Understanding Discogenic Low Back Pain

Studying the mechanism of discogenic low back pain induction.

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11092836

This project aims to discover why some degenerative spinal discs cause pain in adults, hoping to find new ways to help people with chronic low back pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092836 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many adults experience low back pain due to changes in their spinal discs, but it's not always clear why some discs become painful while others don't. Our goal is to create a human-based model to understand the exact reasons behind this discogenic pain. We will use advanced techniques, including studying human disc tissues and specialized cells, to identify the specific cells and processes that lead to pain. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new targets for treatments that go beyond just managing symptoms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who experience low back pain specifically caused by degenerative spinal discs.

Not a fit: Patients whose low back pain is not related to intervertebral disc degeneration may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that address the root cause of discogenic low back pain, offering more effective and lasting relief for patients.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous successful studies where researchers established methods to simulate disc degeneration and sense pain signals in laboratory settings.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.