Not much is known about the degeneration suffered by the intervertebral disc. Low back pain is a multifactorial condition and symptomatic intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration has been identified as an important factor. As IVD degeneration progresses it can lead to structural failure, failure in the composition and morphology of the ECM, calcification of the vertebral endplates, the presence of osteophytes, cracks, delamination and tears of the annulus fibrosus.
People who suffer from this process experience pain and a progressive, irreversible loss of normal biomechanical function. There are different models studied by which the DIV can reach these conditions, specifically we are going to mention 4:
Those who investigate the role of nutrient supply in the viability and metabolism of disc cells.
Those that address progressive biochemical alterations derived from an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes.
Those that address the natural aging process as a factor that contributes to the degradation of the IVD.
Those who consider mechanical factors as the main source that induces morphological change within the disc.
In the general population, the lower lumbar intervertebral discs are the most commonly affected by degeneration. Long and medium distance runners have better levels of hydration and glycosaminoglycans (which are a type of functional and structural biomolecules present mainly in connective, epithelial and bone tissue).
An adaptive, anabolic and hypertrophic response is possible in the human intervertebral disc with exercise.
Sedentary activities DO NOT show improvements with respect to the improvement of the intervertebral disc. Walking fast or running slowly can cause the strongest anabolic stimulus for adaptation in the intervertebral disc in humans. On the other hand, the impacts would NOT be recommended.
“THEFORE REST IS THE WORST ADVICE THEY CAN GIVE YOU IF WHAT THEY WANT IS TO HELP YOU”
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Volz M, Elmasry S, Jackson AR, Travascio F. Computational Modeling Intervertebral Disc Pathophysiology: A Review. Front Physiol [Internet]. 2022;12:750668. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.750668/full
- Belavý DL, Quittner MJ, Ridgers N, Ling Y, Connell D, Rantalainen T. Running exercise strengthens the intervertebral disc. Sci Rep [Internet]. May 2017 [cited 2022 Mar 1];7(1):45975. Available at: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep45975