New biomaterials could ease back pain

A new method of stopping or reversing disability and pain caused by degenerative disc disease in the spine using cell therapies has been developed by a US team.

The biomaterials are capable of delivering a booster shot of reparative cells to the nucleus pulposus, effectively stopping pain caused by degenerative disc disease, according to the study published in Biomaterials.

The nucleus pulposus is the “jelly-like” cushioning between the spinal discs; it distributes pressure, provides spine mobility and helps to soothe back pain.

Although previous research has showed that re-implanting nucleus pulposus cells can delay disc degeneration, current methods are poor, ineffective and “allow cells to quickly migrate out of and away from the injection site,” say the researchers.

Initial results of trials of the new biomaterials are extremely encouraging anc could have a positive impact on the future of cell therapy.