Gene activity changes may trigger spinal disc breakdown, causing back pain

New research suggests neck and back pain may stem from gene activity changes that cause mineral buildup and spinal hardening, potentially opening new avenues for drug treatments. Studying zebrafish lacking a collagen IX gene, scientists observed spinal fusion and hardening similar to human disc disease. They linked disruptions in phosphate handling and fat metabolism to damage; a bisphosphonate drug and dietary restriction reduced it. Back pain affects most people, with disc degeneration currently having no drug treatment and surgery as the only long-term option. Zebrafish could prove valuable for testing future therapies.