Inflammation and its Role in Disc Degeneration and Neck Pain

/2,506 Comments/in , , /by

Inflammation and its Role in Disc Degeneration and neck pain

Many of the same inflammatory processes involved in Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes are also involved in disc degeneration.

How does inflammation contribute to the degeneration of spinal discs and the onset of chronic neck pain? By understanding the role that inflammatory processes play in the rupture, collapse, and herniation of discs in the cervical spine we may be better placed to relieve symptoms, slow down degenerative processes and perhaps even help reverse existing damage.

As we age a number of biochemical and morphologic degenerative changes occur in the spine, with lumbar disc degeneration particularly common due to the mobility of that area of the back. However, the cervical spine is even more mobile and the lack of circulation to the spinal discs means that when they are damaged it can take a considerable time for them to heal, if at all, due to a lack of direct blood supply bringing nutrients and hydration to the tissues.

Spinal Disc Degeneration – How it Happens

The tissue inside our spinal discs is rich in proteoglycans, which play a significant role in keeping the discs hydrated so as to help them act as shock absorbers in the spine. Proteoglycan synthesis decreases with age, leading to a loss of such substance and a reduction in the discs’ height.

What’s more, the annulus fibrosus (the collagenous exterior of the disc) is also subject to the challenges of age. Collagen production declines quite sharply after the age of thirty or so and is also affected by such things as smoking, dehydration, lack of nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, and a range of other factors, including the use of some painkillers.

This decline in collagen production can leave the shell of our discs brittle and more liable to rupture, leaking the inflammatory contents of the discs out onto nearby tissues, including spinal nerves. Degenerative discs are often asymptomatic, though, with signs of tissue degradation visible on imaging such as MRIs often proving to be a surprise to those undergoing screening for an unrelated condition. Degenerated discs do not always cause neck pain or back pain, some remain silent for years.

Conversely, for some patients even the slightest degree of degeneration in the spinal discs can trigger profound, severe, chronic neck pain. What is it, then, that causes some to feel no pain and others to be left bedridden and in agony?

disc degeneration inflammation and neck pain

There are many ways in which inflammation contributes to disc degeneration.

How Damaged Discs Cause Neck Pain

One key factor appears to be the increased production of inflammatory mediators by damaged discs. A range of such molecules and substances have been implicated in disc degeneration, including nitric oxide (NO), interleukins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and a group of cytokines. MMPs, PGE2, and various cytokines have been shown to mediate articular cartilage degradation, and nitric oxide ha been found at elevated levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with degenerative lumbar disease.

We do not, yet, however, fully understand how NO and other inflammatory mediators contribute to spinal disc degeneration and the occurrence of neck pain and back pain. Additionally, we are not, yet, fully able to explain the nociceptive experience of pain – pain produced by mechanical, thermal or noxious stimuli of pain receptors as opposed to neuropathic pain which arises due to nerve damage. In all likelihood, the high incidence of neck pain and back pain connected to degenerative disc disease is attributable to a gradual decline in the spine’s structural integrity and a loss of normal motion and function.


The Inflammatory Cascade and Discogenic Pain

In recent years, scientists have discovered more about the inflammatory processes that contribute to spinal disc degeneration, including the involvement of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-1a, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 secreted by cells in the discs themselves. These cytokines actually promote the degradation of the extracellular matrix (the scaffold that holds tissues together). In addition, these cytokines also increase chemokine production and prompt changes in the phenotype of the discs’ cells, altering their catabolic and anabolic activity (i.e. changing the way that tissue is broken down and rebuilt as a normal part of cellular turnover).

These changes are what then lead to further disc degeneration, herniation, and radicular pain. Chemokine release from damaged discs encourages immune system cells to flock to the area and this itself increases the inflammatory processes. The immune system cells called leukocytes (white blood cells) are also linked to the development of blood vessels and nerve fibers in the disc, which is abnormal. The discs themselves do not contain nerve fibers as the constant shock to the discs would result in persistent pain. This new, abnormal nerve growth contributes, in part, to discogenic pain and neck pain.

In addition to the processes mentioned above, both the discs and the immune cells alter the activity of pain channels in the dorsal root ganglion, meaning that pain signals are more likely to get transmitted to the spinal cord and brain. In turn, this encourages more cytokines to be released in the area of pain and the cascade continues.

