ABSTRACT
Disorders of the lumbar intervertebral disc generate discogenic pain, which is considered to be a major source of low back pain (1,2). At the present time, there is little data regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of low back pain. Clinically, the natural course of low back pain is usually favorable; acute low back pain frequently disappears within one to two weeks. In some cases, however, acute low back pain may become chronic, which is quite difficult to treat and has major socio-economic impacts. Although any of the spinal structures, such as intervertebral discs, facet joints, vertebral bodies, ligaments or muscles, can be a source of low back pain, the most common etiology of low back pain is a damaged lumbar intervertebral disc (1,3,4). The sensation of pain is transmitted by primary afferents from the disc to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
