Gene activity triggers spinal disc breakdown, causing neck and back pain, UK study finds

A zebrafish study suggests gene activity changes can trigger spinal disc breakdown, causing neck and back pain, and may point to new drug treatments. Researchers at UK universities found changes in gene activity can cause mineral deposits that harden the spine, similar to disc disease. No drugs can stop or reverse this degeneration; surgery remains the only long-term option. The study used zebrafish lacking a collagen IX gene, causing spine fusions. A bone drug and fat-restricting measures reduced buildup, suggesting phosphate and fat metabolism as therapeutic targets.