from back pain during their lives – and the finding suggests nightshift workers could be particularly prone.
It also suggests painkillers may be more effective at certain times of the day.
The body clock – or circadian rhythm – is a 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of humans, animals and plants.
Previous research has linked problems with the cycle to cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity – but this is the first to show a connection to back pain.
