Metal Toxins & Back Pain

While heavy-metal poisoning is a clear health risk, some experts believe small amounts of any metal that pierce the body, such as earrings and fillings, can cause chronic back pain and disturb the nervous system, according to Mail Online. The body's self-protection mechanisms respond to the metal causing the pain, and only removal brings relief.

Causes

• Metal earrings can cause problems for wearers.

  Iron is the metal most likely to cause back pain, but mercury found in silver-fillings and many kinds of fish can also cause chronic back pain, notes Mail Online. Consistent exposure to common metals, such as the gold and silver found in earrings, can present toxic problems and back pain for some people.

Theories

• Aluminum from soda cans can leech small amounts of metal into the soda.

  The Mail Online states that almost any metal that touches or pierces the skin can cause back pain, pain in other body parts or slow healing from an injury. There's no evidence that trace amounts of metal ingested in tap water or soft drinks, or inhaled from the air cause similar results.

Prevention

• Spinach helps build detoxifying molecules in the body.

  The body's own detoxifying system can be used to guard against metal toxins, according to The Healthy Back Institute. Increasing antioxidants counters toxins; eating more dark green vegetables purges toxins from the body; and heat therapy sweats out toxins. However, keeping metals from touching and piercing the body is the simplest prevention.

Expert Insight

• No more than 350 milligrams of magnesium daily can be helpful and safe.

  Some metals are considered good metals, and, according to Alternative Doctor, can help protect the body from harmful, toxic metals. Metals like zinc, magnesium and selenium taken in healthy doses each day can keep the body from absorbing the other harmful metals.