Relieving Neck Pain from Disc Inflammation

The field of neck pain treatment for discogenic pain is increasingly focused on halting this inflammatory cascade and encouraging the body to heal damaged tissues without releasing further inflammatory substances, including cytokines. As well as looking at lifestyle and dietary interventions to reduce inflammation, such as lowering the intake of simple sugars, controlling blood glucose, and increasing the intake of anti-inflammatory plant-based foods, many medications are being developed for pain associated with inflammation and tissue degeneration. Although these may become useful in relieving neck pain from inflammatory degenerative disc disease, it may be that such drugs require refinement so as to improve their delivery to the avascular tissues of the spine.

References


Podichetty VK. (2007) The aging spine: the role of inflammatory mediators in intervertebral disc degeneration. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). May 30;53(5):4-18.

Risbud MV, Shapiro IM. (2013). Role of cytokines in intervertebral disc degeneration: pain and disc content. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2013 Oct 29. doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2013.160.

You might also like
Recovering from Cervical Spinal Fusion – Ways to Make Your Rehabilitation Less Arduous
How to Avoid Age-Related Neck Pain
Neck Pain From Jogging
Neck Pain as a Heart Attack Symptom in Women
NSAIDs - The True Cause of Headaches and Neck Pain?
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Headaches?
Trouble Sleeping with Neck Pain? Try These Five Foods That Can Help You Sleep
Stiff Neck from the Flu
2506 replies
  7. Marc Salzar
    Marc Salzar says:

    each time i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading at this place.|

    Reply
  17. Maya Penhollow
    Maya Penhollow says:

    Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme. Bless you|

    Reply
  45. Dewayne Horras
    Dewayne Horras says:

    I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours these days, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s beautiful worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.|

    Reply
  46. Kim Towber
    Kim Towber says:

    Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.|

    Reply
  47. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al says:

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before
    but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and
    checking back frequently!

    Reply
  50. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al says:

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say
    great blog!

    Reply
  55. Vaporesso Elektronik Sigara
    Vaporesso Elektronik Sigara says:

    After I initially commented I seem to have clicked
    the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
    from now on whenever a comment is added I receive
    4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a means you are able to remove me from that service?

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  61. Elektronik Sigara
    Elektronik Sigara says:

    Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it,
    you might be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark
    your blog and may come back later on. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!

    Reply
  64. web site
    web site says:

    Greate article. Keep posting such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You have done an excellent job.
    I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
    I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

    Reply
  71. Orjinal Elektronik Sigara
    Orjinal Elektronik Sigara says:

    Right here is the perfect blog for anyone who wishes to understand this topic.

    You understand so much its almost tough to argue
    with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for many years.
    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

    Reply
  73. E sigaracınız
    E sigaracınız says:

    I believe that is among the such a lot significant information for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna observation on some normal things, The web site
    style is ideal, the articles is in reality excellent : D.
    Excellent process, cheers

    Reply
  77. Türk Takipçi Satın Al
    Türk Takipçi Satın Al says:

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank
    you, However I am going through issues with your RSS.

    I don’t understand the reason why I can’t join it.
    Is there anyone else getting similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows
    the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    Reply
  80. Malatya elektronik sigara
    Malatya elektronik sigara says:

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this brilliant blog!
    I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my
    Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share
    this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

    Reply
  84. Türk takipçi al
    Türk takipçi al says:

    Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve
    been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers

    Reply
  94. 7 / 24 haber
    7 / 24 haber says:

    We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job
    and our whole community will be thankful to you.

    Reply
  113. SHELLDOWNLOAD
    SHELLDOWNLOAD says:

    I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

    Reply
  116. Sunni Vestal
    Sunni Vestal says:

    Great post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful info specifically the last section 🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time. Thank you and best of luck. |

    Reply
  122. One hit wonder likit
    One hit wonder likit says:

    Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely magnificent.
    I actually like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating
    and the best way through which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it sensible.
    I can not wait to read far more from you. That
    is really a terrific website.

