New strides for back pain research with new disc-on-a-chip

Lower back pain is a leading cause of disability globally and ranks as the third most expensive health condition worldwide, yet there is still no treatment that goes beyond relieving its symptoms considering the pain medications and surgical interventions available.

Noting that one of the main causes of lower back pain is degeneration of intervertebral disc, a new disc-on-chip model (a precise engineered toolbox) has been created to accurately replicate the structure and composition of both healthy and diseased intervertebral discs. This plays a crucial role in spinal flexibility and load-bearing strength.

Lead UTS researchers Professor Joanne Tipper and Dr Javad Tavakoli, in collaboration with clinicians and cell specialists, use 3D-printed microfluidic device to provide accurate simulations of different regions within a natural intervertebral disc. 

By replicating intricate features of the intervertebral disc, the disc-on-chip model provides researchers with a tool to study the root causes of back issues and develop targeted treatment solutions. The model can even be personalized to an individual allowing for a more precise understanding of specific cases of back pain.

This cutting-edge intervertebral disc-on-chip model, with significant implications in the field of back pain research, has been discussed in more detail.