Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc Thumbnail


Abstract

The intervertebral disc is a cartilaginous structure that resembles articular cartilage in its biochemistry, but morphologically it is clearly different. It shows degenerative and ageing changes earlier than does any other connective tissue in the body. It is believed to be important clinically because there is an association of disc degeneration with back pain. Current treatments are predominantly conservative or, less commonly, surgical; in many cases there is no clear diagnosis and therapy is considered inadequate. New developments, such as genetic and biological approaches, may allow better diagnosis and treatments in the future.

Acceptance Date Jan 21, 2003
Publication Date Mar 11, 2003
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Arthritis Research & Therapy
Print ISSN 1478-6354
Publisher Springer Verlag
Pages 120 -130
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ar629
Keywords back pain, epidemiology, genetics
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/ar629

Files




Downloadable Citations