A back pain drug produced by an Italian company has failed to show any benefits in a trial, it has been revealed.

Ralfinamide, which is produced by Newron Pharmaceuticals, failed to reveal any benefits to patients given it over those who received a placebo instead, Reuters reports.

Newron chief executive Luca Benatti commented: "We are extremely surprised and disappointed by the results, based on the statistically significant benefits shown in a phase two placebo-controlled trial, as well as the results from a large number of preclinical studies."

The result hit the share price of the company and may also come as a blow for back pain sufferers, who may have hoped for a new breakthrough that would help ease their conditions.

However, using an ultrasound machine may prove an effective alternative for many patients.

One back pain sufferer determined to cope with the pain is footballer Jamie O'Hara.

The Tottenham midfielder, who is on loan to Portsmouth this season, has said he will push through the pain barrier to play in this month's FA Cup Final for the Hampshire club after missing several games with bruising on his spine.