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Updated: May 1, 2026

Back Mechanical Sensitivity Assessment in the Rat for Mechanistic Investigation of Chronic Back Pain
Published on: August 30, 2022
Pathomechanisms of discogenic low back pain in humans and animal models
Seiji Ohtori1, Gen Inoue1, Masayuki Miyagi2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
Background Context:
Although explored in humans and animal models, the pathomechanisms of discogenic low back pain (LBP) remain unknown.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to review the literature about the pathomechanisms of discogenic LBP.
Methods:
Animal models of discogenic pain and specimens from degenerated human intervertebral discs (IVDs) have provided clues about the pathomechanisms of discogenic LBP. Painful discs are characterized by a confluence of innervation, inflammation, and mechanical hypermobility. These three possible mechanisms are discussed in this review.
Results:
Animal models and specimens from humans have revealed sensory innervation of lumbar IVDs and sensory nerve ingrowth into the inner layer of IVDs. Cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins induce this ingrowth. Nerve growth factor has also been recently identified as an inducer of ingrowth. Finally, disc degeneration induces several collagenases; their action results in hypermobility and pain.
Conclusions:
To treat discogenic LBP, it is important to prevent sensitization of sensory nerve fibers innervating the IVD, to suppress pathogenic increases of cytokines, and to decrease disc hypermobility.
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