1st appeared 12 June 1998

UCSF Study May Lead to Treatment of Low Back Pain

UCSF researchers have shown in studies of mice that high loads on the spine alter the physical structure and biologic activity of discs -- the gel-filled cushions between bones in the spine. The study sheds light on why a majority of humans develop significant disc degeneration and may not be aware of it until it is too late.

"The findings should lead to improved treatments for one cause of low back pain: disc degeneration -- a condition in which discs become dehydrated and inefficient at supporting forces in the spine," said Jeffrey Lotz, UCSF assistant professor and director of the orthopaedic bioengineering laboratory, department of orthopaedic surgery. "In addition, the research may allow us to define what is an appropriate or inappropriate load for the back to better protect workers from occupationally related injury."

Lotz presented his findings today (Friday, June 12) in Brussels, Belgium at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine where he received the 1998 Volvo Award For Low Back Pain Research.

"The relationship between physical activity and back pain has been an enigma. Historically, clinicians thought excessive force on the spine could rupture the discs acutely, leading to low back pain," said Lotz. "But our studies suggest that the process is more complex and insidious."

Researchers found discs with high loads did not recover because of excessive cell death and a lost ability to attract water. Cells on the outside of these discs responded to the chronic underpressurization and began to produce fibrocartilage, which normally is not present in healthy discs but is a common finding in degenerated human discs, he said.

"This is the first study to show that heavy loads on the spine lead to remodeling of the disc -- that is, a change in its architecture in response to altered stresses," said Lotz.

In addition, UCSF researchers are using this model to identify the limits of healthy and unhealthy back forces, which ultimately may allow them to develop improved occupational guidelines for protecting workers.

source: Lordelyn P. del Rosario, News Services

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