    Reply
  126. E Sigara
    E Sigara says:

    Excellent blog here! Also your site rather a lot up very fast!
    What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link for your
    host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply
  127. Boyd Nebgen
    Boyd Nebgen says:

    Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.|

    Reply
  131. Ty Mero
    Ty Mero says:

    Howdy, I think your site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic site!|

    Reply
  164. Azalee Caper
    Azalee Caper says:

    Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!|

    Reply
  172. Fairy Dunahoe
    Fairy Dunahoe says:

    My brother recommended I may like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!|

    Reply
  173. Alton Santos
    Alton Santos says:

    I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.|

    Reply
  180. E Sigara - Elektronik Sigara
    E Sigara - Elektronik Sigara says:

    Hi I am so glad I found your blog, I really found you
    by error, while I was looking on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now
    and would just like to say kudos for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time
    to read it all at the minute but I have saved it and
    also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great
    deal more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

    Reply
  209. Lacy Lohrmann
    Lacy Lohrmann says:

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!|

    Reply
  236. Aid Ukraine
    Aid Ukraine says:

    magnificent put up, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t understand this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

    Reply
  244. FREE Advanced SEO Course
    FREE Advanced SEO Course says:

    这些是可以从我们的网站免费下载的课程。 随着时间的推移，我们将增加更多的课程和营销资源。 SEO 为您的网站带来流量的最佳技术 您是否正在寻找一种新的方式来为您的网站带来流量？ 我们为您提供了有关为您的网站增加流量的课程。 这是无需做任何其他事情即可宣传您的业务的完美方式。 您可以从查看此链接开始，下载免费的 SEO 课程，了解您可以为网站带来流量的不同方式。 单击以下载 SEO 为您的网站增加流量的最佳技术 初学者的逐步 SEO 从一开始就开始制定您的 SEO 策略，没有错误以获得成功的保证 单击下载 初学者的逐步 SEO SEO 审计课程 了解如何找到并修复最常见的 SEO 问题并在 Google 中排名更高点击下载 SEO 审计课程高级 SEO 课程。 提升您的知识水平 将高级知识应用于您的 SEO 策略，将您的网站定位在 Google 的首位。 反向链接并没有死，我只是改变了它们的创建方式，以更好地对您的网站进行排名并避免 Google 的处罚。 但谷歌并不是万能的，有很多方法可以通过其他搜索引擎吸引大量流量到您的网站。 点击下载高级 SEO 课程。 提升你的知识 cim seo 课程 seo 和 ppc 培训 google seo 认证课程 seo 专家培训课程

    Reply
  250. Rubin Nebarez
    Rubin Nebarez says:

    I simply could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a person provide to your visitors? Is going to be back regularly in order to inspect new posts|

    Reply
  269. http://tinyurl.com/2jlsdlbd
    http://tinyurl.com/2jlsdlbd says:

    My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the
    expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety of websites for about a year and
    am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard good things
    about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?

    Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
  397. Clyde Sinner
    Clyde Sinner says:

    Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept|

    Reply
  406. Uno
    Uno says:

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all
    is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like
    yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure.
    Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you

    Reply
  408. Jailbreak
    Jailbreak says:

    Someone essentially help to make critically
    posts I might state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far?
    I surprised with the analysis you made to make
    this particular submit amazing. Wonderful task!

    Reply
  410. Trabzonspor
    Trabzonspor says:

    Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
    My website addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog
    by the way!

    Reply
  422. t.co
    t.co says:

    I think the admin of this website is in fact working
    hard in support of his website, as here every information is quality
    based data.

    Reply
  429. Vinita Mitchener
    Vinita Mitchener says:

    I really love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Appreciate it!|

    Reply
  430. tinyurl.com
    tinyurl.com says:

    With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of
    plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored
    myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without
    my permission. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from
    being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.

    Reply
  434. emlak ilanları
    emlak ilanları says:

    Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this
    topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I have
    found out so far. But, what concerning the bottom line?

    Are you sure in regards to the supply?

    Reply
  454. Duncan Peppin
    Duncan Peppin says:

    I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.|

    Reply
  477. Elektronik sigara
    Elektronik sigara says:

    Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better!
    Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept preaching about this. I am going
    to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good
    read. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply