Innovative therapeutic strategies used in the regenerative medicine of the intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the top disorders that affects patients’ quality of life and imposes a heavy socio-economic burden. It is estimated that over 80 % of the global population will experience LBP at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 40 % of these cases are linked to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Current treatments are predominantly symptomatic, focusing on pain relief rather than addressing the root cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, recent advances in our understanding of IDD pathophysiology have paved the way for novel, etiological therapeutic strategies, particularly regenerative medicine approaches targeting the IVD. This review first outlines the key physiopathological mechanisms involved in IDD. It then examines emerging therapeutic strategies, including exogenous repair through cell therapy and tissue engineering, as well as endogenous repair via molecular biotherapy and gene therapy, emphasizing their potential and applicability in combating disc degeneration.