Discogenic Low Back Pain can be caused by anything that brings about a degenerative change in the cartilaginous discs. Apart from the usual physiological degenerative changes that come with age, here are some factors that can cause Discogenic-Low Back Pain:

• • Trauma resulting from accidents
  • High-intensity sports or workouts that cause added stress on your back
  • Obesity can also cause early Discogenic Low Back Pain due to the added weight your back has to support, especially the lumbar region
  • Sexual predisposition, as women are more likely to develop Discogenic Low Back Pain
  • Genetic bone deformities
  • Metabolic conditions

Discogenic Back Pain is diagnosed based on patient history, clinical evaluation, and a combination of diagnostic tests, including injections and medical imaging.

1. Mechanical Loading Strategies (MLS): MLS tends to stress the joints by different weights and movements to determine the localized cause of the pain.
2. CT and MRI: To confirm the diagnosis, a high-intensity zone is needed on the MRI along with clear proof of changes in the morphology of the annulus fibrosus without rupturing.
3. Provocative Discography: It provides essential information about the localization of the pain and disc morphologies.

The stimulation of pain-sensitive nerve endings causes the symptoms of Discogenic Low Back Pain within the annulus fibrosus due to physical or chemical damage.

They include:

• • Chronic low back pain
  • Pain radiating to the hips and legs
  • Pain upon exertion
  • Sitting intolerance
  • Increased pain upon sneezing and coughing

The pain can be unilateral or bilateral, as per the number and location of discs involved.

Surgical intervention is not the foremost option when it comes to Discogenic Low Back pain. However, spinal fusion surgery can be performed if the pain is excruciating. In this surgical maneuver, bone grafts are placed to convert the mobile joint into a big bony structure that cannot move. This negates the onset of pain.

Moreover, a microdiscectomy can also be performed to help decrease the discogenic related pain. This option is typically less invasive than a spinal fusion.

Minimally invasive treatment, especially physical therapy, is ideal for managing Discogenic-Low Back Pain.

They include:

• • Chiropractic care to remove stress from the joint and disc by restoring joint motion and decompressing the spine to reduce pain and tension.
  • Acupuncture
  • Physical therapy promotes healthy movement to put less pressure on the affected joint, and strengthening around the affected disc. 
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Using a hot pack to promote blood flow to speed up the recovery process