Understanding how damaged spinal discs communicate with pain-sensing nerves
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Cross-Talk with the Nervous System
This study is looking at how damaged spinal discs might affect the nerves that send pain signals, using mice to see how these changes relate to back pain, with the hope of finding better ways to understand and treat low back pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904720 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between intervertebral disc degeneration and the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals. Using advanced imaging techniques and a mouse model, the study will observe changes in neuronal activity and behavior following injury to the spinal discs. Researchers will analyze how these changes correlate with pain-related behaviors and the molecular alterations in the affected nerves over time. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind low back pain associated with disc degeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic low back pain potentially related to intervertebral disc degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients with low back pain not associated with intervertebral disc degeneration may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for low back pain by targeting the underlying mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding pain mechanisms related to spinal conditions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Setton, Lori a. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Setton, Lori a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.