The Ingrowth of Nerves and Blood Vessels is Mechanically and Chemically Facilitated by Annulus Fissures of the Intervertebral Disc
Our quest to explain spinal pain generators has yet again found the ingrowth of nerves into the annulus a significant contributor. This research builds on Freemont’s fundamental 1work in the Lancet.
They were curious about:
Only the outer third of the intervertebral disc’s annulus fibrosus is innervated in a healthy back. Deeper nerve ingrowth into a degenerative intervertebral disc has been documented, although it is unknown how common this condition is or whether it is linked to persistent pain. We investigated how the pathophysiology of chronic low back pain affects nerve sprouting into the intervertebral disc.
And found:
Our discovery of isolated substance P-expressing nerve fibres deep into inflamed intervertebral discs and their relationship to pain raises the possibility that nerve development into the intervertebral disc plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of persistent low back pain.
Dynamic Disc Designs
At Dynamic Disc Designs, we create models with an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus to show the anatomy of the intervertebral disc. Explore our Professional LxH Dynamic Disc Model, which showcases the outer annulus innervation and the ingrowth into the inner annulus region when describing discogenic pain to patients. Helping patients understand their pain sources can be very helpful in exercise compliance and developing a postural locus of control.
